Model Rockets…Anything You Need To Know!
3…2…1…BLAST OFF!!!
A Model Rocket is a (small) scale rocket, but some can be several feet tall, which can be launched by anyone, making this hobby a very popular hobby among children. These rockets are usually constructed of cardboard, plastic, wood, and other lightweight materials. And don’t require many building Supplies They are launched on a Launch Pad, and powered by a powerful engine, it’s returns safely to Earth by the recovery system to be launched again and again.
Building and launching these models is a very exciting and educational experience. Products offered vary from rockets that are (RTF) ready to fly to Kits to fantastic 3-stage rockets. Lessons can be learned from rocketry include basic modeling skills, basics of aerodynamics, to advanced math and physics concepts.
Origins of Model Rocketry
The origin of these rockets is attributed to Orville Carlisle, who built the first stable rocket engine in 1954. The quality and safety of the engine allowed for the expansion of the hobby as children (Young & Old) no longer needed to build their own rocket engines.
See The Model Rocket Safety Code Here.
G. Harry Stine, built and flew these small rockets in the late 1950′s with these new engines. His experience lead to the writing of the Handbook of Homemade Rocketry, which is today still the primary resource for rocketry.
Anatomy of a Rocket
Most rockets consists of the same basic building components or parts.
The Body Tube forms the main frame of the rocket and holds the nose cone in place. The rocket fins at the base of the rocket provide stability during launch. A launch lug (a small guide tube) is attached to the body tube near the center of gravity for the rocket.
Inside the rocket, is the Recovery System, usually a parachute or streamer, used to help the rocket land softly. Also on the interior of the rocket is the engine mount which holds the rocket engine from shooting through the main body tube.
Most Rocket Hobbyists are introduced to model rockets at an young age, and many keep that passion a lifetime and pass their love for it on to their own children. And that was the history of rocketry. A rocketry program is a perfect match for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, school field days, summer camps, church youth groups, birthday parties,science fair projects or simply introducing your own child to model rocketry.
Most every rocket kit is designed with the student in mind. Most kits are pretty easy to build and are designed for reliable, stable flight. They come with detailed instructions on how to build the model and how to launch the rocket safely.
The lessons that can be taught by a rocketry program and science fair projects are plentiful. The building of the rocket teaches basic modeling skills such as following detailed directions, preparing the model to be built, how to glue a project together, and much, much more. The launching of the rocket teaches safety first since a rocket engines must be treated with respect. Advanced lessons can be taught in aerodynamics, geometry, algebra, and physics(You teachers out there).
How to Choose a Rocket(Model)
Catalog Listings
*RTF/ARF
*Beginner
*Experienced
*Advanced
*Expert
One of the most important factors in choosing one is how much time you have to build the rocket, and how involved should the assembly be. To help with this, the manufacturers have a set of Skill Level standards, ranging from 1 (the easiest) to 4 (the hardest).
Another thing to consider is cost. Part of the product lines are bulk packs, which contain multiple rockets (usually 12 per box), which provide significant cost savings when buying them in bulk. If someone is just starting to get into rocketry, then the Model Rocket Starter Set is a awesome option as it combines the model rocket, a launch system (Launch pad and controller), and the rocket engines. Everything needed to build and launch a rocket.
The most exciting option is the amount of model rockets available! There are hundreds of rocket kits to choose from many different Manufacturers. Each offering a unique design, look, or flight style.
All there is to say is 3-2-1 Happy Launching
National Association of Rocketry ( Model Rockets )
