Rocketry combines engineering, creativity, and hands-on fun in a way that few hobbies can match. Whether you’re a beginner launching Estes kits or a high-power enthusiast building custom airframes, one thing is critical to every successful flight: using the right adhesives.
Adhesives are the hidden backbone of rockets. They bond fins to airframes, secure engine mounts, seal recovery systems, and more. But with the variety of materials in use—like balsa wood, cardboard, plastic, fiberglass, and composites—not all glues are created equal.
In this article, I’ll explore the most commonly used adhesives in rocketry, what they’re best for, and which materials they bond most effectively.
Wood Glue (PVA – Polyvinyl Acetate)
Best For: Bonding wood to wood or wood to porous materials Common Materials: Balsa wood, basswood, cardboard (paper tubes)
Wood glue is a favorite for low- to mid-power model rockets due to its ease of use, strong bonds on porous surfaces, and light weight. It’s ideal for attaching balsa fins to cardboard body tubes.
Pros:
Dries clear and light
Sandable
Inexpensive and easy to find
Popular products: Titebond II, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue, Gorilla Wood Glue
Tip: For even stronger joints, use internal or external fillets and allow full curing (24 hours) before launch.
Epoxy Resin
Best For: Structural bonds and high-stress connections Common Materials: Fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastics, plywood, metal
When building mid- to high-power rockets, epoxy is the gold standard. It creates a durable, gap-filling bond that’s resistant to heat, vibration, and impact. It’s essential for bonding fiberglass fins, engine mounts, centering rings, and nose cone
Popular products: West System 105/205 (for large builds), RocketPoxy, Bob Smith Epoxy, Areopoxy, BSI 5m Epoxy, Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
Tip: Use 5-minute epoxy for quick fixes, but 30-minute or longer cure epoxies provide stronger, more reliable bonds.
Cyanoacrylate (CA Glue / Super Glue)
Best For: Quick bonding of small components Common Materials: Balsa, plastic, paper
CA glue is a go-to for lightweight construction and small or delicate parts. It comes in various viscosities (thin, medium, thick), with thin CA wicking into joints for precision bonding, and thick CA filling small gaps.
Popular brands: BSI (Bob Smith Industries) Insta-Cure, Pacer’s Zap-A-Gap, Carl Goldberg Super Jet, Great Planes’ Medium Pro CA, Loctite Super Glue
Tip: Use CA sparingly—it’s brittle under stress and not ideal for high-impact joints.
Plastic Cement
Best For: Bonding polystyrene or ABS plastic parts Common Materials: Plastic nose cones, plastic fins, plastic body tubes
Plastic cement works by chemically melting the surfaces of plastic parts and fusing them together, creating a true weld-like bond. It’s perfect for plastic fin canisters, nose cones, and some commercial kits.
Popular options: Testors Plastic Model Cement, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Plastruct Plastic Weld, Mr.cement Glue for Plastic Model
Caution: Not effective on other materials like fiberglass or metal.
Hot Glue (Occasional Use)
Best For: Quick, temporary fixes or sealing Common Materials: Paper tubes, light plastics
Hot glue is not typically recommended for structural bonding in rocketry, but it can be useful for attaching light payloads, sealing seams, or mounting electronics. It lacks the strength and heat resistance required for critical joints.
Pros:
Fast and easy
Reversible (to a degree)
Good for non-load-bearing parts
Cons:
Weak at high temperatures
Heavy and bulky if overused
Popular options: Shurbonder, AdTech, Gorilla Hot Glue Sticks
Matching Adhesives to Rocket Materials
Material
Best Adhesives
Balsa Wood
Wood glue, CA, epoxy
Cardboard
Wood glue, epoxy
Plastic (polystyrene, ABS)
Plastic Cement, epoxy
Fiberglass
Epoxy
Carbon fiber
Epoxy
Metal
Epoxy, CA (small parts)
Final Thoughts
The adhesive you choose can make or break your rocket—literally. While the temptation to grab the nearest glue stick is real, taking the time to match the right adhesive to your materials and flight profile will pay off in performance, durability, and success on the launch pad.
Pro tip for rocketeers: Always test bonds on scrap material before applying to your rocket, and allow full curing time before subjecting parts to stress or launch conditions.
