HPR Lab
High-Powered Rocketry Camp — Build bigger, fly higher, prepare for certification
About This Camp
HPR Lab is designed for students ready to advance their rocketry skills and tackle more complex aerospace challenges. Over four evenings, participants will design, construct, and prepare a high-powered rocket while learning advanced building techniques, safety procedures, and certification requirements. Each session blends technical instruction with hands-on construction, guiding students through the process of building a rocket suitable for NAR Level 1 High Power Rocketry certification.
This program offers a rigorous STEM experience that emphasizes precision, responsibility, and problem-solving. Students leave camp with a completed high-powered rocket and the knowledge to pursue certification through the National Association of Rocketry. The camp registration fee covers the rocket kit, construction supplies, and instruction. High-power motors (H and I class) required for the certification flight are not included — parents are responsible for purchasing motors from a vendor at the launch site when ready to fly. All instruction is aligned to the NAR Safety Code.
Session Overview
High-Power Rocketry Fundamentals
Introduction to HPR, motor classification, NAR Safety Code for high-power, certification overview
Advanced Airframe Construction
Fiberglass techniques, motor mount assembly, precision fin alignment
Recovery Systems & Finishing
Parachute sizing, deployment charges, dual-deploy concepts, finishing techniques
Pre-Flight & Certification Prep
Final assembly review, pre-flight checklists, certification flight procedures and requirements
What's Included
- High-powered rocket kit
- All construction supplies and tools
- Safety glasses
- Classroom instruction materials
- NAR certification preparation materials
What's Not Included
- High-power motors (H/I class) — purchased from vendor at launch site when ready to fly
- NAR membership ($25/year for junior members) — required for certification flights
- Launch fees at NAR-sanctioned events
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completed LaunchPad Rocketry Camp
- Earned the Civil Air Patrol Basic Rocketry Badge
- Demonstrate prior model rocketry experience and a solid understanding of intermediate construction techniques and the NAR Safety Code
What Is NAR Level 1 Certification?
NAR Level 1 High Power Rocketry certification demonstrates that a rocketeer has the knowledge and skills to safely build and fly rockets using H and I class motors. Certification enables you to purchase high-power motors not available to the general public and fly at NAR-sanctioned launches across the country.
HPR Lab prepares students with the construction skills and knowledge needed for certification. The actual certification flight takes place at a separate NAR-sanctioned launch event under the supervision of a certified mentor. Learn more at nar.org.
New to Rocketry?
If you don't have prior model rocketry experience, start with our LaunchPad Rocketry Camp. Graduates automatically qualify for HPR Lab.
Learn About LaunchPad Camp →