Estes New Shepard Kit

Difficulty building a rocket

Building difficulty 2 rocket models require painting, gluing and sanding. The model has laser cut wood stabilizers, a plastic or balsa nose cone, prints and a body that is ready to assemble. Basic modeling experience is required for construction. You will spend approximately one day on the construction.

The assembled model must be painted - we recommend using acrylic spray paint. You can buy spray paints from us or in paint and varnish stores. For information on building and launching, see How to operate model rockets.

Flight phase

1. 
   
2. Ignition of the engine - the propellant mixture in the engine is ignited by the burner.
   The desired direction of flight is ensured by the guide rod of the launch pad, on which the rocket is slid.
   
3. Thrust and acceleration - the rocket is powered by the reactive power of the rocket engine.
   
4. Burnout of the propellant mixture - as soon as the propellant mixture burns out, the delay mixture begins to burn, producing a large amount of smoke.
   It is used to track the flight of the rocket. The fast moving rocket now begins to slow down.
   
5. The peak of the flight and ejection - after the retardation mixture has burned out, the ejection mixture is ignited, which activates the rocket's return system.
   
6. The return system - is implemented most often using a parachute, a ribbon, or a so-called heli-blade.
   
7. The last stage is the rocket hitting the ground.
   

You can also find more information in the Estes catalog.

Rocket engines

Engine burners and gaskets are included in the engine package unless otherwise noted. Estes engines are equipped with electric burners, designed to be ignited by electric current through the firing device. The model can be fitted with Klima engines, also with electric burners or classic igniters. More information about rocket engines can be found in the overview of rocket engines.

Launching with the launch device (motors with electric burners) is carefree and safe - you stand a few meters from the rocket.

Dump plug

The cotton exhaust plug is made of non-flammable fabric, its purpose is to prevent damage (burning) of the parachute from engine exhaust.

Build tools

To assemble the model, you will need: scissors, pencil, sandpaper, sanding block, modeling knife, universal glue, plastic glue and acrylic paints for possible coloring. For comfortable cutting and protection of the table during assembly, we recommend a work mat.

Flight altitude measurement

You can measure the height reached by the rocket using a digital altimeter that is inserted into the rocket. You can use a sextant to measure height from the ground.