Whether you’re scratch-building your next high-power launch vehicle or assembling your first kit, understanding adhesives is one of the foundational skills of rocketry. So get out the glue, line up those fins, and build something that flies straight and true.
Want more tips for model rocket construction, painting, or certification prep? Subscribe to my newsletter or leave your questions in the comments!
Ray Shepard is what’s typically called a born again rocketeer. When he was a kid, Ray built and launched Estes rockets in the pasture next to his house. He always enjoyed it, but as is with most childhood hobbies, Ray lost interest somewhere along the way.
Tripoli North Texas President Ray Shepard
Fast forward to later in life… Ray was working a stressful job and thought finding a hobby would be a way to relax a little. With a large field next to his house, and a lot of kids in my neighborhood, he thought building some rockets might be fun.
A quick Internet search landed Ray on the Public Missiles website. He was amazed at what was currently available for adults. He purchased a kit, but soon realized he needed bigger equipment from what he had to launch it. With a little more research he discovered the Dallas Area Rocket Society (DARS) and attended one of their monthly meetings. There he met some great people who not only mentored, but also inspired him.
As Ray’s skills developed, his interest leaned more to high power rocketry, which led to his association with the local Tripoli Rocketry Association affiliated club which is where he now call home.
Ray has been a member of Tripoli North Texas (TNT) for around 12 years, serving as president of the organization for the last 5 years.
Ron Hervey: First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. Tell me about Tripoli North Texas (TNT).
Ray Shepard: I could not be more excited to tell you about TNT and the long history of our club. We are Prefecture number 58 and this is the 35th anniversary of our club. We have a long history in the DFW area, and our membership legacy is comprised of some of the top rocketeers in the country.
About 5 years ago, several members of the club and I began a complete overhaul of the club, and it has been an amazing journey. We have rebuilt our web and social media space which has driven awareness and club membership to an all-time high. We currently have approximately 150 members. This makes us one of the largest and fastest growing clubs in the country.
The influx of new members has allowed us to develop our launch infrastructure to top standards. We have a beautiful launch site about 3 hours west of Dallas in Seymour, Texas. This site boasts the highest altitude club waiver in the state at 45,000 feet. We have a state-of-the-art wireless launch control system and excellent quality launch pads that service all size rockets. Our largest pad, named Big TEX, is a 24-foot tall, hydraulically operated tower pad capable of launching rockets weighing in excess of 200 pounds.
However, what I am most proud of is our members. We have a tremendous number of level 3 fliers, but new members with little to no experience in rocketry will feel just as welcome as experienced fliers. We operate as a community where everyone, regardless of their skill level, is constantly learning and helping others develop. Our site has become a favorite with collegiate rocketry programs around the state and beyond. Our high waiver gives the teams a venue to test their most advanced and complex projects in a safe environment and access an extensive knowledge base of our senior level flyers.
As I mentioned, we are a Prefecture of the Tripoli Rocketry Association. Membership fees for our local club are $40 a year for adults and $10 for junior or student members.
A high power rocket launches at a Tripoli North Texas launch.
RH: What are the differences between a club associated with the Tripoli Rocketry Association such as TNT and a National Association of Rocketry affiliated club?
RS: Amazingly, there are more similarities between Tripoli and NAR than there are differences. Both organizations are highly focused on safety for our members and all who attend our launches. To this end, both organizations require proficiency exams, or certifications, for members wishing to launch larger and more complex rockets. Additionally, both national organizations provide an insurance policy to each of its members which covers them when they are launching with an affiliated club. A national membership with Tripoli or NAR is a requirement to launch with TNT.
RH: How many launches does TNT sponsor a year?
RS: TNT currently hosts 5 launches a year, all are a minimum of 2 days long. Our launches are normally the 4th weekend of the month beginning in January and continuing though May.
We have two special launches during the season. First, the March launch is combined with a college team competition called “The Lone Star Cup”. In 2024, we hosted 13 teams and over 200 college students.
The second is in May and it is called “The Texas Shootout”. For the Shootout, we invite all the clubs in Texas and surrounding states to join us in Seymour over the Memorial Day weekend. This is a three-day event combines flying with evening meals and great camaraderie.
RH: Tell me about a TNT launch.
