Model Rocketry is a great hobby to pursue and there are two very distinct components to it. The first thing about model rockets is that you get to build the rockets yourself. And this phase can be as simple as gluing together various plastic parts or as complex as designing and building larger multi-stage rockets from wood and cardboard. So as far as building them there are kits suited for people of all skill levels.

But, the best part of model rockets is the ability to launch them. Launching them is safe and easy and can make for a great afternoon with friends and family at the nearby athletic field.

How do Model Rockets Work?

The basic propulsion of a model rocket is in the shape of something called an engine. This engine is a cylindrical object much the size of a AA battery. It has a powder charge in it that burns and shoots out one end. This causes the rocket to be propelled upward.

This engine setup is also economical because once you recover your rocket you remove the expended engine and put a new one in. This way you can reuse your rocket many times.

Model Rocket Safety

Model rocketry is a very stable and safe hobby but there are some rules of thumb and guidelines that you should follow. And of course it is not something that small children should do alone. The National Association of Rocketry has some great guidelines for safety in this hobby NAR Website

Expense

The hobby is very inexpensive to get started and you can buy a complete kit which has a rocket, a launch pad and engines for usually less than thirty dollars. One thing to note if you are considering buying a kit: Some kits do not have the engines and you will have to buy them separately so watch for this and get your engines if you need them.