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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Outreach

NPL Water Rockets Challenge




Water Rockets Challenge

NPL’s Water Rockets Challenge 2024 was a great success, with over 500 attendees joining us as part of the 42 school teams, 26 evening teams and 40 teams/individuals taking part in our 'build your own rocket' workshop.

The event raised over £2,000 for local scouts.

The winning teams of 2024 were ‘The Atomic Lions’ from Bishop Wand CofE School and ‘Argentinian Penguin’ from 1st Twickenham Scouts.

Our 26th event is planned for June 2026.

We will continue with water rocket workshops in schools and youth groups throughout 2025.

How far can a water rocket go?

The challenge is to land an air pressurised rocket, using water as a propellant, exactly 70m from launch point, three times, with extra points for flight duration. We have a big annual festival on our site where teams compete.

On this page are some awesome videos, photos and results from previous years’ Water Rocket Challenges. 

What makes a water rocket successful?

We have some posters of water rocket scientific facts and design tips for short tube used for launching rockets, as well as a video made in association with a local school on the science of water rockets:

Download our comprehensive booklet about building water rockets which helps you improve flight and understand the physics involved.

Rocket Simulator

Check out this Water Rocket simulator software! It is described in the booklet and helps you improve flight and understand the physics involved (be amazed at the temperatures of water and air leaving the rocket).

Software: Water Rocket simulator  [Windows only 2.84MB]

 

Did you know?

NPL constructed a water rocket powered car which featured on the Gadget Show.

We also held the record for making the world's largest water rocket,
 launched in 2011 – using 140 x 2 litre bottles and stood 3.4 m tall.

Contact us

#WaterRocketChallenge

   

Archive

Results, photos and videos from previous years' Water Rocket Challenges.

Year Results Photos
2024 Schools Open  
2023 Schools Open Photos
2022 Schools Open Photos
2021     Photos
2020 Virtual rocket design challenge held    
2019 Schools Open Photos
2018 Schools Open  
2017 Schools Open Photos
2016 Schools Open Photos
2015 Schools Open Photos
2014 Schools Open Photos
2013 Schools Open Photos
2012 Schools Open Photos
2011 Schools Open Photos
2010 Schools Open Photos
2009 Schools Open Photos
2008   Photos
2007   Photos
2006   Photos
2005   Photos

If you would like to add to our collection, please send photos to waterrockets@npl.co.uk