NARTREK Cadet Program
The NARTREK Cadet program is a self-paced rocket class that consists of a series of four achievement levels. The four achievement Levels follow the history of the NASA manned space program. Beginning with Mercury, then proceeding through Gemini, Apollo and finally Skylab. Each level builds upon and adds to the skills learned in the previous level. As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and an enameled pin certifying your accomplishment. The pins for each Level are modified versions of the original NASA mission patch designs.
NARTREK Cadet program:
- Is open to both members and non-members of the NAR.
- Is age appropriately designed to improve the knowledge and skills of modelers under age 18.
- Modelers can work alone, with an affiliated NAR section, class or after school group.
- Operates on the honor system.
- Uses commercially available rocket kits whenever possible.
- Is designed to be low-cost to you. You buy your own kits, motors, equipment, and publications.
- You must know and abide by the NAR Model Rocket and High Power safety Codes
- You must understand the NAR rocket motor coding system.
- The Cadet program does not replace the existing standard NARTREK program in use by the NAR.
- You may use the same models for both programs but must make separate flights for each program.
- NAR Sections can provide the guidance, expertise, and resources to make the Cadet's participation very rewarding.
NARTREK Cadet level Outline:
Mercury Level:
Complete Part I & Part II
Part I
Fly and successfully recover an RTF (ready-to-fly) rocket two times; and assemble a rocket with single or multi-piece plastic fins and successfully fly two times.
OR
Assemble a rocket with balsa (or stiff card stock) fins and successfully fly two times.
Part II
Assemble a rocket at least 24" long and successfully fly two times.
Note: Separate rockets must be used for each requirement. All flights are limited to "C" motors or smaller.
Gemini Level:
Complete three out of four:
1. Parachute duration: achieve a timed flight of at least 40 seconds with a "B" motor or less.
2. Streamer duration: achieve a timed flight of at least 20 seconds with a "B" motor or less.
3. Assemble a model with glider, or helicopter recovery, and successfully fly two times.
4. Assemble and fly a "D" engine model successfully.
Note: Rockets may be reused from the Mercury level.
Apollo Level:
Complete Part I & Part II
Part I: Complete any two
1. Prepare science fair project using model rockets to gather data.
2. Assist with running a club launch range.
3. Organize (or assist) in starting a club or serve in some capacity in an existing club.
4. Organize (or assist in) a demonstration launch or have a story published in a newspaper or newsletter about a launch.
5. Give a talk on rocketry to a school, civic club or youth group.
6. Write a 200-word report on any rocketry subject that interests you and submit to NARTREK base.
7. Prepare a simple database of your previous rocket flights, (Mercury and Gemini) and document your
experiences; submit the report to NARTREK base.
Part II: Complete any two
1. Build a model with individual fins, that also requires painting and/or decals. This is sometimes defined
as Skill Level. Concentrate on craftsmanship. Fly and recover successfully, without damage to the
model.
2. Build and fly a multi-stage model successfully.
3. Build and fly a clustered model successfully.
Skylab Level:
Complete any two:
1. Assemble any skill level scale model, have an adult judge it for quality and accuracy (include
information about the full scale 'real' version) and fly successfully.
2. Design and build a model rocket using materials specifically designed for use in model rockets. Properly
test the design using simulator software or by Swing Test
on a String to prove stability and fly the model successfully two times. (This requirement is limited to D
motors or less).
3. Build a kit of a mid-power rocket (E or F motor) and fly successfully. (Limited to cadets 14 and older).
4. Build a competition model for any National Association of Rocketry (NAR) event and enter a sanctioned
meet or build one competition model and achieve 40% of
the NAR record for that event in your contest class.
How Does NARTREK Cadet Work?
To participate, you must meet the basic Cadet program requirements.
- Register by completing the application form.
- At your own pace, complete each requirement. If you run into problems, contact NARTREK Base, who will put you in contact with someone who can help. Each flight must be witnessed by an adult and certified to HQ using forms and photographs.
- As you complete each requirement, fill out the certification form.
- When you have completed all the certification forms for your current level, mail them in to NARTREK Base.
- NARTREK Base will evaluate your certifications and send back your Achievement Certificate, along with the appropriate enamel pin. If you have signed up for additional program levels, the next packet will be sent to you automatically.
- You may sign up for additional levels at any time.
Registration & Fee
- Registration
- Online Registration: Click here.
- By Mail Registration: Mail your name, address, NAR number (for member rate), birthdate, and a check payable to "NARTREK" for the proper amount to: NARTREK Base
George Scheil
7311 Ditzler
Raytown MO 64133
- Fee
- FREE offer: "try it before you buy it" offer, download the Mercury Level Packet now, and follow the instructions on the first page. (Packets are in PDF format and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to display.)
- Paid version: The fee for each achievement level packet is $5 for NAR members or $7 for non-members.
Remember: once you start a Cadet Achievement Level, you don't have to complete it within any time limit. In fact, you don't ever have to complete it at all! NARTREK is designed to increase your enjoyment of rocketry, not your stress level. So don't "work" at it -- have fun!