RS: No memberships are required to attend our launches. Spectators are welcome. We do ask that anyone attending as a spectator or flyer go to our Tripoli North Texas website and register in advance of the launch. This is a very easy process and only takes a few minutes.
On our website we also have maps of the area, options for local lodging if you wish to stay overnight, associated fees, and all the details you will need about the field and associated amenities.
RH: What is the average attendance at a launch?
RS: Our normal attendance can range from 50 to over 200, depending on the event.
RH: For someone just getting into rocketry, what is your best advice?
RS: My best advice would be to find a local club with members you are comfortable with. Nothing will help you get your bearings like seeing other projects and discussing the best building techniques, motor choices and recovery options with experienced flyers.
RH: What are your recommendations of a rocket kit for someone just stepping up to high power?
RS: Depending on your budget, I’m a big fan of LOC Precision and PML. I like them because they have step by step instructions and a lot of their kits come complete with shock cords and parachutes. For more advanced fiberglass rockets, I personally like Wildman Rocketry kits.
RH: Tell me about the high power certification process with Tripoli Rocketry Association.
RS: Tripoli offers three levels of certification. Level 1 certification requires you to build, successfully shoot and recover a rocket with an H or I impulse motor.
Level 2 certification requires the passing of a written exam and successfully building, shooting and recovery of a rocket with a J, K or L impulse motor.
Level 3 certification is the most complex. It requires the involvement of 2 especially skilled members called TAP’s that will review your design specification, inspect your construction process, and witness your flight on a motor with a M or greater impulse.
RH: Tell me about some of the rockets that you have built and how they have done.
RS: Over the past 15 years, I have built a lot of rockets, both big and small. My favorite project was a Jumbo Jart. It was a 6-inch rocket that was 19 feet tall and weighed 99 pounds on the pad. I flew it at the BALLS launch in the Black Rock Desert, one week after the Burning Man festival. I had a great flight on an N3400 sparky motor to almost 20,000 feet!
RH: In your opinion, what is the future of rocketry?
RS: The sky is the Limit!
RH: Thank you so very much for your time and cooperation. I look forward to seeing you at a TNT launch sometime in the future.
George Sprague, of the Dallas Area Rocket Society (DARS), has been president of the organization for the past seven years. His interest in rocketry began as a Boy Scout after seeing an ad for Estes Rockets in the magazine Boy’s Life. He placed an order from Estes and quickly became a model rocket enthusiast.
DARS President George Sprague
George grew up and attended college in Puerto Rico. He holds a degree in chemistry. George also attended Army ROTC while in college which led to an officer commission in the US Army after graduation. He served both in the United States and Germany during the Cold War era.
After leaving the Army in 1983, George landed in Dallas, Texas. In the early 90’s, George saw a poster announcing a high power launch with the Dallas Area Rocket Society at a local hobby shop. He had no idea what that entailed, but he attended that event and his credit cards have never been the same since.
Through the years, George has participated in several contests and won several awards, including egg lofting, altitude, streamer duration, the DARS Fall Classic, and his favorite – the Cochrane Contest. The event was developed by late DARS member Bob Wilson. Named after Zephram Cochrane, a fictitious character who invented the warp drive on the TV series Star Trek, the contest consisted of modifying a model rocket to fly with the largest motor possible and survive.
George is also a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and holds a level three certification in high power rocketry.
As DARS president, George keeps busy with all aspects of the organization, including launches, outreach, equipment maintenance, meetings, but above all, having fun building and flying rockets!
Ron Hervey: First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. Tell me about the Dallas Area Rocketry Society.
George Sprague: The Dallas Area Rocket Society was founded as a collaboration of the the Lancaster Area Rocket Society and the Grand Prairie Association of Rocketry in 1972. It disbanded after a short time when many of its members went to College or were drafted into the US military.
Scott Hunsicker, Randall Victory, Allen Wilcox and John Dyer had already formed a rocket club in Garland, then decided to reactivate DARS in 1975. John Dyer is still a DARS member and very much involved. Scott Hunsicker is involved with NAR in several capacities. Randall Victory and Allen Wilcox are no longer with DARS.
DARS currently has around 215 members. It is not necessary to be a NAR member to join. Single one year membership is $10.00, family membership $15.00.
DARS officers include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, outreach coordinator and NAR advisor.
DARS launch in Gunter, Texas.
