Information > Brief History

Rockets have been around in one shape or another for hundreds of years, but it is really only since they were developed in World War II did they become so well known. Over the years governments and space agencies have continued with the development of rockets, such as the R7 Russion space craft pictured here.

The R7 although initially developed as an ICBM by the Russians was used for many years in the Russian space program to deliver satelites and astronauts into space. In fact it was the first to deliver a satellite, the Sputnik into space on January 31, 1958.

Over the last 40 years or so, the amateur rocket scene has been quietly developing into a mature sport/hobby. In the United States the amateur rocket scene is much larger than the UK scene which is in comparison quite small. Amateur rocketry now encompasses a huge range of rockets, anything from model rockets found at hobby stores or on sites such as this, high powered rockets flown by more qualified people, all the way up to groups of people reaching close to and just into space.

The model rocket scene started in the 1950s, but it was only when Estes started in 1960 that model rockets were made on a commercial scale.

High power rocketry has grown in the past few years to become a booming hobby for adults with numerous clubs and regular rocket meets. These events are a safe way to fly high powered rockets which require a larger recovery area than model rockets. The clubs and events are also a great way to learn new things and share experiences.

Advanced rocketry is the term given to those individuals and groups going beyond high powered rocketry and are looking toward space.

In August of 1996, the various amateur rocket clubs around the country agreed that a national body was needed to look after the best interest of the sport and the UKRA (UK Rocket Association) was formed. For more information on clubs around the country and more information on the UKRA and their function, please see their website at www.ukra.org.uk.