The Orion is Luxurious and Speedy Space
Transportion for the Orbital Business Traveller.
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Kit Specifications:
Skill Level 3: Average Skills Needed
Length: 28.5" (72.4 cm)
Diameter: 2.217" (56.3 mm)
Weight (without motor): 4.76 oz (135 gm)
Recovery: 32" plastic parachute
ORDER This Kit NOW! Just click on the "Own It Today" button below.
DynaStar Orion Rocket Kit
P/N: 05029
Price: $36.24
Note: There is a $2.00 freight surcharge due to the large size of the shipping carton, and the additional cost of postage.
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Recommended Motors: See Chart Below.
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Motor
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Manufacturer
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Altitude (feet)
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Altitude (meters)
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Estes
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246
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75.0
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Estes
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481
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146.6
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Apogee
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1295
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394.7
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E9-4
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Estes
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895
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272.9
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Aerotech
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1070
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326.2
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Aerotech
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988
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298.0
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Aerotech Reloadable
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1144
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349
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Aerotech Reloadable
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1098
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335
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Aerotech Reloadable
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1255
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382
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Aerotech Reloadable
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1278
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389
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Aerotech Reloadable
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1270
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387
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See the video below for help in selecting rocket motors. Rocket motors are sold separately from the kit. If you are unsure which one to pick, start with the one recommended for the First Flight, and then another for a more impressive launch. Most motors listed in this chart are available through Apogee Components. For other motors that are not listed here, download the RockSim file to see if it will work in this rocket kit. See also Technical Publication #28 for guidance on selecting appropriate rocket engines other than those listed in this chart. If you don't already have Technincal Publication #28, give us a call, and we'll be happy to let you download it free (you have to ask though). |
Big model rockets don't have to look so boring and generic. Most mid-power have that look of just three-fins-and-a-nose cone. The Orion kit, designed by Shrox, breaks the mold and is actually an attractive looking larger rocket.
And even though it is big, that doesn't mean it is hard to assemble. It is actually an easy to build rocket. For example, the construction step you may spend more time on is assembling the nozzle on the back end of the model — which by most standards is pretty easy (a Skill Level 3 task). So you'll find yourselft flying this model in just a few hours of pleasurable building time.
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Awesome Flight Using Inexpensive Motors
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Unlike other mid-power rockets, the Orion Transport is designed to fly on the less expensive "D" size black-powder rocket motors. And it will give you the same performance as other mid-power kits that require "E" and "F" size composite propellant rocket motors.
How do you get the same performance using smaller motors? Simple: the DynaStar brand of rocket kits use thin-wall body tubes, which are significantly lighter. So the rocket doesn't need a big motor just to get it off the launch pad. You'll save money, because you don't necessarily need to buy larger rocket motors!
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History of This Rocket Kit
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In the Apogee Peak-of-Flight Newsletter (issue #78), rocket designer Shrox created a free plan of this neat looking rocket. It was personally one of our favorites, because it was easy to build and used easy to find parts. What we did was to take this basic design and upscale it to use the new 56mm diameter nose cone. We also gave it a new set of decals to give it extra pizzaz.
In issue #82, many readers of the newsletter wrote science fiction stories to go with the plans. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading the stories. They are very imaginative, and sometimes humourous. Click Here to download the issue.
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Futuristic space transportation is closer than you think. Not only will you be able to make a trip into space, buy you'll have the option of "luxury" accomadations. That is what the Orion transport is all about; it is a luxury liner for the business traveller.
Just image, in only a few more years, you could board a rocket transport to take you to an orbiting space hotel. It will be simlar to boarding an airplane. But the ride to space is far more spectacular.
The "Blue Barrier," as people call it, is one of the most talked about portions of the trip. That is where the sky turns from blue to black as you leave the earth's atmosphere. It is something you'll never forget as you ride the Orion Rocket Transport.
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Why is this a Skill Level 3 Rocket?
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There are only two steps in the rocket that require more than basic building skills. These are assembling the paper cone that is used as a simulated nozzle, and then painting the bottom of rocket. Since there is some masking involved to get the second color applied correctly, it does take a little extra care and patience. Otherwise, this is a simple to build model that you should be able to assemble as quick as any other beginner level rocket.