RH: How many launches does DARS sponsor a month?
GS: DARS holds two launches every month, weather permitting. DARS launches are open to everyone. Membership in DARS or NAR is not required to attend a launch.
The first Sunday of each month we have a model rockets launch in Arlington. It’s for D impulse rocket motors and below.
The third Saturday of the month is the big launch, model through High Power rockets, in Gunter. Because of the weather, wind speed being an important factor, the Gunter launch is sometimes moved to a Sunday or other weekend. But we try to keep the launch as scheduled to the third Saturday.
We average around 150 flights per month, although we’ve had as many as 220!
RH: What is the average attendance at a launch?
GS: Average attendance at the Arlington launch is about 40 to 50 people, sometimes many more. Average attendance in Guntur is about 60 to 80 people, sometimes even higher.
RH: Tell me about a DARS launch.
GS: DARS is a Section of the NAR, therefore we adhere to the NAR Safety Codes for Model, High Power and Radio Glider Rockets. Safety is paramount at DARS launches.
There are no fees involved when flying with DARS except for High Power fliers, which have range fees of $10.00 for DARS members or $20.00 for non-members. We accept cash or checks only.
The Gunter launch is highly structured due to the types of rockets flown and number of people in attendance.
High power fliers are required to register at the registration tent. When fliers have their rocket ready, they go to the Pad Line. There they will be assigned a launch pad. Fliers need to remember the color and number of the pad. fliers will also need to provide a flight card for every rocket flight. These will be available on site, or you may download a copy from our website.
The launch pad site is cordoned off by a flag rope. Fliers are asked to not enter that area until directed to do so. After their rocket is on the pad, fliers stand in the Fliers Line. When their pad number is called, fliers provide their flight card to the Range/Launch Control Officer and wait for their rocket to be launched.
When retrieving rockets, fliers need to go around the flag rope. Above all, no running! If you come upon someone else’s rocket, leave it there. Please do not handle other fliers rockets.
If the Range Control Officer calls a “Heads Up” flight, this means the rocket may be experimental design, or have other features that may result in a not so straight up flight. We want everyone observing, so stop what you are doing and watch the rocket!
If you hear “Heads Up” after a rocket has taken off, this means there is a problem and you need to pay attention to the rocket and where it’s going.
All this will be reviewed at the site.
Also, It is advisable to contact DARS ahead of time if you intend to fly high power or attempt a high power certification.
The Arlington launch is a bit informal as compared to the Gunter launch. There will be several launch pads set up. People are asked to park at least 30 feet away from those pads. Fliers prepare their rocket for flight, wait for a pad to open, then proceed to set up the rocket on the pad. A DARS member at the launch controls calls out the pad number. The flier acknowledges ready to fly and the rocket is launched. Fliers walk around, not through, the launch pads to retrieve rockets.
For both launches, bringing water, drinks and snacks, Sunscreen is also advisable. No smoking or alcohol consumption please. When parking at a launch, leave enough room for others to get in and out of the parking area, then proceed to the registration tent for further information if needed.
We appreciate advance notice by groups planning to attend such as Civil Air Patrol (CAP), scouts, etc.
High power rocket launch at a DARS launch in Gunter, Texas.
RH: Of course, high power rockets are not the rocket to start with.
GS: If you’ve never flown a rocket, HP is NOT the place to start. I compare this to someone who has never driven a car wanting to build and drive a top fuel dragster. Not a good idea! These are not simply larger rockets. They are in a class of their own.
Begin with a few model rockets, then move on to rockets flying composite motors F & G. Then start researching HP.
It is imperative for folks attempting to do a high power certification to first read and comprehend everything on the NAR website regarding certification. There are a total of three HP certification levels.
Also, contact DARS before purchasing a kit for certification. We will provide suggestions.
When your are ready, DARS needs to inspect your HP rocket before it is allowed to fly. Those inspections usually happen at the monthly meeting, which is separate from our launches. This gives you time to make changes if needed.
Jr High Power Level 1 and Level 2 certifications require a test be taken prior to attempting the flight. Tests are only administered at the monthly meetings.
Visit the NAR website www.nar.org for more information on the tests.
Again, contact DARS before you do anything regarding HP.
RH: DARS has an annual event each year called the Fall Classic. Tell me about that event.
