Rocketry FAQ

Model rocketry is one of the safest outdoor activities in the world. Over 315 million model rockets have been launched since 1958.  A wealth of information is available from this site and other sites to ensure your launch experience is safe, educational and fun!

The cost of entry into rocketry is surprisingly low.  Simple rockets fit almost any budget.  Additionally, many communities have rocketry clubs, which hold regular launch events where they provide the launching pads and associated materials for a successful launch (not to mention any local permits with city and county governments).

Once you are established in the hobby a variety of affordable launch sets are available.  Yes its true you can spend a lot of money on the most elaborate equipment but loads of fun can be had for a small investment.

Model rockets are designed for repeated use.  Once a rocket is launched and recovered, repack the rocket with wadding, replace the spent engine casing and insert a new engine, igniter and igniter.  Finally, refold and insert the parachute or streamer and you are ready for another launch.

Launch regulations vary from state to state. We recommend you visit the National Association of Rocketry website where you can find information about local clubs  and the NAR Model Rocketry Safety Code.

Generally speaking, you most educator level model rockets may be flown on school property in a clear area the size of a football field or soccer field. Launch in little or no wind and make sure there is no dry grass close to the launch pad or in the flying field.  Remember; always check your state and local government regulations to ensure your launch is compliant with government regulations.  A safe launch is a fun launch!

If you're a first timer, then you definitely want to begin with a starter set. Rocket starter sets include the model rocket, engine, launch pad and all of the supplies you need to get launched. Other beginner rockets are ready-to-fly (RTF) rockets and E2X (easy to assemble) kits but with these kits you will still need to purchase engines and all of the launch supplies. A starter set provides you with all of the required components.

The approximate altitude for each engine with a typical 1oz. model rocket: 1/2A6-2: 190 feet; A8-3: 450 feet; B6-4: 750 feet; C6-5: 1000 feet. These are guidelines only and actual altitude can vary up to +/-25%.

We would love to assist with your 'Rocket Day.' Based on your requirements, here is the bulk pack that we recommend, Estes Generic E2X (EST1764). These are easy to assemble, sold in bulk packs of 12 and can also be customized with paint, decals or markers. In terms of the motors, we recommend the following bulk packs in A8-3 (EST1781). These come in a pack of 24 so you will need at least two packs. You will also need a launch pad (EST302215), launch controller (EST302220), wood glue (ELG7000), plastic cement (TES3516) and AA Batteries (EHAA4). Please keep in mind that rocket motors can take 10-14 business days for delivery - so the sooner you place your order the better!

The Estes Alpha III Launch Set (part #EST1427) is a great set for scouts in a short time. It's a starter set so it includes all of the launch supplies you need. For the other rockets, you can buy a Alpha III bulk pack (EST1751), which will provide savings by purchasing in bulk. In addition, you can purchase the recommended A8-3 bulk motors (EST1781) which includes engines, recovery wadding and igniters. Don't forget that you will also need wood glue (ELG7000) and plastic cement (TES3516) to complete the model rocket.

For a group that size, we recommend at least 2-3 launch pads. There is great fun in lining up the rockets side by side so the scouts can see which one will go the highest.   In terms of kits, the Estes Alpha III bulk pack and the Estes E2X Generic bulk packs are among our most popular for your type of group.

If the rocket has wooden fins, the best glue is Titebond Original Wood Glue #5062. It dries much quicker and stronger than white glue. Flash-curing glue (super glue) doesn't have the shear strength for gluing fins onto the rocket tube and shouldn't be used. If you need quick repair emergency glue for fins, then a very small amount of 2-part epoxy glue can be used. Be aware that this glue is heavy, and can change the weight balance of the rocket, causing an unstable flight.

You mean the letters and numbers like A8-3. In this example, the letter indicates the total impulse or total power produced by the engine. Each succeeding letter has twice the power of the previous letter, for example, 'B' engines have twice the power of 'A' engines. The first number next to the letter (in an A8-3 engine, this would be the number 8), shows the engine's average thrust in newtons, or the average push exerted by the engine. The second number after the dash give you the delay in seconds between the end of thrusting and the ejection charge. This lets you choose the delay time you want for any flight. Engine types ending in '0' have no delay or ejection charge and are for use in booster stages only.

