Launch Day Competition 2026

Event Overview

BEARS proudly presents our annual Launch Day Competition! Teams of students will compete in rocket and drone launches, showcasing their engineering skills, creativity, and precision. This exciting outdoor event combines technical challenge with spectacular aerial displays.

Competition Categories

Rocket Competition

1. Maximum Altitude Challenge

   • Goal: Reach the highest altitude possible
   • Restrictions: Motor impulse limit, recovery system required
   • Prize: $500 + BEARS Altitude Trophy

2. Target Altitude Accuracy

   • Goal: Land closest to predicted altitude (300m target)
   • Scoring: Based on percentage error from prediction
   • Prize: $350 + Precision Flight Award

3. Payload Delivery Mission

   • Goal: Successfully deploy payload at apogee
   • Requirements: Egg must survive landing intact
   • Prize: $300 + Mission Success Award

Drone Competition

1. Speed & Agility Course

   • Timed obstacle course with gates and hoops
   • Penalties for missed gates or collisions
   • Prize: $400 + Pilot Excellence Trophy

2. Long-Distance Endurance

   • Longest flight time on single battery
   • Extra points for distance covered
   • Prize: $300 + Endurance Champion Award

3. Autonomous Navigation

   • GPS waypoint mission without manual control
   • Accuracy and completion time scored
   • Prize: $450 + Innovation in Autonomy Prize

Competition Rules & Requirements

General Rules

• Teams of 2-5 students (undergraduate or graduate)
• All vehicles must pass pre-flight safety inspection
• FAA regulations and university guidelines must be followed
• Recovery systems mandatory for all rockets
• Flight data logging encouraged (bonus points)

Rocket Requirements

• Maximum motor impulse: H-class (160 Ns)
• Minimum stability margin: 1.5 calibers
• Parachute or streamer recovery required
• Launch rail compatibility (1010 or 1515 rail)
• Weight limit: 1.5 kg including motor

Drone Requirements

• Commercial or custom-built drones allowed
• Maximum diagonal wheelbase: 500mm
• First-person view (FPV) permitted
• Must have failsafe return-to-home function
• Battery voltage limit: 6S LiPo maximum

Competition Day Schedule

Morning - Rocket Competition

• 8:00 AM - Registration & Vehicle Check-in
• 8:30 AM - Safety Inspection & Pre-flight Briefing
• 9:00 AM - Maximum Altitude Launches (10 teams)
• 10:30 AM - Target Altitude Accuracy (12 teams)
• 12:00 PM - Payload Delivery Mission (8 teams)

Afternoon - Drone Competition

• 1:00 PM - Drone Registration & Setup
• 1:30 PM - Course Walkthrough & Safety Briefing
• 2:00 PM - Speed & Agility Course (15 teams)
• 3:30 PM - Long-Distance Endurance (10 teams)
• 4:30 PM - Autonomous Navigation Challenge (8 teams)

Evening - Awards Ceremony

• 6:00 PM - Results Tabulation Complete
• 6:30 PM - Awards Ceremony & Trophy Presentation
• 7:00 PM - Networking & Team Photos

Prizes & Awards

Total Prize Pool: $2,700

• Category winners receive cash prizes and trophies
• Best overall rocket team: Additional $200 bonus
• Best overall drone team: Additional $200 bonus
• Rookie Team Award: $150 (first-time competitors)
• Best Design Documentation: $100
• Sportsmanship Award: BEARS merchandise package

All participants receive:

• Competition t-shirt
• Digital photos and videos of their launches
• Flight data analysis (if logged)
• Certificate of participation

Registration

Early Bird Registration (by May 1st): $40 per team Regular Registration (May 2-10): $50 per team

Includes:

• Entry to all categories (choose your events)
• Safety inspection
• Launch/flight support
• Lunch and refreshments
• Event swag

Team limit: 30 rocket teams, 25 drone teams

Register online at bears-launchday.com or email competition@bears.edu

Location & Facilities

Venue: University Research Field

• Large open launch area (500m x 400m)
• Dedicated drone course section
• Spectator viewing area with shade
• Food trucks and refreshments on-site

Parking: Free parking in adjacent lot (Lot R)

Rain Date: May 22nd if weather conditions are unsafe

Spectators Welcome!

This is a free public event. Bring your family and friends to watch the excitement!

• Free admission for spectators
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Kid-friendly activities and displays
• Photo opportunities with competition vehicles

What to Bring

Competitors:

• Your vehicle (fully assembled or ready to assemble)
• Motors, batteries, and all necessary components
• Recovery gear (parachutes, streamers)
• Tools for assembly and minor repairs
• Launch controller (if required)
• Sunscreen, water, and snacks
• Camera for documentation

Spectators:

• Sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle
• Lawn chair or blanket
• Camera/binoculars
• Cash for food trucks

Safety First

• All participants must attend safety briefing
• Eye protection required during launches
• Minimum safe distance enforced
• Range safety officer on duty
• First aid station on-site
• Fire extinguishers at launch positions

Sponsorship

Special thanks to our competition sponsors:

• Estes Industries - Providing motors and recovery gear
• DJI - Drone technology support
• Apogee Components - Technical equipment sponsor
• University Engineering Department

Past Winners

2025 Champions:

• Rocket Altitude: Team Skyreach (872m)
• Drone Speed: Team Velocity (38.4 seconds)
• Overall Excellence: Team AeroForce

Can you beat these records?

Questions?

Contact our competition coordinator:

• Email: launchday@bears.edu
• Phone: (555) 123-4567
• Office Hours: Mon-Fri 2-5 PM in Engineering Building Room 204

Join us for an unforgettable day of launches, competition, and aerospace excitement!

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Follow #BEARSLaunchDay on social media for updates and live competition coverage!