GS: The Fall Classic was first held in 2005. Developed by Gary Briggs and Doug Sams the event ran yearly from 2005 until 2017. Doug Sams died on January 25, 2022.
Gary has brought back the event for 2025, to be held in Gunter on September 20.
This year’s theme is Classic Starships. In this category Saturn V’s compete against SpaceX Starships and Star Wars X-Wings. If you haven’t competed before, fear not! There are plenty of opportunities to get your Classic on in the Classic Classic and Classic Upscale events.
RH: For a newbie attending, and possibly launching for the first time at a DARS launch, what is your best advice?
GS: Folks new to rocketry or a DARS launch should contact DARS with their questions and more information prior to attending a launch. DARS members are ready to assist newcomers as need be.
RH: What are your recommendations for a first rocket/kit?.
GS: A simple rocket, such as the Estes Alpha III or Generic are ideal. The fins come as one unit, as opposed to rockets that have individual fins. You can search for the instructions to these kits online; this will give you an idea of what tools and supplies are needed, as well as how the rocket is put together.
As far as rocket motors, the A8-3 is suggested for the first flight. The altitude will be roughly 250 feet. You’ll be able to track the rocket in flight and it shouldn’t land too far.
Parachutes are included with these kits. Once you start flying higher streamers are an option to reduce drift from altitude. With a C motor these little rockets can get upwards of 800 feet!
If you reside in the country or in area where rockets are allowed you may want to obtain a starter kit which includes the launch pad and launch control. Some areas are not rocket friendly. It’s best to check with the local fire marshal.
RH: What are current trends in rocketry that you have noticed.
GS: 3D printing. Some folks are printing their own rocket parts, and some offer 3D printed kits to the public.
It’s important to make sure the proper adhesives are used to build the rocket with. Some plastic parts are finicky when it comes to that!
Gain some experience with regular rockets so you become familiar with how they are designed before moving on to 3D printing your own rockets!
RH: Tell me about some of the rockets that you have built and how they have done.
GS: I have built all sizes and shapes of rockets, from 2 inches tall to 10 feet tall, 13mm in diameter to 10 inch in diameter. Regular shaped to odd shapes. One, two, three stage rockets, gliders, egg lofters, scale replicas of NASA rockets, cluster models flying with two or more motors.
On the HP side, my scale down model of the X-15 rocket took almost two years to build. It is 7 foot tall, 6 inch diameter, and flew on an Aerotech K1275. Altitude was 3,512 feet. And yes, it will fly again!
I enjoy odrocs – odd shaped rockets. I have a portapotty, several flying saucers, pyramids, spools, Easter eggs, casket, Santa Claus. All flew well because I make sure they are stable and can handle the chosen motor.
Some of the more unusual rockets built by George.
RH: What is your best advice to someone just getting into rocketry?
GS: Take some time looking at kits at hobby stores and online. Estes kits are popular since they were one of the companies that were involved since the beginning of model rocketry.
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) has some excellent information regarding model rockets and the hobby. A good place to get oriented.
And of course you can contact DARS with your questions.
Rocket in the recovery phase at a Dallas Area Rocket Society Launch
RH: In your opinion, what is the future of rocketry?
GS: Rocketry continues to evolve. With all the different contests, from The American Rocketry Challenge to NASA Student Launch, rocketry is playing a significant role in the inspiration of not only future rocketeers but future aerospace engineers.
As one representative from Raytheon observed at one of the (T)ARC finals, this is where their future workforce is going to come from: ROCKETRY!
RH: Thank you so very much for your time and cooperation. As a proud member of the Dallas Area Rocketry Society myself, I look forward to seeing you at the next DARS launch.
**Check out more info on rocketry in my Knowledge Base**
OpenRocket is a powerful, open-source software tool designed for simulating and designing model rockets. Created both for rocketry enthusiasts and professionals, it allows users to model, simulate, and analyze rocket flight behavior. Whether you’re a teacher instructing physics, a hobbyist building your own rocket, or an engineer exploring new design ideas, Open Rocket provides a user-friendly platform to bring your ideas to life.
OpenRocket is open-source meaning anyone can contribute to the project, making it a constantly evolving tool for the rocketry community.
