Teens launch raw eggs over Paris in rockets

Last week, three teams of teenagers launched rockets into the air above Le Bourget Airport (where the Paris Air Show was being held) in France. Attached to each of the rockets was a raw egg.

Why would teens launch a raw egg into the sky? As part of the annual International Rocketry Competition, of course.

Student teams gather to launch their rockets, hoping not to crack the egg. (Image via Raytheon)

The purpose of the competition is to launch an egg-carrying rocket into the air horizontally and have the egg return safely to ground via parachute, still intact. The teams are judged on other factors, as well, such as altitude, design, and landing.

The teams — from the United States, England, and France — have already competed in the first two parts of the competition held at other locations.

They gathered last week to decide on the winner in the final part of the competition.

Want to get a view from on-board the rocket as it soars in the air? Watch this quick video from the Rocket Cam that was attached to one of the rockets.

And the winner is…

This year, the United States team emerged victorious, with their rocket reaching an altitude of 703 feet (only 47 feet short of the target altitude) and their flight lasting 49.18 seconds (within the target range of 48 to 50 seconds).

The International Rocketry Competition is conducted for middle and high school students in order to gain hands on experience with technology and engineering.

For more information, visit Raytheon, one of the sponsors of the International Rocketry Competition.