| Rocketry 101 |
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| This is the place to find some neat information and free stuff about the hobby of model rocketry. Please note some information may be outdated, but still can be of some use. |
| Components of a Typical Model Rocket |
| Typical Organized Launch Site Layout |
1. Tracker 1
2. Tracker 2
3. Range Safety Officer
4. Data Recording Table
5. Preparation Table
6. Recovery Team
7. Launch Control Officer
8. National or Club Flag
9. Range-In-Operation Pennant (optional)
10. Observers or Students
11. Parking Area (optional)
12. Launch Pad
2. Tracker 2
3. Range Safety Officer
4. Data Recording Table
5. Preparation Table
6. Recovery Team
7. Launch Control Officer
8. National or Club Flag
9. Range-In-Operation Pennant (optional)
10. Observers or Students
11. Parking Area (optional)
12. Launch Pad
| Model Rocket Safety Code |
1.) Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose,
body, and fins of my rocket.
2.)Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket
motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any
purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.
3.)Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch
system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a
safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch
switch that returns to the "off" position when released.
4.)Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of
my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety
interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the
last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
5.)Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will
ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at
least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and
30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety
or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight
and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a
safe distance.
6.)Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail
that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the
rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent
the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye
injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above
eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.
7.)Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53
ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces)
of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my
model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has
more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and
comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.
8.)Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or
near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in
my rocket.
9.)Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at
least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather
conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will
ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the
launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
10.)Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a
streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and
undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant
or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
11.)Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from
power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
body, and fins of my rocket.
2.)Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket
motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any
purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.
3.)Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch
system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a
safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch
switch that returns to the "off" position when released.
4.)Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of
my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety
interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the
last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
5.)Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will
ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at
least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and
30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety
or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight
and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a
safe distance.
6.)Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail
that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the
rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent
the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye
injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above
eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.
7.)Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53
ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces)
of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my
model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has
more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and
comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.
8.)Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or
near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in
my rocket.
9.)Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at
least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather
conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will
ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the
launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
10.)Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a
streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and
undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant
or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
11.)Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from
power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
| Recommended Launch Area Minimum Launch Site Dimension for Circular Area is Diameter in Feet, and for Rectangular Area is Shortest Side in Feet. Choose a large field away from power lines, buildings, tall trees, and low-flying aircraft. The larger the launch area, the better your chance of recovering your rocket. Football fields, parks, and playgrounds are great. This diagram shows the smallest recommended launch areas. |
| MAKE SURE THE LAUNCH AREA IS FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS, DRY WEEDS, BROWN GRASS, OR HIGHLY FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. Launch only during calm weather with little or no wind and good visibility. |
| In addition to the downloaded pattern and instructions, you will need the following components to stabilize and launch/recover your Midnight Express model rocket kit: 12" - 18" Shock Cord material 18" Crepe Paper Streamer 12" Cotton Button Thread Masking Tape Clay Weight |
| In addition to the downloaded pattern and instructions, you will need the following components to stabilize and launch/recover your CAUTION! Rocket Launch In Progress! model rocket kit: 12" - 18" Shock Cord material 18" Crepe Paper Streamer 12" Cotton Button Thread Masking Tape Clay Weight |
| Online library of various rocketry resources. |
| Free Model Rocket Downloads Courtesy of: |
| Copyright 2007 Estes-Cox Corporation. All rights reserved. |
