Overview
US Team and Flag at the 13th World Spacemodeling Championships Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia, September 10-17, 2000. (George Gassaway composite photo)
International spacemodeling competition in the United States is currently limited to a small group of dedicated individuals. While the reasons each might give for pursuing this aspect of the larger hobby of model rocketry would certainly vary from person to person, each is trying to become the the best in the world in their particular event(s). The right to be called "World Champion" is tough to come by.
The Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) is the governing world body, covering not only spacemodeling and aeromodeling, but all aspects of aviation . Each member country is represented within the FAI by its national aero club, which in the United States is the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). The NAA delegates authority for aeromodeling and spacemodeling to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The AMA sponsors the US Spacemodeling Team, as well as a number of aeromodeling teams.
Spacemodeling World Championships are held every two years, and have been held on a regular basis since 1972. World Championships are almost always held in Europe, where FAI Spacemodeling Events are the primary type flown. In contrast, in the United States, the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) sponsors it's own competitive events, only some of which are related to those sanctioned by the FAI. World Championships are regularly attended by modelers from the United States, China, Japan, and Europe (both western and former Soviet-bloc countries). The most recent Championships in Slovakia attracted over 150 competitors from 19 nations. A listing of US participation in international competition is given elsewhere on this web site (Past US Teams).
But surely top-notch competition from around the world is only one attraction for those involved. There is also the opportunity for cultural exchange. The overseas trips are very relaxing, allowing one to really unwind. There is also plenty of time for the spirit of international cooperation, while enjoying some of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations. Of course, it wouldn't be the same without the chance to establish personal relationships with the locals.
