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Apogee Components
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Skill Level 2
Huge "See-Through" Payload Bay

Kit Specifications:

Skill Level 2: Previous Experience Suggested,
but Not Required.
Length: 39" (99.06 cm)
Diameter: 2.217" (56.3 mm)
Weight (without motor): 7.1 oz (201.4 gm)
Recovery: 32" plastic parachute

ORDER This Kit NOW! Just click on the "Own It Today" button below.

Rising Star Payload Rocket Kit
P/N: 05027
Price: $40.78

Price: $40.78    Quantity:

Note: There is a $2.00 freight surcharge due to the large size of the shipping carton, and the additional cost of postage.

Recommended Motors: See Chart Below.

Predicted Altitude (From RockSim)
Motor
Manufacturer
Altitude (feet)
Altitude (meters)
Estes
175
53.5
Estes
441
98.4
E9-4
Estes
995
303.3
Aerotech
1392
424.4
Aerotech
1369
417.5
Aerotech Reloadable
1483
452
Aerotech Reloadable
1480
451
Aerotech Reloadable
1565
477
Aerotech Reloadable
1756
535
Aerotech Reloadable
1828
557
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).

Rising Star

The Rising Star rocket kit from DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets is a beautiful introduction into the realm of mid-size rockets. It is easy to build, uses readily available "D" and "E" size rocket motors, and is a real eye-catching model that is sure to get you noticed whenever you launch it.

The big clear-plastic payload bay is what makes this model unique. It is large enough to fit almost any size payload -- even two raw eggs. Of course, you can launch other payloads as well, like an altimeter to measure how high your rocket flies; or launch a strobe light or buzzer to help you locate the rocket once it has landed.

You can even fly non-electronic payloads that are flown just for fun. Try launching a toy action figure, and make it into an astronaut. Or launch a dozen jumping grasshoppers, and see how they react to the sudden burst of speed and altitude. And you can see it, right through the clear tube! Whatever you launch, it is going to make your launch even more exciting.

While this is a big rocket, it is easy to build: it is only ranked as a skill level two in difficulty. It can be assembled by anyone that has built any other model rocket kit.

Lift-off of the Rising Star Payloader
Big Performance on Inexpensive Motors

Unlike other mid-power rockets, the Rising Star 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!

The lighter weight rockets allow the rocket to fly faster and higher. It also gives some margin for carrying some payload in the cargo bay.

Why is this a Skill Level 2 Rocket?
Because it is big, that doesn't mean this is a harder rocket to assemble. It has all the same classic parts you are familiar with that are used in smaller rockets. In this rocket, those parts are just a bit bigger. In fact, because the parts are bigger, they are easier to handle by kids!

Assembly is easy - Just watch the video! - We've created a series of FREE quicktime videos that you can watch right now to see how easy this type of kit is to put together. By watching these videos, you'll learn some of the basic techniques you can use on other rockets too. You'll find these videos at our "getting started" page. Check it out!

Avion build session.

Who Is DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets?

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.

Kit Features

Clear Plastic Payload Tube - This is largest see-through payload tube ever made for rocketry! Whatever payload you put into the rocket, you can see while it is sitting on the launch pad. So you can check on its condition right before you launch the rocket.

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.

Create Awesome Smoke Stacks!

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.

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.

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:

Frequently Asked Questions about the DynaStar Rising Star kit:

Q. What launch pad should I use to launch this rocket kit?

A. Since this is a big rocket, you'll need very stable launch pad. We offer a couple of choices: the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad, and the Estes Porta Pad-E.
Estes Mid-Power Launch Pad

Q. What launch controller can I use to ignite the motors?

A. We offer two different controllers that can be used for mid-power size rockets. The Aerotech Interlock and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.
Interlock Launch Controller
Estes e-launch controller

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.

Q. I need help selecting motors. What should I do?

A. Watch this YouTube video.

Download the RockSim design file for this kit. Click Here to download.

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.

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. You can open this design using the FREE demo version of RockSim, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

What is expected when you launch your model rocket?
Flight Events

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.

Actual Customer Comment:

"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

Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of aramid fiber. Only DuPont makes KEVLAR®
Customer Service Standing By

We're Here To Help You

Our Tel: 719-535-9335
(Talk to a real person)

Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 5.00pm

After Hours:
please e-mail

Apogee Components, Inc.
3355 Fillmore Ridge Hts.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
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How to get started in Rocketry.
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This page last updated on: 05/08/09