Quality and Affordability

The Sky Launch Pad is similar to the classic Estes launch pad. The difference (besides being less costly) is the super-tuff plastic it is made from, and the galvanized-steel blast deflector. These two things mean it will take much more abuse and last longer!

This pad comes with a three-piece rod (1/8 inches in diameter) that works with all the kits with a 1/8 inch launch rod. YES -- Most every kit that we sell, except the mid-power models, can use this launch pad and controller.

The Sky Launch Controller is a Chinese reproduction of a classic American rocket launch controller. The big differences are that it uses a LED instead of a burn-out prone light-bulb, and it is less expensive. It's also pre-assembled and almost ready to use. Just drop in four AA size batteries, and your ready to launch any standard rocket motor from Estes or Quest. This controller is recommended for smaller kits.

The launch pad is used to hold the rocket in the launch position so it won't tip over in a breeze. Every launch pad contains a 3 foot long launch rod that guides the model until it reaches a flight speed where the fins are effective in controlling the direction of the model. Never fly a rocket without a launch rod to guide the rocket at liftoff.

The SKY pad holds a standard 1/8 inch diameter launch rod, which can be used for most any small rockets, including those from Apogee Components and Estes. It will support most small rockets - that use a C engine or smaller. It can also accept a 3/16 inch diameter launch rod for bigger or heavier models (Note: a 3/16 inch diameter rod is not included - sometimes called the maxi-rod by Estes Industries).

Also included is a safety-rod cap. This cap is placed on the rod until the rocket is ready to launch.

This pad is made from super tough plastic - I've seen the legs of other launch pads snap off because of brittle plastic. I'm not sure what kind of plastic this pad is made from, but it seems more flexible and tougher.

Swivel Tilt Adjustment. - Yep, you can tilt the launch rod without propping it up on a big rock, or other plastic doohickey.

Galvanized Steel Blast Deflector - Used to keep the flame of the motor from impinging on the grass below the pad.

3-Piece launch rod made from high-strength steel. With three pieces, the rod can be stored in a smaller box, which makes it great for traveling to and from the launch site. And all three pieces are the same diameter, so the top half of the rod is not wimpy. This means a bit of added safety for slightly larger or heavier models.

The SKY launch pad is part of an inexpensive launch system that will give you years of use.

If you are having trouble putting together the launch rod itself, please watch this video:

LED Continuity Light - When you hook up the clips to your igniter and insert the safety key, the continuity light comes on to tell you that your rocket is ready to launch. The bright LED doesn't drain batteries as fast as a light bulb used on some other controllers. So you'll get more launches from each set of batteries.

Safety Key actually looks like a key - This is important when you are launching with small children. You can say pull out the key, and they will know exactly what you are talking about. With other controllers, kids sometimes don't understand that the peg is the key; it can be very confusing for them.

Uses AA size batteries which are readily available in most stores.

Includes 16.5 feet of wire so you can stand far enough back for safety when you launch the rocket.

Q. Can the Sky Launch Controller fire the Quest "Q2" and the new "Q2G2" igniters?

A. Yes. Click Here for more information about the Quest igniters.

Q. Can this pad be used to launch bigger mid-power size models?

A. No. It is intended for smaller rockets (like beginner level models). For bigger models, you'll need a longer launch rod. We offer a couple of choices, the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad, and the Estes Porta Pad-E.

Q. Can I use the Sky launch controller with the Estes Porta-Pad^® "E" launch pad?

A. Yes. But the length of the wires on the Sky controller are 16.5 feet long. When you fly larger engines, you need to move back further for extra safety. In that case, I recommend the Pratt Hobbies GO-Box launch controller specifically because it has longer wires. Click Here for more information.

Piston Launchers - Get another 5% increase in altitude just by launching from a piston launcher! A piston launcher converts the hot exhaust gases from the rocket engine into high-pressure that kicks the rocket into the air at a faster velocity. Two sizes available for either 18mm or 24mm rocket engines.