Special Events

MASA is hosting a Viking (Never a Champion) Contest 2021 

Contest Rules 

The Viking (Never a Champion) Contest - October 2021 

Objective: to kit-bash the most “Viking like” themed rocket you can, using any of the contents of the Estes Viking bulk kit, the instruction sheet, and the plastic bag it comes in. 

This is for the most part, a static beauty contest, where everyone at the launch that day gets to vote for their top three rockets that fulfill that very subjective objective. However, after the voting is completed, the rocket must fly safely and be returned to the contest table to be awarded one of the top three prizes. 

Static judging will be at 10:00 am, so there is enough time left afterwards for folks to fly their rockets. 

There are two things you can add to the kit, an engine hook to retain the engine if you want to, and up to 60 inches of shroud line if you want to make the plastic bag into a parachute. You can decorate the rocket using any paint you want, and/or the decals from the kit to make it look “Viking like”. No wraps, duct taping or other similar treatment of the rocket which would help hold it together is allowed. 

 For the third year, Land the LM will be a monthly NAR event beginning at this year’s first launch to continue commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landings. The contest is open to all MASA Members for 2021. The contest objective is to launch a model rocket and have it land closest to an area on the launch field representing the moon. The closest landing for the entire year will win the grand prize, a Saturn Skylab Model Rocket, to be given away at the annual holiday party. There will also be prizes given at the annual party for second and third place.  

Contest Rules 

1. The contest is open to model rocketeers of all ages. 

2. Contestants must follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code. 

3. Modelers must provide their own model rocket, engine, ignitor, and prepping tools. The NAR Section will provide recovery wadding and the launch equipment suitable for launch lugs and rails. 

4. Contestants fly as individuals. This means they prep their own rockets. 

5. Model rockets must use a single (NAR classification and safety certified) engine for each flight that is a “C” class engine or less. 

6. Model rockets must pass a pre-flight safety inspection and engine confirmation at the launch site prior to launch. 

7. Model rockets must land safely using tumble recovery, or a streamer, or a parachute for their recovery. If the rocket’s landing is unsafe the flight will be disqualified. 

8. Model rockets must not separate into two or more unattached parts during flight. 

9. The contest flight must be declared before launching by notation on the flight card, and must be that rocket’s first flight of the day. (No practice flights with the competition rocket.) 

Contest Judging 

1. Modelers may launch their declared competition model one time, at each monthly launch of the year. 

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 Tranquility Base. 

4. If a model rocket lands within 100 feet of Tranquility Base, contestants must leave the model rocket undisturbed until the model rocket is measured. 

5. Officials will measure all model rockets that land within 100 feet of Tranquility Base. 

6. Measurement will be from Tranquility Base’s center marker to the tip of the model rocket’s nosecone. The measurement becomes the contestant’s score. 7. Each persons measurement closest to Tranquility Base’s center will be recorded. The monthly updates for the three closest competitors will be posted via e-mail and on our FaceBook page. 

8. Decisions of the judges are final.