Safety is very important with any rocket. Water Rockets in particular are not toys. A pressurized water rocket can store huge amounts
of energy and fly hundreds of miles per hour. They can suddenly burst, or injure bystanders by landing hundreds of feet away. Because
of this, children should never be allowed to launch water rockets without constant adult supervision. Rockets can be safe but only when
everyone understands and abides by safe behavior.
Please note that local laws and regulations may apply. It is the responsibility of all participants to be familiar with and follow all
appropriate regulations related to rocketry in their respective countries. Failure to comply with these rules is grounds for
disqualification in any world record contests.
A ‘Water Rocket’ is defined as any rocket whose thrust is generated from low temperature compressed gas (air) acting on an inert
reaction mass (water).
I. Construction Materials:
Only lightweight, non-metallic external parts for the nose, body, payload container and fins should be
used so that the rocket does not conduct electricity. Never use “glass” or other breakable containers at any
time. Use only carbonated beverage bottles or pressure chambers that are designed to handle the envisioned
flight pressures.
Rocket can be any shape or size but cannot exceed 1,500 grams. This is the total dry weight of all flying components in a flight
ready condition including the pressure vessel, fins, nosecone, payload bay, camera, altimeter, flight computer, deployment system,
batteries, and nozzle.(no reaction mass) A heavy mass falling from high altitude can be very harmful to persons or property.
II. Payload Materials:
The payload container has to be constructed from strong non-metallic materials to completely enclose
any metallic parts carried inside (batteries, electronics, and mechanical components).
The payload section is to be attached above all pressurized parts of the rocket and cannot contain any
exposed metal parts.
The payload section must be separate from any pressurized portions of the rocket.
Payloads should never include any flammable, explosive, bio-hazardous materials or live animals.
III. Recovery System:
All launched parts of rocket which travel over 6 meters (20 feet) in altitude must have a recovery
system which limits their descent rate at time of touchdown at ground level to a maximum velocity of
10 meters/second (33 feet/second). This includes all pieces which separate or are shed off in flight.
Fast falling rockets, debris, or rocket parts can be very dangerous. Recovery system malfunctions will
disallow any record flights.
Recovery system cannot contain black powder, fireworks, or pyrotechnic "squibs".
IV. Pressure Vessel:
The pressure vessel shall be made of thin, ductile plastic capable of withstanding the intended launch pressure.
The pressure Vessel cannot be constructed using any portion of an existing high pressure enclosure. (i.e. no
Paintball tanks, CO2 tanks, SCUBA tanks, Propane Tanks, etc.)
The pressure Vessel and all external parts of the rocket may not be fabricated from metal. In addition
to being heavy and dangerous if falling because of failed deployment, metal can also cause major problems
if landing on power lines.
Metallic components should never be in contact with the outside of the pressure vessel as they could
become dangerous projectiles should the rocket explode.
Pressure testing of all rocket pressure vessels should be preformed by filling the vessel completely
with water before pressurizing the system. It is also recommended that a protection barrier be deployed
to minimize projectiles being ejected from the testing area if a burst of the vessel occurs.
Rocket must be pressurized with atmospheric air. No exotic gasses, cryogenics or combustibles allowed.
V. Reaction Mass Rules:
Reaction Mass must be primarily ordinary tap water. Do not use substances that are harmful to the environment.
VI. Launcher:
Rockets should be launched from a stable launch device that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the
vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up.
Launcher should be constructed using components which are rated for the planned launch pressure.
Rocket must be completely remotely launched. Operators/Spectators are to stand back a minimum of 15
meters (50 feet) while rocket is pressurized and remote launched. Persons may be closer than this if
they are behind an adequate shield, but touching or handling of the rocket is forbidden. (Activating
cameras and deployment systems must be done prior to pressurization, launch triggered, or done remotely).
A high pressure rocket can rupture and explode violently and cause severe injury.
Safe Distance: Everyone should be kept at a safe distance from any pressurized rocket. The
safe distance is 50 Feet (15 meters) flight crew members should maintain from a pressurized rocket.
Add a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) or more for spectators. Spectators should always stay behind flight
crew members.
VII. Pressure Source:
All valves, hoses, pipes and fittings from the pressure source to the launch pad shall be rated for
the planned launch pressure.
Rocket must be pressurized using atmospheric air only. Other Gasses, “Phase change” (steam rockets)
and pyrotechnic pressurizations systems are not allowed.
Use, storage, and transportation of compressed air tanks should be according to all applicable safety
codes. The system in use should allow the rocket to be pressurized, depressurized (if necessary) and
launched from the minimum safe distance as described above. If the rocket does not launch when triggered,
DO NOT allow anyone to approach it until the rocket has been depressurized.
Bottled air pressure source must be located at the minimum safe distance of 50 Feet (15 meters) from
the launcher (this allows the bottle air pressure source to be safely controlled in the event of an
emergency).
VIII. Flight Safety:
Rockets should only be launched outdoors, in a clear open area with no obstacles such as trees or power lines.
An audible countdown should be used before each launch.
Rockets should be launched in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 15 miles per hour.
Do not attempt to recover any rocket from power lines, tall trees, rooftops or other dangerous places.
Do not launch rockets over or near roadways or into the path of a vehicle.
