It’s Not Rocket Science! The Scoop on Rockets
There is not much that seems more exciting to me than setting off rockets just for the fun of it! But when I started looking at all of the options and combinations between the rocket kits and engines, and then the accessories layered on top of that, I stopped dead in my tracks. So overwhelming!
To make things easier, I have put together this grab bag cheat sheet of sorts that helps to break down the kits we offer and what can be matched with what.
Available Rocket Kits
We classify our rockets into three skill levels: snap together, E2X (Easy to Assemble – does not require fin assembly) and Skill Level 1. For all of these kits, we recommend that you keep some extra glue on-hand, but everything you need to build these rockets comes in the kit, including streamers or parachutes for easy recovery (and reuse)! One last note… these kits do come with sticker decals, but to get creative and think out-of-the-box with these kits, nab a Testors paint kit and add some custom color.
- Alpha III Launch Set: If you are starting from scratch and have nothing, this is exactly what you need. It comes with a launch pad that is compatible with all the rockets we sell (they are listed below), so you can use the launch pad again and again! You will need to purchase the engine (you can use A, B or C engines in it), super sticky craft glue (it dries pretty fast) to help with assembly, batteries for the launch controller, Starter and Recovery Wadding.
- Alpha III Rocket: This is an E2X rocket. You can use A, B and C engines on it – this creates some variety and also lets more experienced rocketeers continue to have fun with this kit. It is black with an orange nose and fin.
- Starseeker Rocket: The only snap-together rocket we sell, this mini rocket is quick, easy and fun for Scouts who are new to rockets! It works with the ½ A3-4T Mini Engine.
- Voyager Rocket: This is a mini E2X rocket! It is easy to assemble (but does require rubber cement with the assembly) and fits the mini ½ A3-4T engine. It has a white body with a lime green nose and fin.
- Gnome Rocket: Another mini E2X rocket, it is also easy to assemble and fits the mini ½ A3-4T engine. This rocket comes with a silver body casing and a light blue nose and fin.
- Generic E2X Rocket: As the name shows, this is an E2X rocket, so it is great for beginners. It takes A, B and C engines. It is all white with blue and yellow bands.
- Scout Spirit Rocket: This is an E2X rocket, and comes with sticker decals that are perfect for Scouts! It is another that takes A, B and C engines (again, not the mini). The body of this rocket is white, the nose is red, and the fin is blue.
- Wizard Rocket: As a Skill Level 1 rocket (requires fin assembly!) that takes A, B and C engines (still not the mini, though). It is a great high-altitude rocket that is all blue with some fun decals.
- Viking Rocket: Another Skill Level 1 rocket (again, with that fin assembly!) that takes A, B and C engines, this rocket can add some fun variety with a different look than the other Skill Level 1 rockets. It is yellow with a green nose and yellow fin.
- Hi-Flier Rocket: An additional Skill Level 1 rocket, this is better for more experienced rocketeers. It requires fin assembly, which can be tricky. This one also uses A, B, or C engines (just not the mini!). It is red with a black nose and fin.
Engines
- Engine ½ A3-4T: Mini engine; altitude range of 100-400 feet (depending on rocket size and weight)
- Engine A8-3: Starter engine; altitude range of 200-650 feet (depending on rocket size and weight)
- Engine B6-4: Power engine; altitude range of 300-1,000 feet (depending on rocket size and weight)
- Engine C6-5: Hi-power engine; altitude range of 350-1,500 (depending on rocket size and weight)
Rocket Accessories
All of our rocket kits come with a base-set of Starter and Recovery Wadding. We do recommend that you grab some extra, to keep with you just in case!
Where to Launch
Definitely check with city regulations before launching, but generally speaking, you can launch the rockets listed above in a clear space roughly the size of a football field. Be sure there are no trees in the general vicinity and also make sure that you are not launching on dead, dry grass (duh, but we have to say it!).
Have you got any additional tips to share with your fellow Scouting America family? Share them below in the comments section. We can’t wait to see your model rockets - be sure to tag us on social media using #ScoutShopBSA and happy launching!
