The Challenger 498 Rocketry Club is made up of members in the Northwest areas of Houston and the surrounding areas (Katy, Humble, Tomball, Cypress, etc.). Challenger 498 is an officially chartered section of the National Association of Rocketry

Soon after the loss of the shuttle Challenger in 1986, some of the rocketry types in the NW Houston area began to get together to fly rockets. In 1988, John and Connie Pursley and Terry White formed the Challenger 498 rocket club which remained active off and on until 2003. Between 1988 and 2003 John and Terry (along with others such as Dan Stuettgen) competed in NAR competition on behalf of Challenger 498.

Challenger 498 normally has one official club launch per month, year round. We also try to have additional launches in support of special functions, competitions or visiting groups. Visitors, spectators and prospective members are welcome at club launches and meetings.

 Challenger welcomes model rocketeers of all ages. We do not require that you belong to the NAR in order to join our group. However, for serious rocketeers, we do encourage NAR membership. Many members do belong to the NAR and some members belong to both the NAR and the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA). Both organizations provide a tremendous amount of new resources, availability to certify for High Power Rocketry (HPR) and extremely important insurance coverage.

Feel free to continue visiting this web site for new and updated listings of activities and resources for building, launching and recovering your rockets!