Features
Simulation Capabilities
One of the main benefits of OpenRocket is its simulation capabilities. The software provides accurate predictions of rocket flight paths based on a variety of parameters such as:
Aerodynamics: OpenRocket simulates aerodynamic forces and uses physics to predict how a rocket will behave during flight. The software takes into account factors like drag, thrust, and lift.
Flight Stages: It can model multi-stage rockets, accurately simulating the separation of stages and the resulting changes in flight trajectory.
Recovery Systems: OpenRocket can simulate recovery systems like parachutes, allowing users to assess the performance and deployment of recovery devices.
Environmental Conditions: Users can input various environmental factors such as wind speed and air pressure, which can significantly affect flight behavior.
Design Tools for Rocket Modeling
OpenRocket includes a suite of design tools that allow users to model every aspect of their rocket. Key design features include:
OpenRocket’s main rocket design window
Rocket Design Editor: This editor lets users create a rocket from scratch. You can define body tubes, fins, engines, and other components, adjusting your dimensions and materials to see how they influence performance.
Component Database: OpenRocket comes with a built-in database of common rocket components, such as engines, nose cones, and recovery systems. Users can easily select and use these into their designs.
Graphing and Analysis Tools for Flight Data
Once you’ve designed and simulated a rocket flight, OpenRocket generates detailed data that can be graphed and analyzed. The analysis tools allow users to examine important flight parameters, such as:
Altitude vs. Time: View how the rocket’s altitude changes during flight.
Velocity vs. Time: Track the rocket’s speed at every moment.
Acceleration: Study the forces acting on the rocket throughout its flight.
Thrust and Drag: Assess the performance of the rocket engine and the effect of air resistance.
These data visualization tools help users optimize their designs and improve performance before ever launching a rocket.
User-Friendly Interface and Customization Options
Despite its complex capabilities, OpenRocket boasts a clean and intuitive user interface. Key features include:
Drag-and-Drop Functionality: The software allows for easy component placement and rearrangement within the design editor.
Customizable Settings: Users can fine-tune numerous parameters, such as engine specifications, weight distribution, and recovery systems, giving them total control over their rocket’s design and simulation.
Export and Import Options: OpenRocket supports importing designs and data from other software, and it also allows users to export results in various formats for further analysis or reporting.
How to Get Started
Getting started with OpenRocket is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading, installing, and setting up the software:
Find the “Download” link in the menu at the top of the page.
Find the link to download the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Click the download link to start the process.
Install OpenRocket
Once the file has downloaded, open the installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
After installation, launch OpenRocket by clicking the program icon.
Set Up and Configuration
Upon first launch, you will be prompted to configure some basic settings. These include setting up default units (imperial or metric), selecting a simulation environment (e.g., wind conditions, altitude), and importing any pre-existing designs you may have.
Familiarize yourself with the user interface, including the design editor, simulation controls, and analysis tools.
Now you’re ready to start designing your first rocket!
OpenRocket Benefits
Education
OpenRocket is an excellent tool for educators looking to teach students about the principles of rocketry, aerodynamics, and physics. Its simulation features allow students to experiment with different designs and see the impact of various factors on rocket flight. Teachers can assign projects where students design their rockets, simulate their flights, and analyze the results to understand physics concepts.
Hobbyists and DIY Projects
Amateur rocket enthusiasts can use OpenRocket to simulate and perfect their rocket designs without needing to conduct costly or dangerous real-world tests. OpenRocket is especially useful for hobbyists experimenting with various components such as engines and recovery systems.
Community and Support
OpenRocket is supported by a passionate and active community. The software’s open-source nature encourages collaboration, and the community plays a big role in providing feedback, suggesting improvements, and sharing designs. Some of the key resources available for users include:
User Forums: OpenRocket has dedicated forums where users can ask questions, share ideas, and discuss technical issues with fellow rocketry enthusiasts.
Online Documentation: Comprehensive user guides and tutorials are available on the Open Rocket website, covering everything from basic design principles to advanced simulation techniques.
User Groups and Social Media: Many OpenRocket users participate in local rocketry clubs, Facebook groups, and Discord channels. These platforms provide a great space for networking, sharing experiences, and collaborating on projects.
Bug Tracker and Feature Requests: OpenRocket’s GitHub repository allows users to report bugs, request features, and contribute code to the project, making it an ever-evolving tool.
