Frequently asked questions

Is rocketry legal in Ireland?

Amateur rocketry is legal in Ireland when launched safely and in accordance with AirNav (Irish Aviation Authority) and Department of Justice rules.

For low and mid-power rockets, the main limitations are that the launch is not in an area of controlled airspace around an airport or in a restricted flight area. Launches in restricted/controlled spaces require getting permission to launch from AirNav. A NOTAM will be in place for the launch to inform small aircraft pilots, and there will be communication with air traffic control on the day of the launch.

Larger or high-power rockets require more extensive air space clearance. These launches fall under the "Upper Airspace and Rockets Order 2023", meaning we need to file more extensive paperwork with AirNav and get launch permission, and again, there will be a NOTAM and air traffic control interaction. Clearance requires insurance, such as that we have as a prefecture of the Tripoli Rocketry Association.

High-power launches under Tripoli require certification; we do this to level 2 in Ireland, but this is an internationally recognised certification and means you can travel to other launches in Europe or beyond to launch at another Tripoli or UK Rocketry Association launch.

Where can I get rocket motors?

You can legally import kits, parts and electronics to build the rockets without issue. Rocket motors (propellant), on the other hand, are more restricted in Ireland than in most other EU countries.

Motors fall under the same general area of law as pyrotechnics, at least that's the 'best fit' under legislation; however, they are different. They require permission to import and store from the Department of Justice, but again, they are legal when this is done correctly.

We import motors legally and in line with the Department of Justice rules for use at our lunches. If you want to fly rockets in Ireland, we can arrange the type of motors that are needed for your rocket.

How much does it cost?

Small rocket kits can cost around €10, and the small motors used for them cost around €3. This will launch to about 45 meters. As long as the rocket isn't damaged or lost, it could fly dozens of times by just replacing the motor.

Like all hobbies, they can get more expensive if you aim for higher achievements. A typical Level 1 high-power launch could cost around €200 to €300, including the motor and a rocket.

A Level 2 launch using an L motor (2560 to 5120 Newton-seconds impulse) could cost €600 for the motor alone. But you can have incredible fun with smaller rockets on a modest budget.

What about homemade motors, are they legal?

The manufacture of any rocket motor propellant is illegal unless you have a licence to manufacture and store them. Irish Rocketry use CE-marked, commercially available motors unless explicitly a research launch.

How high do they go?

This depends on the weight of the rocket & the impulse (power) of the motor. The lighter the rocket & the more power the motor, the higher it goes.

Some only fly to a few meters above the launch pad, small rockets at our STEM events launch to 30-50 meters. However, some high-power launches can reach much higher; the current Irish record is over 4875 meters (16,000 ft) held by Kieran Sullivan.

Can I design/build my own rocket?

Yes, most people start with simple kits to learn construction techniques, they then progress to building larger rockets based on either commercial kits or designing their own.

There are lots of books, forums and websites to help guide this process, as well as the Irish Rocketry Discord and launches to ask questions and get advice. You can use software like OpenRocket to design and simulate your rocket to ensure it is stable and can be recovered safely.

What are the rockets made from?

There are several different types of materials that can be used to make rockets. The simplest small rocket kits use cardboard tubing, plastic nosecones and balsa wood fins.

Higher power rockets use more advance materials including specialist tubing made from "blue-tube" or composites like fibreglass and carbon fibre. Some of theses also use aircraft grade plywood and aluminium parts.

What are the rocket motors made from?

Low-power motors use a black-powder style propellant (charcoal + sulfur + oxidiser). Typically used in beginner kits and many school/club launches.

Higher-power motors typically use composite propellants (oxidiser + polymer binder + metallic/energetic additives). These give higher performance, smoother burn profiles, and can be produced in a wide range of impulses. The most common propellant in this class is ammonium perchlorate, which is the same as the solid boosters on the Shuttle.

Can I buy rockets over the internet?

Yes, kits can be purchased via the internet. Kits are also a great way to start into rocketry, with full instructions on how to make the rocket. We would advise against buying kits with motors without the correct permission and storage to meet Irish regulations.

Can you put a payload into the rockets?

Yes, it is common for rockets to have electronics like altimeters, accelerometers, or even cameras with live video back to earth. Some competition rockets carry payloads as simple as eggs and as complex as miniature satellites to do experiments as they descend.

You cannot use animal/live or hazardous payloads (poisonous, flammable, incendiary, or explosive).

How do I get started launching rockets?

Start with low‑power rockets, usually a beginner kit. Come to a launch event; we’ll help you fly your first rocket. If you let us know you are coming, we can arrange motors and all the other equipment needed, so your first launch will be safe and lower cost.

Coming to an Irish Rocketry event means you don't have to worry about safety procedures, airspace permissions, and importing motors as we do all that as part of the launch days.

If you still have questions after reading this, or want to know more, please get in touch!