22 teams from 9 schools and youth groups participated in the Northern Ireland Regional Final of the 2026 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC).
The competition sees teams of students aged 11-18 design, build and launch a model rocket to an altitude of 750 feet, all while carrying a precious payload – a raw egg.
Hosted by RLC Group at Langford Lodge, Friends School Lisburn will now advance to the next stage of the competition where they will compete against fellow regional champions for the national title.
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Running for over 20 years, the competition is organised by ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors and sponsored by industry partners Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies and Saab UK.
Joseph Reffitt, ADS Northern Ireland Director, said:
“Huge congratulations to team ‘FSL Upper 6th Boys’ from Friends School Lisburn! The aerospace, defence, security and space industries continue to grow in Northern Ireland, and UKROC is vital to supporting this development. By inspiring the next generation, we help build a pipeline of future talent in a fun and practical way. Fingers crossed we see the Northern Ireland winners go all the way to the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”
Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, and ADS VP for Space, commented:
“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I am looking forward to seeing teams from across the UK progress to the National Final and the International Final at Farnborough International Airshow.”
Dan Hallett, UK Managing Director at Frankenburg Technologies, said:
“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”
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Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, commented:
“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent, and we’re impressed by the drive and expertise demonstrated by the teams taking part in UKROC. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry. Their passion and potential are truly inspiring.”
Team ‘FSL Upper 6th Boys’ from Friends School Lisburn will now refine their rocket before joining other regional champions for the National Final on 25 June in Buckminster.
The 2026 UKROC competition will see over 1,600 schoolchildren from throughout the UK compete in nine regional events. The winners of the National Final will go on to Farnborough International Airshow 2026 where they go rocket-to-rocket with teams from the United States, Japan and France to become the International Youth Rocketry Champions.
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