Overview
This lecture summarizes the 2026 American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) rules and requirements, including team eligibility, rocket specifications, scoring, and competition procedures.
Introduction & Scope
- The document provides official rules for the 2026 American Rocketry Challenge.
- ARC rules are set by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry.
Acronyms
- Common acronyms: AIA (Aerospace Industries Association), ARC (American Rocketry Challenge), FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations), NAR (National Association of Rocketry), NAS (National Aerospace Standards).
Team Requirements
- Teams must come from a single school or U.S.-incorporated nonprofit, with students in grades 6-12.
- Team size: minimum 3, maximum 10 students.
- Each student must contribute significantly to the rocket project; no adult or commercial work (except for off-the-shelf parts).
- Application window: July 15 – December 6, 2025, with a $175 entry fee.
Rocket Requirements
- Rockets: Maximum 650g at liftoff, minimum 650mm length, single-diameter body tube ≥47mm.
- Must use parachute recovery; all parts descend tethered together.
- Powered only by ARC-approved motors (F-class or below), ≤80 Newton-seconds total impulse.
- Only one stage allowed; motors must be positively retained and removable.
- One official ARC entry number visible; painted or decorated exterior required at Finals.
Payload
- Must carry and enclose one raw hen's egg (55-63g, up to 45mm diameter) and an approved altimeter.
- Egg and altimeter must be inspected after flight; any egg damage is disqualifying.
Scoring (Duration & Altitude)
- Duration score: Goal is 36-39 seconds; deviations multiplied by 4 for score.
- Altitude score: Goal is 750 feet for qualification; at Finals, target is 725-775 feet (announced at event).
- Only specific altimeter models allowed; altitude score is absolute difference from target.
Flights & Qualification
- Each team: up to 3 qualification flights (minimum 2 required); best two scores count.
- Flights must be observed by an independent NAR member.
- Results must be submitted online by March 30, 2026.
- Top 100 teams (max 2 per school/org) go to Finals; team members cannot change after the first qualifying flight (with exceptions for Finals).
Finals, Recovery, and Prizes
- Finals held May 16, 2026; at least 24 teams make a second flight.
- Total score = sum of duration and altitude scores.
- Top places determined by two finals flights; ties resolved by additional flights.
- Only full team rocket returns without outside help are eligible.
Launch Systems & Flight Control
- Finals use provided launch rails (6 ft, 1-inch rails); no launch rods allowed at Finals.
- Local launches may use rods ≥1/4 inch.
- No external control signals allowed post-liftoff, except for GPS; autonomous onboard control permitted (no pyrotechnics except from standard motors).
National Aerospace Standards
- Standards are developed by industry experts and are voluntary.
- NAS aims to improve safety and reduce costs in aerospace design and operations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Gross Weight — Total weight of the rocket at liftoff, including all components.
- Parachute Recovery — All parts of rocket descend together via parachute for safety.
- Newton-seconds — Unit of rocket motor impulse, total allowed is 80 Ns.
- Qualification Flight — Official flight attempt needed for scoring and advancement.
- Altimeter — Electronic device measuring rocket’s peak altitude.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review full ARC rules in the official document.
- Assemble teams and submit applications by December 6, 2025.
- Prepare for at least two qualifying flights by March 30, 2026.
- Ensure all rocket and payload requirements are strictly followed for eligibility.