If you run into technical issues, the OpenRocket forums and documentation are excellent first stops. The development team and other users are very responsive to troubleshooting questions, and you can often find solutions to common problems there.
Conclusion
OpenRocket is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in rocketry, whether for educational, research, or hobbyist purposes. Its powerful simulation and design features, combined with a user-friendly interface and active community support, make it a must-have for anyone looking to design and test rockets. With OpenRocket, the possibilities are endless – from creating rockets that perform better to helping students learn about the science of flight, this software has something for everyone in the rocketry world.
Whether you’re just getting started in rocketry or you’re a seasoned rocketeer looking for advanced components, life is easier by finding rocketry suppliers online. Although several online suppliers closed up shop in the past decade or so (Rocketry Ventures, Thrustline Rocketry, Rocketry Shop), there are still many great options available. I’ll save you a Google search – here is a list of reputable rocketry suppliers that cater to enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Note: this is a great page to bookmark for a future one-page supplier reference.
Estes is one of the most well-known names in hobby rocketry. They offer a wide range of model rocket kits, motors, and accessories, perfect for beginners and intermediate rocketeers.
Products
Model rocket kits (beginner to advanced)
Rocket engines (low-powered)
Launch pads and accessories
Educational rocketry materials
Best known for making rocketry fun and educational for young enthusiasts.
AeroTech acquired Quest Aerospace, a model rocket kit and motor manufacturer, in July 2013 when RCS rocket motor components (which is part of AeroTech Consumer Aerospace) purchased the company’s assets and intellectual property; effectively merging the two brands under the AeroTech umbrella
Aerotech is a leader in mid and high-powered rocketry, offering advanced motors, kits, and accessories. With the acquisition of Quest Aerospace, they now also have beginner and intermediate rocket kits, as well as low-powered rocket motors.
Products
Model rocket kits (beginner to intermediate)
Rocket engines (low-powered)
Launch pads and accessories
Educational rocketry kits
Launch equipment
High-powered rocket motors (mid and high-level)
Rocket kits (including custom components)
Recovery devices (parachutes, streamers)
Aerotech offeres advanced rocketry systems and motors for mid to high-power rockets, along with Quest products that are great for beginners and schools with educational rocketry kits.
Apogee Components is a respected supplier that offers a wide range of products, from beginner model rocket kits to advanced high-power components. They also provide extensive educational resources on rocket building.
Products
Model and high-power rocket kits
Rocket motors and engines
Rocketry tools and recovery systems
Design and building supplies
Educational resources and high-quality, customizable parts for advanced rocketry.
Madcow Rocketry is known for producing high-quality, durable kits and components for both beginner and high-power rocketry. They specialize in kits that can withstand high-speed flights.
Products
High-power rocket kits
Rocket motors and components
Custom recovery systems
Launch pads and equipment
Durability and quality in high-power rocketry kits.
Balsa Machining Service specializes in custom rocket kits, parts, and materials, including precision-machined components and materials for serious rocketeers.
LOC Precision is a respected name in high-powered rocketry, offering rugged and reliable rocket kits, parts, and motors designed to withstand extreme conditions. Their products are widely used by advanced rocketeers.
Products
High-powered rocket kits
Precision components (airframes, fins, couplers)
Recovery systems and deployment gear
High-quality kits and components for high-power rocketry.
RMC specializes in high-power rocket motors, components, and materials. Their motors are designed for high-performance rocketry, and they also offer various accessories for customizing and enhancing rocket builds.
Products
High-power rocket motors
Components for motor construction
Rocket kits and accessories
Components for high-powered and experimental rocketry.
The “manufacturers, vendors, sales & deals” section of the Rocketry Forum is a great place to buy and sell rocketry parts, kits, and equipment. It’s a community-driven marketplace where hobbyists exchange gear, often at discounted prices.
Conclusion
Finding rocketry suppliers online is essential for rocket enthusiasts. The reputable suppliers on this page offer a wide variety of products on their official websites. Bookmark this page as a future one-page reference for online rocketry supplies.
Rocket recovery systems are essential for safely bringing a rocket back to Earth after its launch. These systems ensure that the rocket or its components return in one piece, preventing damage and allowing for reusability, which is a key factor in rocket science and hobbyist rocketry.
What Are Rocket Recovery Systems?
