Lockheed Martin's Global Rocketry Challenge Concludes Its 9th Session with Major Achievements

Conclusion of the 9th Session of the Global Rocketry Challenge

The Global Rocketry Challenge (GRC), a program championed by Lockheed Martin Japan to promote STEM education among middle and high school students, celebrated the closing of its 9th session on November 29th at the Center of Garage in Tokyo's Oshiage district. This year, in a bid to strengthen the nurturing of next-generation innovators, the program's name was changed from the Girls Rocketry Challenge to the Global Rocketry Challenge.

This session attracted participants from five schools: Katayama Gakuen Junior High and High School (Toyama Prefecture), Sano Nihon University Junior and Senior High School (Gunma Prefecture), Saitama Prefectural Omiya High School (Saitama Prefecture), Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima Eichi Academy High School (Hiroshima Prefecture), and Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School (Ibaraki Prefecture), marking the largest participation scale ever.

Since the GRC launched in May, students have learned a wide array of knowledge and skills related to model rocket design and material improvement under the guidance of the Japan Model Rocket Association. In addition to classroom lessons, students engaged in practical experiences, including test flights and participation in the National Model Rocket Competition held in October, where students from Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School achieved a remarkable second place in the parachute hang-time competition.

During the closing ceremony, each student's efforts and growth were praised, and participants presented their learning experiences from their respective schools. Following the graduation ceremony, an exchange event and workshop centered on dialogue between GRC graduates and current participants provided further opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Tatsuro Watabe, the representative of Lockheed Martin Japan, presented diplomas to the students and encouraged them, stating, "Even if you may not see a specific dream right now, there are endless possibilities for who you can become. Strong will and perseverance are essential, and the possibilities are limitless."

Ryo Kiryu, president of the Japan Model Rocket Association, expressed hope for the students, saying, "Keep the experiences gained from GRC in mind and apply them to your future. How you leverage any experience depends on you. Don't fear failure; analyze its causes, take action, and try again."

During the exchange event between GRC graduates and this year's participants, four graduates shared insights on how their experiences in the program contributed to their careers, including examples of those who built careers in national research institutions and others who utilized their trial-and-error methods in university group activities. The graduates conveyed that the inquiry cycle of setting hypotheses, verification, learning from failures, and reflection learned in GRC are universal skills beneficial in all aspects of life.

In the workshop that followed, Professor Kenichi Takahashi from Nihon University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, along with Keigo Mutsuo, a technical researcher in a private aerospace company, spoke on the topic of "Advancing Future Space Development." The students engaged in group discussions on challenges and solutions regarding "space development and our lives 20 years from now," including discussions on environmental issues faced in space development and proposals for resource reuse.

The GRC began in 2016 as part of Lockheed Martin’s social impact initiatives in Japan to support the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. With the participation of about 200 students from 30 schools across the country, the program will enter its 10th session next year, backed by various stakeholders. Lockheed Martin continues to deepen collaboration with related parties to support human resource development in STEM fields in Japan.

About the Global Rocketry Challenge

The Global Rocketry Challenge, initiated by Lockheed Martin Japan, is a STEM education program that supports the next generation of global scientists, engineers, and innovators. Building on the "Girls Rocketry Challenge" that started in October 2016, the program aims to empower students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world environments through the use of model rockets, allowing them to pursue their curiosity in STEM fields.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs approximately 122,000 people worldwide and is a global leader in defense and aerospace, focusing on the research, design, development, production, integration, and maintenance of advanced technology systems and services. With over 70 years of history in Japan, Lockheed Martin has established itself as a trusted partner across various sectors in Japanese society. For more information, visit: Lockheed Martin Japan

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