Technology at the 2016 FAI S World Championship for Space Models

Although this years World Championship for Space Models is being held in Lviv, Ukraine, anyone with an internet connection can follow the event.

Noosphere, have created a virtual reality tour of the site with aerial shots that allow you to zoom around the event, and even go into the competitors tents. The tour includes 360 videos and pictures. http://worldrocket2016.frms.ua/tour/

Live streaming of the event is being broadcast on youtube every day, with multiple cameras bringing all the action from the launch area, the full awards ceremonies, and commentary throughout the day. http://worldrocket2016.frms.ua/online.html

And if you’re keen to know how your team is doing, the results are updated in realtime on the events official results page; cupnavigator.com/worldrocket2016

The Eccentric British Rocket men

“We’re famous for building very elegant models,” says Trevor Seabrook from Great Britain. “People from other teams come to our tent and look and take pictures. We’re happy to show off our work.”

The rockets flown by the British team at this year’s world championship for space models include parts that have been purpose built in a 3d printer, fins that have been pressed and cured between tailor-made metal plates, and aerofoils made of layers of foam and Mylar.

“Most teams would just use balsa wood,” explains Seabrook, because this detailed use of materials and design adds hours to the construction time, and on paper gives an advantage of just a few feet.

Does the hard work pay off in the results tables? “Er, no." admits Seabrook. "The big problem we have in the UK is finding sites to practice with the designs. It’s one of the reason Eastern European countries are so strong.”

But that doesn’t stop the British team, who also have a revolutionary design of glider rocket. “We do it because we love it.”

More pictures here.

Photo Credit: FAI / Andy Pag