In rocketry, a recovery system is designed to slow down the rocket’s descent after it has completed its flight. Without a recovery system, a rocket would fall to the ground at high speeds, often resulting in a crash landing that could destroy valuable equipment. The goal of any recovery system is to ensure a soft, controlled descent, minimizing damage to the rocket and its components, such as the engine and electronics.
Parachutes: Slowing the Descent
Parachutes are the most common recovery system used in model rocketry projects. The parachute works by increasing the surface area of the rocket during its descent, creating drag that slows down the rocket’s fall.
Estes Rockets 15 Inch Nylon Parachute
How Parachutes Work
When a rocket reaches its peak altitude (apogee), the parachute is deployed, typically through a small explosive charge. The parachute opens and creates a large surface area that interacts with the air, creating significant drag force. This drag force counters the gravitational pull on the rocket, slowing its descent.
There are different types of parachutes used in rocketry, but the most common are:
Flat Circular Parachutes: These are the most basic and common type of parachute. They open quickly and provide decent stability.
Toroidal Parachutes: These are ring-shaped parachutes that provide stable, controlled descents with low oscillation and are often used for larger rockets.
Parachute Physics
The physics behind parachute deployment is largely based on drag. The larger the parachute, the more drag it produces, and the slower the rocket falls. The shape of the parachute, the speed of deployment, and the altitude at which it’s deployed all influence its effectiveness. If the parachute deploys too early or too late, or the parachute lines become tangled, the rocket could experience excessive velocity during descent, which could result in damage.
Streamers: A Simpler Alternative
While parachutes are the most well-known recovery system, streamers are another option, often used for smaller rockets. Streamers are strips of material, typically lightweight plastic, that are attached to the rocket. Upon deployment, these strips unfurl and create drag, though to a lesser extent than a parachute.
Apogee Components Mylar Streamers
How Streamers Work
Streamers function similarly to parachutes in that they increase the surface area of the rocket, creating drag and slowing its descent. However, because they don’t have the same surface area as a parachute, streamers typically result in a faster descent.
The key benefit of streamers is their simplicity and reliability. They don’t require the same precision in deployment as parachutes and can be more effective in windy conditions. Streamers are also less likely to become tangled during deployment.
Streamer Physics
Streamers create drag, but not to the extent that parachutes do. The primary factor here is that the smaller surface area means the rocket will descend faster, but the deceleration will still be enough to prevent significant damage on impact. Because streamers don’t require much deployment force, they’re a great option for small model rockets or situations where a softer landing isn’t as critical.
The best streamer size for the slowest descent has a length-to-width of 10 to 1. A streamer that is one inch wide should be at least 10 inches long. A two inch wide streamer should be at least 20 inches long, and so on.
Comparing Parachutes and Streamers
Parachutes
Slower descent, resulting in a softer landing.
More complex to deploy (requiring a mechanism to open the chute).
Better for larger or more valuable rockets, where damage minimization is critical.
Can be prone to tangling or failure if not properly packed.
Streamers
Faster descent, resulting in a less soft landing.
Simpler and lighter than parachutes, often requiring less deployment force.
Ideal for smaller rockets or where cost and simplicity are priorities.
Less prone to tangling compared to parachutes.
Old School: Nose-Below
A nose-below rocket recovery is a method of recovering a rocket where the nose cone separates from the rocket but is still connected with the shock cord. The tumbling motion of the falling rocket and nose cone creates some drag, slowing the rocket down to a somewhat controlled landing. This method is strictly limited to smaller rockets or when a rapid descent is desired. The rule of thumb is nose-below is used for rockets weighing less than 60 grams (2 ounces).
Conclusion
Both parachutes and streamers serve the same basic function: slowing down a rocket’s descent to prevent damage upon landing. Parachutes, with their larger surface area and slower descent, are ideal for larger rockets and those designed for reuse. Streamers are often used in smaller rockets where simplicity, weight, and cost are more important than a soft landing. The nose-below method is the least effective of the three. Personally, I would not recommend that method.
Choosing the right recovery system depends on your rocket’s size, purpose, and the level of risk you’re willing to accept. Understanding the physics behind parachutes and streamers can help rocket enthusiasts design better, safer, and more efficient recovery systems for their launches. Happy flying!