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Who Is DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets?
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This is a new brand of rockets dedicated to making exciting and unique rockets that use mid-power motors (sizes: D, E, and F).
It comes from Apogee Components, but is compeltely separate. That means they will be available in local hobby stores and internet sites soon. But if you can't wait that long, you can order right now here on this web site.
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Plastic Nose Cone - The smooth plastic nose cone requires no finishing other than a coat of paint. Its 5:1 ogive shape is very efficient for high speed rocket flights.
Colorful pressure-sensitive decals - It is easy to make this rocket great looking. Paint the bottom yellow, and the nose cone red. Then it is just a matter of applying the sticker-like decals that make the rocket awesome looking.
Die-cut balsa wood fins - Balsa wood is very lightweight and can be airfoiled by sanding, to reduce the drag forces on the kit. This makes the rocket zoom higher and faster into the sky.
The model also comes with a high-strength, Kevlar® Shock cord. Kevlar® is six times stronger than steel, and is also fire proof. It can easily withstand the high heat of ejection, ensuring the rocket descends as a single piece. This makes for a very durable rocket that can be launched again and again.
Large 1/4 inch Launch Lug - Because this is a bigger model, you'll have a larger lug on the side of the rocket. This is used with mid-power size launch rods, to stabilize the rocket so it doesn't sway in the wind prior to launch.
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The large 32" diameter plastic parachute that comes with the kit, brings the rocket down slowly for a nice soft touchdown. The canopy on the parachute is a colorful black and yellow, which is easy to see in the sky, and when it lands on the grass. You'll also find that the chute has tear-proof adhesive rings that reinforce the points on the canopy where the shroud lines attach. These greatly strengthen the parachute canopy, making it practically impossible to damage the parachute. Becuase this is a big rocket, the parachute is an octagon shape, instead of being a hexigon. Therefore, it has two more suspension lines, meaning it can carry a heavier rocket down to the ground.
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Tools needed to assemble this rocket kit:
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Masking Tape
- Hobby Knife
- Razor Saw
- Finishing Supplies like paint and sandpaper.
To Launch This Rocket Kit, You'll Also Need:
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Frequently Asked Questions about the DynaStar Orion kit:
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Q. Where can I buy the other motors in the chart, like the Estes E9-4 motor?
- A. Unfortunately, it is impractical for us to carry every single motor made. Especially since most of the motors are available in your local area. You'll need to do a web search to find a retailer near you that carries the motors. Also, we do not ship rocket motors outside of the USA.
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Q. I need help selecting motors. What should I do?
- A. Watch this YouTube video.
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To see how the rocket looks and performs with in each motor configuration, download the FREE demo version of RockSim
(click here). This kit is included as one of the sample designs that comes with the demo software. Both Windows and Macintosh versions are available.
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What is a RockSim Design file? The RockSim software gives you a lot of information about the flight characteristics of this rocket: how high, how fast, where it will land, how will it react to wind, etc. The "design file" is intended to save you time. All the parameters (size, shape, weight, fin design, etc.) of this rocket have already been entered into the RockSim program, and saved as an electronic database file. You can just open it up in your copy of RockSim and start loading different rocket motors to run launch simulations. It's fun and educational to see the rocket zoom skyward, even before you built it. For more information about RockSim,
click here.
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What is expected when you launch your model rocket?
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Are you new to rocketry? Do you think you know what happens when you launch your rocket? Now you can learn about the events that occur as your rocket is launched into the air. So when you launch your rocket, you'll be prepared and you'll be able to show off your knowledge to observers watching your rocket. This article also gives you links to other references that will give you even more background information about rocketry, so you can become a true rocket scientist and expert.
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"I would simply say your responsiveness, customer care and support are the best I have ever experienced. I can't help but feel that Tim and the people who work for him have a sincere interest in making their customers happy and having them be successful. To me it shows in every interaction I have ever had with Apogee. Again, thank you for the great products, top of the line quality and superior customer service provided by Apogee Components."
-- Bob Schoner
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Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber. Only DuPont makes KEVLAR®
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Shipping and Handling Fees:
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To estimate the shipping charges, please see our shipping information page. This page also explains how items are shipped, as well as offering you additional shipping options.
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