This is an almost fully 3D printable rocket. It only takes 10 minutes for you to build your own rocket, it is as easy as rocket science! This rocket can achieve 1400-1500 feet and it has its own parachute deployed for a safe landing. Now to make this rocket go high you will need a launch platform, C6-5 model rocket motors and some materials to build the rocket. There are only four materials that you will need to build your rocket: parachute, shock cord, launch lug and styrofoam plugs. All the links for these materials are posted in the instructions.

//////////////////////////////////////WARNING\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ROCKET MOTOR ARE EXPLOSIVES AND MUST BE MANAGED BY AN ADULT. READ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND UNDERSTAND THE RISKS BEFORE HANDLING ROCKET MOTORS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS EXPERIMENT.

Instructions

Here are the materials you will need to build the rocket:

Parachute: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Parachutes_Recovery_Equipment/Parachutes/Low_Power/10_Multi_Colored_Plastic_Parachute?zenid=56de175beb7747ed2a4632aaa29d1177

Shock Cord: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Parachutes_Recovery_Equipment/Shock_Cord/Kevlar_Thread?zenid=56de175beb7747ed2a4632aaa29d1177

Launch Lugs: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Launch_Lugs_Rail_Buttons/Launch_Lugs/1_8_Launch_Lug?zenid=56de175beb7747ed2a4632aaa29d1177

Styrofoam Plugs: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Parachutes_Recovery_Equipment/Disposable_Wadding/18mm_Styrofoam_Ejection_Plug?zenid=56de175beb7747ed2a4632aaa29d1177

And some rocket motors: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Motors/Quest_Motors/Quest_Motor_C6-5?cPath=7_262&zenid=56de175beb7747ed2a4632aaa29d1177

Probably you can buy all of these materials at your local hobby store, all of those items will cost about 10$ total. Each motor costs about 4$ (considering 12$ for a 3 pack). Now lets stop worrying and start working.

Step 1: Print the file!

The rocket best works with the following settings: ABS filament at 40% infill, and you better put some support for this print.

Step 2: Build it

First you should get your parachute done if yours isn't ready yet. after that, you should take a one foot piece of shock cord and pass it thru booth pins on the bottom part of the top tube (the one that hasn't fins) and make a nice'n'tight knot to make sure that it is not going to let your rocket down (literally). Now pass the shock cord thru the top cavity of the tube and make a knot on the parachute leaving about 4 inches (10 cm) left of cord. BE SURE THAT IT WON'T COME OFF! You don't want to lose a parachute in flight. With the last little piece of cord tight the nose cone (or parabola in this case) to the rocket so you won't lose it every flight. Now bring the two parts together by sliding and twisting the tubes, you can put some tape if you thing that it is not strong enough. The last thing to do is to glue one launch lug to middle of the side of the rocket with some CA glue. Make sure that the launch lug is between the fins so the rail can reach it.

Step 3: Prepare to launch

Put the motor on the bottom of the rocket and make sure that its tightened into the body. If the motor gets out with no difficulties you should put some tape around the motor, preferably self fusing tape like this one: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Duck-Brand-Wrap-Fix-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape-1-x-10/34165233 Now that the motor is secured, you put a single Styrofoam plug into the top of the rocket, use a pen or your fingers to put it on the bottom of the tube. After that you should fold your parachute. To do that, first fold your completely open parachute in half vertically. Than fold that half horizontally repetitively until you end with a very thin and long string of chute, this usually happens after 5-6 horizontal bends. Take that string and fold it vertically in half twice. Wrap the little cigar-shaped parachute you have into its own strings. You should end up with a compact parachute begging to be opened, well... trow him into the rocket and put the nose cone on. It SHOULD softy slide into the tube, but if it don't a little sandpaper will do the job.

Step 4: LAUNCH!

To launch it, slide the rail from the platform into the launch lug and use a fuse or an electrical igniter to light the motor up, stand back at the launch and leave a lot of space to this rocket land on. Good luck an have fun!

Category: Hobby