MUSKEGON, Michigan USA — More than 500 elementary school students were expected in downtown Muskegon today to launch an annual rocket competition.

The Michigan Aerospace Challenge features student-built rockets and hands-on science activities for elementary, middle school and high school students over two days — today and Saturday.

The program is funded by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and its Regional Mathematics and Science Center.

Elementary rocket launches were scheduled for 9:45-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m. today.

Middle and high school student teams were to begin their two-day statewide high-powered rocket competition today. Students were to showcase their knowledge of math and science principles by presenting student-made rockets that are capable of reaching altitudes of 3,000 feet before splashdown in Muskegon Lake. Volunteer judges examine rockets and interview team members to determine the winners.

The middle and high school students also were set to attend a presentation by Col. Jack Lousma, an astronaut, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hilt Building, 425 W. Western. It is not open to the general public.

Lousma, who was born in Grand Rapids and grew up in Ann Arbor, was the commander of the third of four test flights of the American space shuttle Columbia. He was one of two men on the 1982 flight crew.

The event concludes Saturday with the launch of 21 high-power rockets built by student teams from West Michigan schools, including Muskegon Technical Academy. A team from Community United Methodist Church and Boy Scout Troop 1023 of Fruitport are scheduled to take part in the competition.

Saturday's launch is open to the public and begins at 8 a.m. at the Mart Dock property on Muskegon Lake. The closing awards ceremony follows the final launch.

Copyright © 2008, Muskegon Chronicle.