Hydro Rocketry
Design and launch a water-propelled rocket for maximum horizontal range while demonstrating aerodynamic stability, structural integrity and creative engineering.
- Eligibility
- Classes 6–12
- Date
- 4 October 2026
- Location
- Haldwani, Uttarakhand
- Team size
- 1–3 participants per team
- Mode
- On-site
- Registration fee
- ₹1,500
About
The Creative Hydro Rocketry Challenge 2026 is a school-level engineering competition inviting young innovators to design, build and launch a water-propelled rocket using an organizer-approved carbonated-beverage PET bottle.
The challenge
How far can you make your rocket fly? The mission is to achieve the maximum possible horizontal distance from the designated launch point to the rocket's landing point while maintaining safe and stable flight.
What you need to do
Design a water rocket, optimize its propulsion, drag, stability and structural strength, prepare it for the official launcher, pass technical inspection and achieve the greatest verified horizontal range.
How you are evaluated
- Range
- Aerodynamic stability
- Creativity and engineering design
Technical specifications
| Approved bottle | 750 ml or 2 L carbonated-beverage PET bottle |
|---|---|
| Launcher nozzle diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Propellant | Water |
| Water-fill quantity | Specified uniformly by the Organizing Committee on competition day |
| Launch pressure | 110 PSI |
| Fin configuration | 3 or 4 fins |
| Stability | Centre of Gravity (CG) ahead of Centre of Pressure (CP) |
Key rules and safety
- Only organizer-approved carbonated-beverage PET bottles may be used.
- Alternative bottles require prior inspection and written approval.
- The rocket must be compatible with the official launcher.
- Water is the sole primary propellant.
- Water-fill quantity will be specified and applied uniformly by the Organizing Committee.
- Approved additives may only be used where explicitly permitted and under authorized supervision.
- Flammable, toxic, corrosive or otherwise hazardous additives are prohibited.
- Pressurisation is controlled exclusively by the official Technical Team.
- Participants must never independently pressurise or trigger the launch mechanism.
- Rockets must pass mandatory technical inspection before launch.
- Spectators and non-launch personnel must remain behind the designated safety line.
- Structurally unsafe rockets may be disqualified from launch.
- Teams must follow instructions issued by the Organizing Committee, Technical Team, authorized instructors and judging panel.
This is a summary. The official guidelines document is the binding version and takes precedence in all cases.