Rockets
Initiator Starter Set
This starter kit has been the standard introduction to high-power rocketry (motor types H and above) for 20 years, and for good reason. The Initiator rocket is big (39″), looks sharp, and can handle a wide variety of motors with its 29mm reloadable motor casing. You can put the kit together in an evening with 5-minute […]
Compressed Air Rockets Kit
I was looking for something to do with the kids. They raved about how much fun the rocket launching was at Maker Faire, so I brought some of that fun home with this kit, which is based on Rick Schertle’s project from MAKE Volume 15. The kit is an easy build, one or two hours […]
Astra 1
Hobby rocketry leader Estes Industries makes more than a dozen inexpensive launch sets (launch pad/rod, launch controller) for beginners, but their included rockets are either pre-built or not much of a challenge. For a good first build, I’d instead suggest the Quest Astra 1. Its balsa fins are mounted “through the wall,” making it easy […]
Hi-Tech H45
If you want a more challenging high-power build experience, I like the Hi-Tech H45 kit. It’s big (2.63″ diameter and 49″ tall), with sturdy plywood fins and a durable plastic nose cone, and it can handle motor types F through I. I got my first high-power certification on this model back in 1990. Good times!
Big Daddy
A few rungs up the ladder toward high power is Estes’ Big Daddy, a chunky, 3″- diameter model. While designed for D and E solid rocket motors, it can easily handle AeroTech’s 24mm F motors. It’s not much more difficult to build than the Astra, but bear in mind that an E motor has up to […]
