I had not built nor flown model rockets in decades. Having recently been given a couple of ‘antique’ Estes rockets the weekend before, I was bitten by the bug again. And based upon the reaction of #2 prodigy, it was a shared affliction.

So we embarked on the adventure that is building and launching model rockets. Of course, as with any space endeavor there are risks to go along with it. And sometimes, you loose an entire spaceship.

Here are some videos from the last couple of days at the ‘launch site’, hosted on YouTube (for lack of a better place to host them).

SATURDAY – Undisclosed Location

First launch of our first Rocket, the Estes TASER. This is one of the E2X rocket serious from Estes. Quick and easy to build. Just about 1 hour of time, mainly to let glue dry.

We took our pre-painted rocket and the launching system that came in it’s kit, out to a local field and tried out luck at launching rockets.

LAUNCH 1 – TASER + A8-5 motor
This was a very successful launch. Everything went well, and the rocket was successfully recovered.

LAUNCH 2 – TASER + A8-5 motor
The second launch, also went without a hitch. This time I did a better job of tracking it with the little Canon digital camera, using it’s built-in video capability. I think it works OK. Prodigy is seen running to recover the vehicle.

LAUNCH 3 – TASER + B6-4 motor
Everything went perfectly, right up to the point it left the pad. I don’t know if you can tell from the difference in Launch 2 and this, but the rocket really ripped off the pad and basically dissappeared, until the tracking smoke trail emerged.

Then things got worse. It caught a wind aloft that carried it out over the school gym. We searched for 30 minutes, probably more. The rocket: LOST.

Having just lost our first spacecraft, we set out in the Earth Rover (aka ML430, it sort of looks like a rover) to the place where they sell rocket building materials, Micheal’s Crafts (the local hobby shop is poaching an additional 20-25% for everything.. I’m happy to support local businesses but really.. that’s just a little TOO steep a price).

Not wanting to invest a large sum on another lost rocket, I located this kit:

SUNDAY – Undisclosed Location

Most of the construction was completed on Saturday night. Painting, however, took at lot longer.

Once the paint was dried, we still had a few hours of daylight to launch. The wind was kicking up, and this rocket is supposed to fly to twice the height of the one we lost the day before. This one, however recovers with a streamer. Thought here is that it will be far less likely to catch a winds-aloft current and drift out of the recovery area. You know what they say about plans….

Once back out on the launch site, the previous day’s lost rocket revealed itself. Having blown across the roof and into the gutter of the gym. Parachute clearly in view, part of one fin is also visible to the right, sticking out of the gutter.

Unfortunate part is that this is on the root of a gym, and although a lower section, it’s a good 12′ or more in the air. I don’t typically carry 14′ ladders in my car so recovery seemed damn near impossible.

So, off we go, into the wild blue yonder!