In our first two articles in this series we discussed aerodynamics of model rockets or more specifically the effect of aerodynamic drag. We covered viscosity, boundary layer, laminar vs. turbulent flow and the reynolds number. In this article we design a model rocket in OpenRocket and analyze the drag of the components. We will also [Continue]
One of the most important components of a model rocket is the parachute. It is also quite easy to make and we have created a video to show you how you can make your own model rocket parachute. Parachute or ‘Parasheet’ What most people do not know is that by making a parachute out of [Continue]
I believe I received my copy of the 1979 Estes catalog from a friend. Long before the days of the internet, catalogs were the best way to learn about your favorite products. I must have spent hours flipping through it dreaming of launching every single one of them. My favorite was the AstroCam 110 which [Continue]
A good source of information for rocketry and space travel is the NASA website. NASA, the people that brought you the Space Shuttle, Moon Landings, Interplanetary Travel and a host of technologies too vast to mention keeps a website full of educational materials. One of those is RocketModeler which we have taken the opportunity to [Continue]
For those that wish to build customized model rockets without the worry of painting, the Customizer Launch set from Estes Industries is a good kit to choose. The Customizer comes with a multitude of pre-painted easy to assemble parts. There is enough parts for 64 different rocket combinations and up to two customizable rockets. Many [Continue]
When starting out in model rocketry it may be hard to see all those pieces that make up the launch pad as anything more than pieces. I know that was certainly the case when I started. To address this we have created a short and quick video, taking scenes from our popular Alpha III starter [Continue]
We recently had the opportunity to talk about rocketry with a group of future astronauts at the Astronuts Kids Space Club. Through the amazing technology called Skype, I was able to skype-in to their meeting and talk a little bit about rocketry. All from the comfort of the Sigma Rockets shop in Mississauga, Ontario. Lunar [Continue]
I must admit I don’t have much recollection of 1972. Although from old articles and movies it looks like a rather newsworthy time. In Canada, we celebrated our victory in the hockey summit series against a very unexpectedly good Soviet team. This was also the year when the Watergate scandal began in the United States [Continue]
For those that are new to model rocketry, a great place to begin is with a starter set. A starter set provides all the parts needed to create a model rocket and launch it. There are variations on the contents of the available packages; some come with motors, others come with two rockets. Whatever the [Continue]
Recall, if you can, the first time you successfully flew a kite. The day was windy or, more probably, there was a steady breeze; your friend helped launch the kite whilst you ran a bit to get it up in the air. Suddenly it felt different, there was a steady pull on the line and [Continue]