I get a lot of emails from people who have just discovered that hobby rocketry exists and are wondering how they can go about getting started.
The best place to start with rocketry is in a class known as LPR, or Low Power Rocketry, Low Power Rocketry is the most popular form of rocketry throughout the world and for good reason. Low power rocketry is extremely well supported by a large number of manufacturers and there are literally hundreds of different kits that you can purchase and build. Low Power Rocketry is also a very affordable place to kick-start your new hobby. So what do you need to get started?
The first thing you will usually need is a Launch Pad & Launch Controller. Rocketry has a great safety record and much of this has to do with the fact that rockets are ignited electrically from a safe distance via a battery operated launch controller. You will also need a launch pad which usually consists of a launch rod, a blast deflector and some legs to keep everything stable. The purpose of the launch rod is to guide your rocket in the correct direction (up!) and the blast deflector acts as a shield to prevent hot particles and flames from contacting the ground. There are several launch systems on the market such as the Estes launch system, the Quest launch system or the Sky System which you can purchase from us.
Sky Launch System includes the following;
- Swivel tilt adjustment head which can accept 1/8" or 3/16" launch rods.
- 3 piece 1/8" launch rod.
- Galvanised steel blast deflector plate.
- Launch controller with LED continuity check for long life. Safety key is included.
- Safety cap for launch rod.
- Controller accepts 4 AA batteries (not included) and has a wire length of 16.5ft.
Of course a great launch system isn't a lot of fun if you don't have a rocket to launch. I get emails asking for help on choosing a good first rocket and we can offer a large selection that are suitable. For children under 12 a skill level one or skill level two kit is the perfect place to start. For teenagers and adults it doesn't hurt to start with a skill level one or skill level two, but most people who can read and follow basic instructions can easily complete a skill level three kit. We have a huge range so I would suggest you simply choose what design appeals to you the most and falls within the selected skill level you are aiming for.
Rockets are powered by a rocket engine or rocket motor. For entry class rockets you will be using a single-use engine. For a first rocket you should consider something you can launch on a 18mm Estes engine. The most common engines are known as A, B & C engines. Without going into too much detail here the main thing to understand is the higher the letter the more power the engine will make and the higher your rocket should go. 18mm A engines are a perfect place to start and the good news is that most rockets which can fly on this engine can also fly on the more powerful B & C engines. This means you can work up to higher flights at your own pace.
Only basic tools are required to build your new rocket. A sharp hobby knife is usually a must, some fine sandpaper will be handy and you will also require some woodworking glue or any other glue that is suitable for wood and paper. Subject to the finish you hope to achieve, you may also consider sealing the balsa with Aeroflyte Dope (or even some water based putty), and giving it a nice bright coat of paint so it stands out. Not only will this help make your rocket a work of art, smooth well finished surfaces are aerodynamically more efficient so you can expect higher flights from a well finished kit.
The only thing you will need now is a bunch of engines and a handful of wadding (we can supply you wadding or you can purchase wadding at your local hobby shop where you can purchase your rocket engines). Wadding is used to protect your rockets recovery system. It is a product that resembles tissue paper but has been treated to make it flame retardant. Please do not be tempted to launch your new rocket without wadding or by simply using normal tissue paper. You want to get your rocket back in one piece and wadding is the only that that will protect your parachute.
What can you expect when you put an engine into a rocket, place it on the pad and press that launch button? The following videos should give you some idea!
