Skip to Sidebar Skip to Content

National Association of Rocketry

  • Home
  • Join NAR
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us
  • My Membership
  • About NAR
    • NAR Overview
    • History
      • NAR artifacts and historical donations
    • Awards
    • Organization Contacts
  • Donate

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.

  • Return to home
  • Join the NAR
    • The American Rocketry Challenge
    • Model Rocket Info
      • The Sport Rocketry Hobby
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
    • High Power Rocketry
      • High Power Rocketry Certifications
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
      • Filing for FAA Launch Authorization
      • High Power Resources
        • High Power Technical Reports
        • NAR HPR Certified Member Search
      • The NAR Rocket Science Achievement Award
    • Educational Resources
      • Online Mentoring Resources
      • NARTREK Skills Program
      • The NARTREK Cadet Program
      • 4-H
      • Air Force JROTC
      • Civil Air Patrol
      • Rocket Teacher Certification Program
      • Grants, Scholarships, Awards
      • Educator’s Newsletter Archive
    • Find a Launch
      • General Launch Information
      • Launch Calendar
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
    • Local Clubs
      • NAR Club Locator
      • Find an NAR Club Launch
      • Submit a Local Club / Submit Changes
      • Section FAQ’s
      • Section Guidebook
    • Insurance Questions/Claims
    • Safety
      • Safety Codes
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code
    • Rocket Motor Information
      • Certified Motors
        • Motor Related Lists
      • NAR Motor Testing
        • NAR Motor Testing Notices
      • Manufacturer Notifications
      • Report a Malfunctioning Motor
    • Contest Flying
      • National Scoreboard
      • US Team Selection Scoreboard
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
      • Competition Results Entry
      • Team Registration
      • Teams List
      • Contest Events
      • Competition Meets
      • NARAM – The Nationals
      • US National Model Rocket Performance Records – 8/2/19
      • International Competition
      • World Space Modeling Virtual Open Meet
      • Competition Guide
      • U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
      • Rules Revision Process
    • Sport Rocketry Magazine
      • Magazine Submissions
      • Write It and Get Paid
      • Advertise in Sport Rocketry
      • Sample Issue
      • Contact Sport Rocketry
    • Member Resources
      • Publication Archives
        • Sport Rocketry Magazine
        • American Spacemodeling Magazine
        • The Model Rocketeer Magazine
        • Model Rocketry Magazine
        • eRocketeer Digital Editions
        • Member Guidebook Archive
      • NARTREK Skills Program
      • R&D Reports
      • Technical Bibliography
      • NAR Insurance
        • Insurance Questions
        • Proof of Insurance
        • NAR Insurance Claim Form
      • NAR Association Documents
      • Useful Documents for NAR Members
    • NAR Products
    • Website Fixes
    • Recent Website Changes
    • Donate

  • Sport Rocketry Magazine

    Six 48 Page Issues a year Free with NAR Membership Today

  • Local Rocketry Clubs

    Connect with Proven Rocketry Experts FIND A CLUB TODAY

  • High Power Rocket Certification

    Design and Fly High Power Rocket Vehicles Learn More

  • Contact Nar

    National Association of Rocketry
    P.O. Box 407
    Marion, IA 52302

    Call: 319-373-8910

  • Join NAR

    The best way to get more out of the exciting hobby of rocketry is to connect with other flyers. The National Association of Rocketry can get you connected to the cutting edge of the hobby so you can learn how to fly higher, faster, and better. As an NAR member you will get:

    • Access to launch sites through local NAR clubs
    • The bimonthly color magazine "Sport Rocketry"
    • Insurance coverage for your flights
    • Certification for high power rocket flying

    Join Nar

  • Latest NAR Rocket News

    • RCP Cycle 2019-2020 23August21
    • Join a Section 03August21
    • Fly With Friends!!! 09August20
    • RCP Ballot 2019-2020 12May20
    • RCP’s of the Past 27August18
    • NARAM-63 27September17

© Copyright YEAR National Association of Rocketry | Privacy Notice

  • The American Rocketry Challenge
  • Model Rocket Info
    ▼
    • The Sport Rocketry Hobby
    • Model Rocket Safety Code
    • Understanding FAA Regulations
  • High Power Rocketry
    ▼
    • High Power Rocketry Certifications
    • High Power Rocket Safety Code
    • Understanding FAA Regulations
    • Filing for FAA Launch Authorization
    • High Power Resources
      ▼
      • High Power Technical Reports
      • NAR HPR Certified Member Search
    • The NAR Rocket Science Achievement Award
  • Educational Resources
    ▼
    • Online Mentoring Resources
    • NARTREK Skills Program
    • The NARTREK Cadet Program
    • 4-H
    • Air Force JROTC
    • Civil Air Patrol
    • Rocket Teacher Certification Program
    • Grants, Scholarships, Awards
    • Educator’s Newsletter Archive
  • Find a Launch
    ▼
    • General Launch Information
    • Launch Calendar
    • Find a Contest
    • Register an NAR Launch
  • Local Clubs
    ▼
    • NAR Club Locator
    • Find an NAR Club Launch
    • Submit a Local Club / Submit Changes
    • Section FAQ’s
    • Section Guidebook
  • Insurance Questions/Claims
  • Safety
    ▼
    • Safety Codes
    • Model Rocket Safety Code
    • High Power Rocket Safety Code
    • Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code
  • Rocket Motor Information
    ▼
    • Certified Motors
      ▼
      • Motor Related Lists
    • NAR Motor Testing
      ▼
      • NAR Motor Testing Notices
    • Manufacturer Notifications
    • Report a Malfunctioning Motor
  • Contest Flying
    ▼
    • National Scoreboard
    • US Team Selection Scoreboard
    • Find a Contest
    • Register an NAR Launch
    • Competition Results Entry
    • Team Registration
    • Teams List
    • Contest Events
    • Competition Meets
    • NARAM – The Nationals
    • US National Model Rocket Performance Records – 8/2/19
    • International Competition
    • World Space Modeling Virtual Open Meet
    • Competition Guide
    • U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
    • Rules Revision Process
  • Sport Rocketry Magazine
    ▼
    • Magazine Submissions
    • Write It and Get Paid
    • Advertise in Sport Rocketry
    • Sample Issue
    • Contact Sport Rocketry
  • Member Resources
    ▼
    • Publication Archives
      ▼
      • Sport Rocketry Magazine
      • American Spacemodeling Magazine
      • The Model Rocketeer Magazine
      • Model Rocketry Magazine
      • eRocketeer Digital Editions
      • Member Guidebook Archive
    • NARTREK Skills Program
    • R&D Reports
    • Technical Bibliography
    • NAR Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance Questions
      • Proof of Insurance
      • NAR Insurance Claim Form
    • NAR Association Documents
    • Useful Documents for NAR Members
  • NAR Products
  • Website Fixes
  • Recent Website Changes
  • Donate