Families and science fans will have their eyes on the skies this month when more than 50 rockets launch into the air at the 2025 Public Rocket Launch Spectacular in Cedar Grove.
Presented by the Queensland Rocketry Society Inc. (QRS), the event will take off on Sunday 9 November 9, from 9am to 1pm at the group’s launch site on Cedar Grove Road.
It’s the club’s flagship public event – a chance for spectators to see everything from small hobby rockets to large, high-powered models soaring hundreds or even thousands of feet into the air.
QRS president Len Forsyth said the society had been running since 2007 and now counts up to 80 members from across south-east Queensland.
“We normally launch somewhere between 30 to 50 rockets every month,” he said.
“They range in size from about 30 centimetres to quite large rockets, made from materials like cardboard tubes to more exotic ones like carbon fibre.”
While the launches are spectacular to watch, Mr Forsyth said the real value was in the problem-solving and engineering involved.
“It’s really a whole series of problem-solving and engineering processes that go into building and flying rockets,” he said.
“We believe it’s great for young children to become involved in.”
Mr Forsyth first joined the club years ago when helping his son, then in Year 8, build his first rocket.
Today, the club draws people from all walks of life – from IT professionals to doctors, dentists, and hobbyists – with members travelling from as far as Toowoomba and Brisbane’s north side.
“It’s a pretty broad group of people,” Mr Forsyth said.
For families attending the November event, there will be plenty of chances to get hands-on.
“Rockets range from relatively simple ones that young students and parents can build together, through to more complex designs,” Mr Forsyth said.
“It’s an activity we really encourage families to get involved in.”
The 2025 Public Rocket Launch Spectacular is open to the public and free to attend.
Details and visitor information are available at queenslandrocketry.com/2025-november-launch-spectacular.
