STUDENTS competed in the UK’s largest youth rocketry competition at a historic airfield.

The regional event was held at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, where teams from across the region went head to head in a battle to be crowned the regional leaders.

More than 120 students were at the aerodrome, from 26 teams in the region.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Rocket building: students at the eventRocket building: students at the event (Image: UKROC)

The students, all aged between 11 and 18 used their skills from being aspiring astronauts, rocket scientists and engineers in the competition.

Competing schools at the southeast regional event included Westcliff High School for Boys and Stewards Academy.

The winners go on to secure a place in the national final, with an overall aim of becoming national champions.

National winners will be given an all expenses paid trip to represent the UK in a competition against international teams from the USA, Japan and France at the Paris Airshow.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Team work: teams with their rocketsTeam work: teams with their rockets (Image: UKROC)

In the competition, students design, build and launch a model rocket carrying an egg to represent the astronaut.

The flight duration goal is 42 to 45 seconds, with an target altitude of 850ft, and the ‘astronaut’ must remain intact throughout the launch and landing.

The competition is sponsored by Airbus Defence and Space, which hopes to attract more young people into the industry.

ADS chief executive Kevin Craven said: “The south-east is an important region to the industries we support, particularly the space sector which plays a vital role in supporting high-value and high-wage jobs.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Artistic designs: students designing their rocketArtistic designs: students designing their rocket (Image: UKROC)

“It is crucial that we continue to inspire and attract the future workforce to industries like space and aqviation, and science, technology, engineering and maths initiatives such as UKROC play a crucial role in encouraging young people to learn more about the sectors.

“The teams competing from the south-east are learning about the skills needed for fascinating and rewarding careers in the future.

“I wish all teams competing the best of luck and look forward to following the teams’ progress throughout the competition.”