The Landon Rocketry Club is preparing to launch onto the national stage as finalists in the prestigious American Rocketry Challenge (ARC). The ARC is the world’s largest student rocket competition with a focus on engaging middle and high school students in model rocketry. 

More than 1,000 teams across the country participated in the challenge; the Landon team is one of 100 to make the final round.  

“It is truly an honor to represent Landon in this competition, which will bring national eyes to our STEM program,” said Rocketry Club Co-Founder Malcolm Friel ’26. “Landon’s academically rigorous culture encouraged us to pursue this challenge no matter how daunting it may seem.” 

The competition is set for Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA.  

Rules of the 2025 American Rocketry Challenge:                                                                                                      1. Payload: Design a rocket that cradles two eggs, oriented sideways.                                                                    2. Altitude Goal: Reach an impressive 790 feet.                                                                                                        3. Flight Time: Safely return to Earth within 41 to 44 seconds.   

To qualify for the fly-off, each team had to follow strict guidelines.  

“I was stoked that we made it to the finals for ARC,” Rocketry Club Co-Founder Arthur Deng ’26 said. “Through two years of hard work and dedication, Malcolm and I put the club on the fast track for attending the ARC's Finals.” 

Club members have built 10 rockets and launched more than 50 times in the past two years.  

“The most rewarding part has been watching the students take ownership of their team and grow throughout this two-year journey, from designing and building their own rockets to troubleshooting setbacks and refining their approach,” faculty club advisor and Upper School Science Teacher Bryan Calloway said. “They’ve embraced the technical challenges that come with rocketry, and their growth in both technical ability and team leadership has been remarkable. Reaching the national finals in just their second year is a testament to their dedication, curiosity, and teamwork.” 

Arthur and Malcolm say it was their shared passion for aerospace that brought them together to create the club in 2023. They both have plans to pursue a form of engineering in college and their careers. 

“I've always been interested in engineering and the Rocketry Club has been a way for me to get hands-on experience,” Arthur said.  

“I intend to go to school for aerospace engineering,” added Malcolm.

As these club leaders prepare for the ARC and their senior year, they’re also thinking ahead to the future of model rocketry at Landon. 

“Any younger bears who are interested should know the club is open to everybody and it's really closer to a hobby than schoolwork,” said Arthur. “Malcolm and I started the club knowing nearly nothing about rocketry but through hands-on experience and testing we are leading the club to finals.”