Getting Started with Rockets

How do model rockets work?

A model rocket works by burning a propellant and oxidizer through a nozzle at the base of the rocket. This burning creates a directional thrust which pushes the rocket skyward. The fins of the rocket, once an appropriate speed is reached, create the force required to keep the rocket pointed upward.

Where to buy model rockets?

If you are looking for where to buy model rockets, online stores like Apogee Rockets will have the largest selections, but they can also be found at some local hobby stores.

What model rocket can go the highest?

What model rocket goes the highest depends on a lot of factors. The mass of your rocket, the type and size of your propellant, and the aerodynamic flow. Due to the wide range of model rocket designs and capabilities, there is no specific model rocket kit that would go higher than any other model rocket. That being said, the Fathom II holds the record for the highest model rocket launch of 144,000 feet. It was designed and launched by a USC student organization called USCRPL

What is the highest model rocket?

The highest recorded model rocket flight was the Fathom II, constructed and flown by a team of USC students, this rocket reached about 144,000 feet or 27 miles in altitude!

What is the best model rocket?

The best model rocket varies depending on your goals. TARC competition teams use the goals of altitude, payload safety and recovery time which are all affected by the mass of the rocket, the rocket motor used and the style of recovery system. For beginners we recommend the Apogee Avion. For the more advanced rocketeers looking to get some NAR certifications, the Zephyr might be the perfect rocket for you!

What to expect when you launch your model rocket? Learn about the sequence of events that occur as your rocket is launched into the air. You'll also get other links that will give you further background information, so you can become a rocketry expert.

How to select the right rocket kit. Here are our guidelines for choosing the age-appropriate model for you students. Click Here.

Want to learn about rocketry from the experts? Check out all of the great articles in the
Peak of Flight index.

Beginning Model rocketry. Basic stuff like: Is this sport safe? How long has model rocketry been a sport? How many people participate in model rocketry? What does it cost to get started? What are the appropriate ages for someone interested in rocketry? Illustrations taken from the Estes Industries web site.

Here is an article on how to get started in model rocketry, and what to expect when you launch a rocket for the first time.

Intermediate guide to rocketry. What to do next after you have accomplished being a beginner; includes things like staging, clustering, and alternative recovery techniques.
Written by a UK club.

Beginner guide to rocketry from NASA.