Hand-Made Bottle Rockets Launched May 10, 2014

Boeing and Future Scientists and Engineers of America are teaming up to host the 21st annual Rocket Launch on May 10, 2014 at the Boeing Huntington Beach facility. This family-friendly event will have imaginations soaring as young engineers design and build their own bottle rockets for participation in the annual competition, plus have the opportunity to meet NASA astronaut, Andrew Feustel.

“Rocket Launch is an event I look forward to every year, because it allows us to get kids excited about science and pursuing future careers in engineering,” said Joe Adams, president of Discovery Science Center. “We’re hoping to inspire the next generation of innovators and this event offers a fun, hands-on environment for learning.”

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will be able to design, build and launch their own rockets created from two-liter plastic soda bottles. Volunteers at an ‘Ask an Engineer’ table can give professional guidance to aspiring rocket creators. The home-made rockets get launched into the sky by using a blend of pressurized air and water for propulsion, and then deploy a parachute as they fall back to Earth. The rocket with the longest “hang-time” aloft wins the competition.

NASA astronaut Andrew J. Feustel will be on hand to meet guests and discuss why events like the Rocket Launch are important in promoting science, technology, engineering and math proficiency to children. Feustel, who was selected as a Mission Specialist by NASA in July 2000, served on Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final mission to the International Space Station in 2011.

“Boeing is once again honored to co-host this great event that draws thousands from our community each year to our campus,” said Rick Baily, vice president of Engineering, Mission Assurance & Product Support for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Kids and adults have fun building and launching their own rockets, and it is great talking with kids who are interested in becoming engineers, scientists and future innovators.”

Rocket Launch is a free event open to the public.

(Image provided by Discovery Science Center)

FMI: www.discoverycube.org/rocketlaunch