Beginner Rocketry
This section presents some of the basic rocketry information you will need to begin in the hobby. The material presented is also covered on the S.T.A.G.E.R. Beginner Rocketry Quiz.
Model Rocket Safety Code
Flight Profile of a Model Rocket
The flight profile of a model rocket is shown to the left (click to expand). There are 6 phases to a normal flight:
- Launch--After a countdown (5, 4, 3, 2, 1, launch!), the ignition button is pressed and electricity heats up the igniter which starts the propellant burning.
- Powered Ascent--This occurs while the engine propellant is burning and thrusting the rocket upward.
- Coasting Flight--This occurs between engine burnout and the ejection charge. The delay time for the engine determines the length of coast.
- Ejection Charge--This occurs after the delay specified for the engine and causes the recovery device to deploy.
- Slow Descent--This occurs once the recovery device has deployed.
- Recovery--Safe recovery occurs after the model rocket has landed on the ground.
Parts of a Model Rocket
It is also important to know the names of the parts of a typical model rocket.
- Nose Cone--Usually made from plastic or balsa, the nose cone makes the model rocket more aerodynamic.
- Body Tube--
- Fins--
- Launch Lug--This small tube slides over the launch rod to keep the model moving straight up during launch. Rail buttons may be used with a launch rail. No lugs or buttons are needed if launching from a tower (usually reserved for competition flights).
- Shock Cord--This elastic, nylon, or Kevlar band is used to keep the model together at ejection. The recovery device (parachute or streamer) is sometimes attached to the shock cord.
- Engine Mount
- Centering Rings--These cardboard or wood discs keep the engine mount tube in place within the body tube. Minimum diameter models do not employ centering rings, as the engine fits snugly within the body tube without them.
Parts of a Model Rocket Engine
Model rocket engines are commercially made and certified. They should never be tampered with for any reason. These are the components of a black powder engine:
- casing
- propellant
- delay charge
- ejection charge
- nozzle
Model Rocket Engine Designations
Understanding engine labels and designations is also important, basic information. The letter designates the range of total impulse (thrust x time). Each step up (A to B, B to C) represents a doubling of the total impulse range. See the accompanying table for a complete listing of impulse ranges.
The first number indicates the average thrust over the entire burn time, measured in newtons. Note that some engines' actual average thrust may differ greatly from their reported average thrust. Always check the engine data sheets at the Standards and Testing Committee for accurate values. These differences stem from changes in measurement scales and new engine formulations. Also, each engine provides an initial spike of thrust to get the rocket moving at a safe speed off the pad. The remainder of the burn time is at a much lower thrust. The second number (after the dash) represents the delay time between propellant burn out and ejection charge. |
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If you think you know enough of the information present on this page, go ahead and take the quiz by clicking on the button below.
You must receive a score of at least 40/50 to receive your Beginner Rocketry S.T.A.G.E.R. level. If you don't pass the first time, you can take the quiz again.
Please remember that this quiz is meant to test your knowledge. Looking up answers as you go is not allowed!
You must receive a score of at least 40/50 to receive your Beginner Rocketry S.T.A.G.E.R. level. If you don't pass the first time, you can take the quiz again.
Please remember that this quiz is meant to test your knowledge. Looking up answers as you go is not allowed!