Model rocketry is a hobby that does require using common sense when launching a model rocket. This is the importance of safety when launching a model rocket. There are safety guidelines provided by nar.org.
There is a number of factors that you need to consider before launching a model rocket. These factors are mainly around the location of the launch and the weather conditions. Once your model rocket is set up on a launchpad then it is to countdown press the launch button.
In this post, we will go through how to launch a model rocket in more detail. Let’s get started!
What Is Needed To Launch A Model Rocket?
Luckily there are model rocket kits that you can get from a model rocket store or hobby stores that make this easier. More often than not this will require a degree of assembly.
Other than following the instructions to assemble the model rocket and launch pad, there are other things considerations that need to be decided on before launching. These are as follows.
- Decide on launch site.
- Check he weather conditions are good.
- Ensure that the model rocket and launch system are ready
Decide On Launch Site
You need to choose an open public park, football fields or an open car park that is not been used. You may need to get permission to launch a rocket model if planning on launching in a park or football pitch.
The most important is not to launch the model rocket near anything that is flammable such as dry leaves, power lines, twigs, and so on.
Check The Weather Conditions Are Good
You need to ensure that the weather conditions are suitable to launch a rocket. For example, if you launch a model rocket in strong winds.
The wind could blow the model rocket into an unpredictable direction where it could hit a power line or go into woods and set a fire.
Ensure That The Model Rocket And Launch System Are ready
Firstly you need to ensure that your model rocket is ready to be launched. This includes that the recovery system, wadding, and engine are ready for launching.
Secondly, you need to ensure that the model rocket launch systems are ready for launching. The launch system is commonly made up of just the launch pad and a launch controller.
How To Launch A Model Rocket?
The launching stage of the model rocket is more of a process. It is assumed that the rocket model is ready to be launched and the launchpad and the controller are set up and ready. The basic process is as follows.
- Quick safety check.
- Put the model rocket onto the launchpad.
- Connect the igniter to the launch controller.
- Countdown and launch.
Quick Safety Check
This involves doing a quick check that nothing flammable has come into the launch area or if anything that might affect or block the rocket flight path.
And to make sure that if there are any onlookers that they are at a safe distance.
Put The Model Rocket Onto The Launchpad
Place the model rocket onto the launch rod. Try to point or angle the rocket away from any area you would not want it to land in.
Connect The Igniter To The Launch Controller
Now you need to connect the model rocket to the launch controller on the launch system.
Countdown And Launch
Now that you are ready to launch the model launch you can do a countdown. The countdown normally starts from 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… “liftoffs”. And then you are ready to press the launch button.
Final Thoughts
Finally, you need to remember that you have a number of factors that you need to consider before launching a model rocket. These factors are mainly around the location of the launch and the weather conditions.
Once your model rocket is set up on a launchpad then it is to countdown press the launch button.
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