DART supports individuals and local groups that are interested in model rocketry.<\/p>\n
New rocketeers are always welcome at DART.\u00a0 We can provide advice on design, construction, motor selection, parachute packing, and other issues related to safe and enjoyable flying.\u00a0 Please contact any member at a launch.\u00a0 We’re happy to help!<\/p>\n
The Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) is the world\u2019s largest student rocket contest and a key piece of the aerospace and defense industry\u2019s strategy to build a stronger U.S. workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), TARC was created in the fall of 2002 as a one-time celebration of the Centennial of Flight, but by popular demand became an annual program.<\/p>\n
Approximately 5,000 students from across the nation compete in TARC each year. The contest challenges students to design, build and fly a rocket to safely carry a raw egg payload to a specific altitude and back within a certain amount of time. The contest\u2019s rules and scoring parameters change every cycle to challenge the students\u2019 ingenuity and encourage a fresh approach to rocket design.<\/p>\n
Based on local qualification flights, the top 100 teams are invited to Washington, D.C. in May for the National Finals. Top placing teams split more than $100,000 in cash and scholarships and the overall winning team will travel to Europe to compete in the International Rocketry Challenge taking place at either the Farnborough or Paris Air Show, depending on the year.<\/p>\n