COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 6, 2007) - Apogee Components has released the new RS-PRO rocket simulation software which allows aerospace researchers to predict the performance of suborbital rockets flying to the edge of space (altitudes up to 392 miles) and speeds up to ten times the speed of sound (Mach 10).

Company president, Tim Van Milligan said, "The RS-PRO software is necessary because it predicts the rocket's trajectory going up, and where the wind might push it when it comes back down to the ground. Without this information, the researcher won't get permission to launch from government officials like the Federal Avaiation Administration."

RS-PRO is an upgrade to Apogee's other software, "RockSim." The major difference is that RS-PRO has a sophisticated 6 Degree-Of-Freedom flight simulator that allows the rocket's position be calculated in relation to the rotating, spherical earth. With it, the researcher can get a visual representation of the trajectory of the rocket from lift-off to touchdown. The software also allows the researcher to insert up to 18 different variables into the launch, such as varying wind speed and shifting wind direction. By doing this, a probable landing zone can be predicted. This landing area can be cleared of spectators, so that a safer launch can be ensured.

One of the unique features of the software is that it allows rockets to be simulated with an initial velocity vector and altitude, such as being launched by an aircraft. This makes it useful for a wide variety of research and military applications. Because of this, RS-PRO is only available to USA citizens.

Besides providing flight simulations, the new software also incorporates RockSim's easy-to-use rocket design interface. By marrying the simulator to the design interface, the researcher can quickly make the necessary modifications to the rocket create the optimum configuration that meets the objectives of the mission. That saves tremendous amounts of time, and prevents costly modifications that may be necessary to the actual vehicle.

RS-PRO is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers, and can read all standard RockSim design files.

For more information about RS-PRO, visit the Apogee Components web site at: http://www.ApogeeRockets.com/RS-PRO.asp

• RS-PRO Software

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 30, 2007) - Apogee Components is now carrying a liquid/gel epoxy that comes in convenient pouches that make emergency repairs quick and easy. The pouches contain both the resin and the hardener, and can be mixed together without any messy goo oozing all over the place. It is just a itty-bitty amount, so there is never any waste. It stores easily in a small range-box, or a kitchen drawer for those repairs around the house.

For more information on this new product, visit http://www.apogeerockets.com/react-a-pack.asp

• React-a-Pack Epoxy Pouches

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 24, 2006) - Apogee Components has just released an easy-to-build rocket called the Diamondback. The rocket features laser-cut balsa fins with a double-trapazoid shape with a triangular opening that is totally unique in model rocketry. It also sports colorful graphics designed by famed artist "Shrox." It uses readily available "regular" size rocket motors (A, B, and C's), and it capable of flying over 1100 feet using the Apogee D10 rocket motor.

For more information on the new kit, visit http://www.apogeerockets.com/Diamondback.asp

• Diamondback Rocket Kit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 12, 2006) - Apogee Components has announced a new grant program that will give one recipient a certificate of $300 toward Apogee's model rocket products. The grant, which is to be awarded January, is being set up as an annual program to allow many groups the opportunity to win the award.

Apogee Components President Tim Van Milligan said, "I'm excited about this new program. Not only does it give desperately needed money to a deserving group, but I feel that this will help spread rocketry to people that have never launched rockets before."

To be eligible, individuals or groups must submit a written proposal to Apogee Components describing how they will use the money to help spread the hobby of rocketry. From these proposals, one winner will be chosen to receive a certificate good for $300 worth of merchandise from Apogee Components.

The deadline for proposal submissions is November 30th, with the winner being notified by January 1. For more information on submission guidelines, interested parties should visit: http://www.apogeerockets.com/rocket_grant_money.asp or by calling Apogee Components at: (719) 535-9335.

• Rocketry Grant Program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 14, 2006) - DynaStar Mid-Power Model Rockets announced today the release of two new kits based on the BT-80 size body tube. They are the Sky Torpedo, and the 45 inch long Grappler. The Sky Torpedo is rated as a Skill Level 3 build because of the complex paint scheme; otherwise it is rather easy to make. The Grappler rocket is also easy to build, and is rated as a Skill Level 2.

Both rockets are designed to be flown on "D"-size black powder rocket motors. They also feature a large 32 inch diameter parachute, and metal engine hooks that allow engines to be swapped out in seconds between flights. The instructions are loaded with high quality illustrations, a hallmark of the DynaStar line of kits, which makes them easy and pleasurable to assemble.

• For more information about the Sky Torpedo, click here.
  
  
• For more information about the Grappler, click here.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 14, 2006) - Apogee Components has just released a new "generic" vacuum-formed corrugated plastic wrap that is used to make rockets look like real NASA-style launchers. The corrugations simulate the structural ribs (called stringers) used on real rockets to join the fuel and oxidizer tanks together. These new plastic wraps are purely decorative, but they can be used to hide the joint where two body tubes come together.

"To make a really distinctive rocket, nothing is quicker and easier than adding textured vacuum-formed wraps," said Tim Van Milligan of Apogee Components. "In just seconds, you'll turn a simple 3-fins-and-a-nose-cone type rocket into a stunning looking model that others will really admire. There are so few models with texture on them, that they really stand apart from every-day kit models."

To use these new wraps, the modeler simply cuts the strips of corrugations out of the plastic, trims them to the right length, and glues them down to the tube. There are a number of everyday glues that can be used, including plastic-safe CyA adhesive.

What makes them generic is that the wrap only contains "corrugations." They do not have any other bumps and buldges, such as the vacuum-formed wraps used on the Saturn V kit. So this new product allows the modeler to add a little texture without going too extreme.

Since these corrugations are made from styrene plastic, they can be sanded and painted to match the rocket's overall color scheme. Plus, the product actually contains two different spacings between the stringers: tight and loose. Both varieties are sized to fit around a 4-inch diameter tube, and can be trimmed for smaller rockets. For more information, click here.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 18, 2005) - DynaStar Mid-Power Model Rockets announced today the release of a new kit, the "Rip-Roar." The Skill Level 3 rocket can be flown as a single or two-stage configuration, and is capable of flying over 1500 feet on "D"-size black powder rocket motors. It comes with colorful flame-graphics, a large 32 inch diameter parachute, and metal engine hooks that allow engines to be swapped out in seconds between flights. The instructions are loaded with high quality illustrations, a hallmark of the DynaStar line of kits, which makes them easy and pleasurable to assemble. This rocket (2.2 inches in diameter, and 28.5 inches tall) is unique in that the booster stage tumbles to the ground, and doesn't need a separate recovery device. This is practically unheard of with such a big rocket. For more information, click here.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 19, 2005) - Apogee Components announced today that it has added "Spring-Steel" engine retainer hooks to its product line. While most manufacturers choose stainless steel for their engine hooks because they look shiny and are cheap to produce, Apogee choose the stronger and springy spring-steel as its material. Tim Van Milligan of Apogee said, "Yea, they are more expensive to produce, but we felt that it was a safety issue. We don't want engines popping out of rocket instead of parachutes." Apogee is introducing these engine retainer hooks at prices comparable to manufacturers that only offer stainless-steel hooks. (click here for more information)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 29, 2005) - The Space Foundation announced today that it has certified RockSim, model rocket design and simulation software from Apogee Components, as a Certified Space Educational Product. This certification indicates to educators and parents that RockSim can be used... (Click here to read the rest of this release)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 11, 2005) - The new RockSim v8 software has been released Apogee Components and it is available for immediate download. The software allows modelers and educators to design any size model rocket, and then to simulate how high these might fly. What's new? The software is now available for either Windows or Macintosh computers, and can simulate both.. (Click here to read the rest of this release)

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