On each rocket kit or starter set page, we list the recommended engines to use. Each manufacturer also lists the recommended engines on the instructions of the model rocket.

Almost all Estes and Quest motors are made from a black powder propellant with a paper casing. These very durable motors can be used safely for many years, sometimes decades, especially if stored properly.

Motors are best if stored in a cool, dry place away from heat. Extreme heat exposure can cause a motor malfunction (the motor expands when exposed to high heat, and when it cools, the propellant separates from the paper casing, causing an internal increase in pressure when used). Extreme humidity can also cause a motor malfunction (the dampness causes the clay motor nozzle to soften and blow out when used). A zip lock bag for storing the motors should keep away most moisture.

If you need to dispose of a model rocket motor, first soak it in water. The casings will unwrap and the black powder propellant will fall apart, rendering the motor useless and safe to throw away.

An igniter is a device used to ignite a rocket engine. An igniter element is a strip of resistance wire with a coating of pyrotechnic material on it. In the system it performs like a resistor in an electrical circuit. As electricity passes through micro-clips connected to the igniter, the igniter begins to glow and give off heat. The pyrotechnic material coating is ignited and is the last step in the ignition. Igniters must be installed so that the coating is touching the dark-colored propellant grain. If the igniter is not touching the grain, this could cause a misfire.

Yes, C engines are too powerful for Cubs, and we recommend 1/2A, A, and maybe B engines for beginner flights. With these engines, rockets will fly high, but not too high, and the scouts get their prized possession back.

Estes rockets will work with Quest launch systems.

That is a simple question but one that requires some explanation. Both Quest and Estes make standard rocket motors of the same size (18mm x 70mm), and they are interchangeable. These motors are designated 1/2A6, A6, A8, B4, B6, and C6. Also of note, the Quest A6-4 and the Estes A8-3 are for all purposes considered the same motor. Both companies also make mini and/or large motors. Those generally are not interchangeable. Igniters are interchangeable in regards to motors, but are not interchangeable in regards to launch controllers. Estes igniters will work with either Estes or Quest launch controllers. Quest Q2G2 igniters should only be used with Quest launch controllers. Using a Quest Q2G2 igniter with an Estes launch controller can cause an uncontrolled launch of the rocket. All Quest rockets use a standard launch rod of 1/8 inch. Estes rockets using mini or standard motors also use the 1/8 inch launch rod. Estes rockets using "D" or "E" motors require a thicker launch rod of 3/16" (maxi-rod). Quest launch pads will only handle the 1/8 inch rod. The Estes standard launch pad will handle either the 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch launch rod.

Yes, the Estes E launch controller can be used on all Estes engines. The Estes E launch controller has longer and thicker wires (30 feet) and it delivers more current to the igniter(s) than the shorter (17 feet) standard Estes Electron beam controller. It can also fire 2 or 3 Estes engine igniters in a cluster.

No, a standard Estes Electron Beam controller will not work with Estes E engines. E motors require you to be 30 feet away per the Safety Code. At that distance, the thinner wire in the standard Estes Electron Beam controller has too much resistance to deliver enough power 30 feet. The E controller has MUCH thicker wire and allows more current to flow all the way out to the igniter.

You would be looking for the 18mm diameter D power reload (same size as an Estes C motor). Aerotech no longer makes this size reload available to us. It may still be available directly from Aerotech. You would need the RMS-18/20 reload casing, and the proper reload pack depending on the rocket being flown.

The rocket needs to be built extra strong to withstand the greater launch forces. The launch control would need to have more power to fire the igniter, and longer wire so that you are farther away from the launch pad. The aluminum reload casings generally last a long time (it should for its $30 cost). The propellant reload portion is like any other motor, one use only (about $3 a flight).