So you wanna build a rocket and go to Mars?

What’s the story?
Our video clip features a visit to the United Kingdom Rocketry Association’s annual wing-ding in Staffordshire. Over the course of two days 167 rockets were launched into the skies above the Midlands. These rockets ranged from A-class to M-class – or, for the fishermen amongst you, from tiddler-size to Moby Dick.

Why?
For the challenge and excitement (we guess).

So what exactly is the United Kingdom Rocketry Association then?
UKRA represents rocketry groups and individual rocketeers throughout the UK - its aim being to ‘provide insurance, safety guidelines and to liaise on rocketeers’ behalf with government bodies’.

Are these rockets kind of like the ones you get in boxes of fireworks?
‘Primary Koncern’, the monstrous rocket successfully launched by Ben Jarvis of the MARS Advanced Rocketry Society, was 17ft high and weighed over 65lbs! They don’t sell those at your corner shop, or at least they shouldn’t do.

Yeah, but I could make one myself, couldn’t I?
Whoa there Neddy, do you like prison food? Firstly, you’d need a licence. Secondly, if you’re thinking of building it from scratch in your garden shed, you’re highly likely to be in violation of the 1875 Explosives Act. See A is for Autopyrotechnician at our Punch The Clock website for more details of explosives and the law.

So how do I get to launch a great big sky thruster like ‘primary koncern’?
UKRA themselves run training courses called the Model Achievement Programme. The programme will teach you everything you need to know about model rocketry and it’s particularly aimed at young rocket enthusiasts. See Links for details.

Is it an expensive hobby?
Off-the-shelf kits start at under £20, and go up to over £400. Most rocketeers will use re-loadable solid rocket motors, as the casings can be re-used. When it comes to building your own, it’s all a matter of how far you want to go.

In that case, how much would it cost to build and launch my own ‘primary koncern’?
In the immortal words of its founding father, Ben Jarvis: ‘Don’t ask.’

Any career prospects in this?
Not really, no. However, if you fancy your chances of launching yourself into space, an American foundation is offering $10million to the first amateur to succeed. See Trivia for details.