Land the “LEM” Rocket Contest for Sections

This is a NAR event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the six Apollo Moon Landing Missions. The contest objective is to launch a model rocket and have it land on an area in a field representing the moon. The contestant whose rocket lands closest to the appropriate mission landing site is the winner.

Note: LEM stands for Lunar Excursion Module, later simply called the Lunar Module (LM).

Suggested Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all model rocketeers.
  2. Contestants must follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code.
  3. Modelers must provide their own model rockets, wadding, engines, igniters, and prepping tools. The NAR Section will provide the launch equipment suitable for 1/8” and 3/16” diameter launch lugs.
  4. Contestants may fly either as an individual or as part of one team. Entry as both team and individual competition is not permitted.
  5. Model rockets must use a single (NAR classification and safety certified) engine for each flight that is a “C” class engines or less.
  6. Total weight of the model rocket with engine must be less than four ounces.
  7. Model rockets must pass a preflight safety, engine and weight inspection at the launch site prior to launch.
  8. Model rockets must land safely by a recovery system using either a streamer or parachute for their recovery. If the rocket’s landing is unsafe the flight will be disqualified.
  9. Model rockets must not separate into two or more unattached parts during flight.

Suggested Contest Judging

  1. Modelers may launch their models one time.
  2. A launch is a successful ignition of the engine so that the model leaves the launch pad.
  3. The object of the event is to determine whose flight comes closest to reaching the center of a circular 150’-diameter “Moon” marked on the ground.
  4. If a model rocket lands on the “Moon,” contestants must leave the model rocket undisturbed until the model rocket is measured.
  5. Officials will measure all model rockets that land within the “Moon’s” boundaries.
  6. Measurement will be from the “Moon’s” center marker to the tip of the model rocket’s nosecone. The measurement becomes the contestant’s score.
  7. The person with the smallest measurement (i.e., closest to the “Moon” center) will be declared the winner. The next smallest score will be second place and so on.
  8. The contest can be flown in two age divisions: one is for those 15 years and younger; the other is for those 16 years and older. Teams will be classified by the age of the oldest team members.
  9. Decisions of the judges are final.

Suggested Schedule

–Contest Registration Begins 15 minutes before flying starts.
–Contest (Flying Period) – allow two hours, depending on the number of entries.
–Awards Ceremony to follow the end of flying.

Apollo 11 Liftoff. Photo courtesy of NASA.

Overview
NAR proposes that Sections organize and conduct this event any time during the anniversary celebrations of all the Apollo Moon Landing Missions (Apollo 11 to Apollo 17). Besides Sections, NAR offers this “Land the LEM” contest idea to schools and student rocket clubs to conduct. Teachers can supervise the launches and integrate them into classroom lessons. Science museums, CAP, 4-H, AFJROTC and similar community organizations could also host this rocket launch and landing contest on their own or in partnership with NAR members. It’s also an excellent outreach device for TARC teams.

Host Requirements
The NAR Section or club hosting the event must have a reliable launch pad and firing system, and access to a suitable size field. Several pads can be set up with the controllers at a single point. Beside the range equipment they will need a long tape measure, a post to mark the center target, and some ground markers like flags, tape or chalk to create the ‘moon’ boundary. The Section will need at least two adults to operate the event; one to conduct the launches and the other in the field to measure and score the landings. More members assisting will help the event go more smoothly. The score tabulation process is left to the organizers, but flight cards are recommended. The number and type of awards are at the discretion of the club, but at least three places with some kind of trophy would be nice. We suggest you find sponsors to donate the prizes.

Customizing the Event
The rules given here are a general suggestion for holding a contest to celebrate the Apollo anniversary. A Section may modify the competition as they like (as long as the safety code is followed), such as having more age categories or multiple flight attempts. The contest could be part of a regular sport launch or a special scale demonstration event with Saturn V models. Do what your group likes and works best for them. An alternative to using the Moon as the “target” is to use an outline of the big Saturn V. Details on this as well as a way to create a visual display of the Saturn V’s awesome height can be found in the “Related Documents” area at the bottom of this page.

Follow up
The NAR Section should report their event results to the Section Activity Committee via an email to sections@nar.org. Provide the hosting Section name, the contest date, number of participants, and top three winners. You can also send references to any postings about the contest on social media. Contest winners will be posted on the Land The “LEM” Contest Winners page.

Also, from the individual’s information you collected at the contest registration, stay in contact with the participants and invite them to meetings and launches to grow and sustain your club.