ARC coaching and preparation resources.
The American Rocketry Challenge is the world's largest student rocket contest. Teams of 3–10 students in grades 7–12 design, build, and fly a rocket to a precise altitude and duration target. SEALS Academy helps teams prepare — from first simulation to qualifying flight.
ARC is not currently in season. Wait for next season; inquiries open around July.
What is ARC?
The key facts every team needs to know.
7–12
Grade range
3–10 students
Team size
Feb – Apr
Qualifying window
D.C. area, May
Nationals location
How we coach
Three things that separate competitive ARC teams.
Design with precision
ARC sets an exact target altitude and duration. We teach students to use simulation tools like OpenRocket to design toward a number — not just build something that flies.
Iterate from flight data
Every test flight produces altimeter data. We train students to read that data, find the gap between predicted and actual, and adjust before the next launch.
Qualify with confidence
The qualifying window is tight. Our coaching sessions help teams arrive at their launch day with a tested, documented device — not a last-minute build.
Led by Eric Song
Co-Founder & ARC Program Lead
Eric is a senior at Portola High School and serves as the avionics compartment co-lead for a NASA Student Launch Initiative (SLI) team. He holds a NAR L1 high-powered rocket license with a 1500 ft qualification flight, and founded his school's Aviation & Aerospace Club with 80+ members.
ARC guides
Start here if you're new to the competition.
ARC vs. Hobby Rocketry: What's Actually Different
Understand the key differences between American Rocketry Challenge competition rockets and standard hobby rocketry — and why those differences change how you design and train.
Getting Started with the American Rocketry Challenge
A complete beginner's guide to ARC — who can enter, how teams form, key dates, and what you need to build your first competition-ready rocket.
Designing 3D-Printed Rocket Fins: A Student Guide to Aerodynamic Stability
Learn how to design, print, and test 3D-printed rocket fins using CAD and iterative prototyping. A practical guide for ARC-track students.
Recovery System Basics: Parachutes, Ejection Charges, and Safe Landings
A practical overview of rocket recovery systems for students, covering parachute sizing, ejection charge testing, and competition-ready deployment.
In action
From the classroom to the launchpad.
Launch footage
Watch our rockets fly.
GoPro view of rocket on the launch pad
Onboard camera during rocket launch
Ready to start?
Tell us about your team and we'll map the right coaching path.
Whether you're forming a new team or preparing for your second qualifying attempt, we'll help you figure out where to focus. You can also message us on WeChat for a quick response.