Photos: Blast Off! Young Rocketeers Launch Model Rockets with NASA

Young Rocketeer Watches a Model Blast Off

Ashley Dondes watches a model rocket take off at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., on July 14. The annual contest challenged amateur rocketeers to land their rockets as close as possible to the center of on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground and marked by a large American flag.

The First Rocket NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Ignites

The first rocket on the launch pad ignites.The first rocket on the launch pad ignites. The contest challenged amateur rocketeers to land their rockets as close as possible to the center of on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground and marked by a large American flag.

Goddard Hosts Annual Model Rocket Launch

On July 14, families from around the area came to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. to show off their model rockets and compete to see who could land their rocket on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground and marked by a large American flag.

Amateur Rocketeers Check Out Their Model

Scouts from left to right Ben Martin, Jack Hauprich, Brenden Martin and Ryan Boedekur check out their rocket. On July 14, families from around the area came to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. to show off their model rockets and compete to see who could land their rocket on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground and marked by a large American flag.

Rocket to the Moon

Michael is pointing at the moon, hoping his rocket will land there. Michael is pointing at the moon, hoping his rocket will land there.

Goddard Hosts a Blast to the Past

A model rocket soars sky high on July 14 at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Watching Their Rockets Soar

Ashwin (left) and Michael (Right) watch the rockets fly. Area families came to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. on July 14 to show off their model rockets and compete to see who could land their rocket on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground.

A Model Rocket Parachutes Safely to the Ground

The annual competition this year marked the 44th anniversary of the first moon landing by Apollo 11. Goddard's chapter of National Association of Rocketry, has been launching model rockets since 1976.

Go for Lift Off

On July 14, families from around the area came to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. to show off their model rockets and compete to see who could land their rocket on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground and marked by a large American flag.

With a Rocket at Goddard Space Flight Center

Participant Rachel Shaw smiles with her rocket. Area families came to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. on July 14 to show off their model rockets and compete to see who could land their rocket on a 150-foot-wide “moon,” which was represented by a circle outlined in the ground.

Model Rockets at Goddard's Blast to the Past

Lisa Thomas earned the second place rocket The annual competition NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center that marked the 44th anniversary of the first moon landing by Apollo 11. Goddard's chapter of National Association of Rocketry, has been launching model rockets since 1976.