{"id":728,"date":"2022-05-26T20:55:59","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T20:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/?p=728"},"modified":"2022-10-03T20:24:31","modified_gmt":"2022-10-03T20:24:31","slug":"how-to-make-my-rocket-fly-higher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/how-to-make-my-rocket-fly-higher\/","title":{"rendered":"Make My Rocket Fly Higher (Engine Selection and Finishing)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-Fly-Rockets-Higher-Hero-reduced-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-Fly-Rockets-Higher-Hero-reduced-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-Fly-Rockets-Higher-Hero-reduced-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-Fly-Rockets-Higher-Hero-reduced-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-Fly-Rockets-Higher-Hero-reduced.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Last week my son asked me how high a rocket can fly. As I went on my deep dive and explored just how high low-powered rockets can go, I started to ask myself another question. How can I make my own rockets fly higher?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While I\u2019m not a super competitive guy, it got me thinking. Maybe we can Dude Perfect an activity and see who can launch their rocket the highest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Model Rocket Battle | Dude Perfect\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WpqUOW19aJQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Dude Perfect&#8217;s Model Rocket Battle Part 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Generally, to increase a rocket\u2019s altitude you must decrease drag and weight while increasing thrust. Making a high-flying rocket is a balancing act of all three factors. Unless you build a rocket from scratch, the biggest changes you can make are decreasing drag and choosing the right engine.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at how you can significantly reduce drag and how you can choose the right engine for your rocket.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drag<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trigger alert: we\u2019re about to get academic. Here\u2019s NASA\u2019s explanation of drag: \u201cWe can think of drag as aerodynamic resistance to the motion of the object through the fluid. This source of drag depends on the shape of the rocket and is called form drag. As air flows around a body, the local velocity and pressure are changed.\u201d&nbsp;(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grc.nasa.gov\/www\/k-12\/rocket\/rktaero.html\">https:\/\/www.grc.nasa.gov\/www\/k-12\/rocket\/rktaero.html<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get super technical and academic about this (considering you can get advanced university degrees in aeronautical engineering), but I\u2019m going to keep things simple and practical (mostly because I\u2019m no aeronautical engineer\u2026). The drag of a rocket is ultimately determined not so much about the surface area of the rocket, but the surface area that is in contact with air (what NASA&nbsp;identifies as&nbsp;a fluid) as the rocket travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If we want to make our rocket fly higher, we have to find ways to make it have as&nbsp;little drag as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rocket Fin Design and Reducing Drag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, if you plan to scratch-build your own rocket and&nbsp;plan to design it yourself, first off, kudos to you. Second, if you haven\u2019t already, buy a flight simulator program like&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apogeerockets.com\/index.php?main_page=product_software_info&amp;cPath=13_206&amp;products_id=2636\" target=\"_blank\">Rocksim<\/a>&nbsp;to test your designs. (This is not an affiliate link and I have no connection to Apogee Components. They just have great information.) If you plan to design rockets, there is no getting around a good rocket simulator program,&nbsp;and Rocksim is the go-to program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal theoretical shape for a low-powered rocket fin is an elliptical shape. If you want to nerd out and read all about this, check out Tim Van Milligan\u2019s article in his <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/apogeerockets.com\/education\/downloads\/Newsletter442.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Peak of Flight Newsletter No. 442<\/a>. He\u2019s super smart and gets much more technical. I\u2019m not, so I just give you the answer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Elliptical-Fin-1024x854.png\" alt=\"Theoretical ideal shape for model rocket fin\" class=\"wp-image-730\" width=\"512\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Elliptical-Fin-1024x854.png 1024w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Elliptical-Fin-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Elliptical-Fin-768x640.png 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Elliptical-Fin.png 1065w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While this is the best shape theoretically, the best practical shape for a small, low-powered rocket is actually a rectangle or parallelogram (if you forgot your high school geometry, a parallelogram is a rectangle, but tilted sideways). I\u2019m not going to get into the science of this, but because we don\u2019t live in a vacuum and circumstances are never perfect, this accounts for any wind and what a rocket needs to correct itself and fly straight again (It gets super technical and deals with something called a Reynold\u2019s Number. Check out this article&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/ftp.demec.ufpr.br\/foguete\/bibliografia\/Apogee%2016%20What%20is%20the%20best%20fin%20shape.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>&nbsp;if you\u2019re interested in nerding out).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Parollelogram-Fin-1024x843.png\" alt=\"Ideal shape for small model rocket fin\" class=\"wp-image-732\" width=\"512\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Parollelogram-Fin-1024x843.png 1024w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Parollelogram-Fin-300x247.png 300w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Parollelogram-Fin-768x632.png 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Parollelogram-Fin.png 1197w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you want to get really into the technical side of model rocket design, check out Tim\u2019s book, Model Rocket Design and Construction. I usually recommend Make: Rockets by Mike Westerfield because it\u2019s more up to date (the third and newest edition of Tim\u2019s book was published in 2008). That being said, the fundamental engineering principals in Tim\u2019s book stand the test of time,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;is definitely worth getting if you\u2019re interested in building and designing your own model rockets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Rocket-Design-Construction-Timothy-Milligan\/dp\/0965362027?crid=3RAWDZKO2H1OT&amp;keywords=MODEL+ROCKET+DESIGN+AND+CONSTRUCTION&amp;qid=1653494866&amp;sprefix=model+rocket+design+and+construction%2Caps%2C87&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=e65bf625ed17672ffcf0c630dac86e1b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"718\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocket-Book-reduced.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocket-Book-reduced.jpg 600w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocket-Book-reduced-251x300.jpg 251w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Rocket-Design-Construction-Timothy-Milligan\/dp\/0965362027?crid=3RAWDZKO2H1OT&amp;keywords=MODEL+ROCKET+DESIGN+AND+CONSTRUCTION&amp;qid=1653494866&amp;sprefix=model+rocket+design+and+construction%2Caps%2C87&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=e65bf625ed17672ffcf0c630dac86e1b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Model Rocket Design and Construction (Third Edition) by Timothy Van Milligan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Chances are though, you\u2019re more likely going to take a kit rocket and want to make it as efficient and aerodynamic as you can make it. The biggest thing you can do to improve what comes in the kit is to sand an airfoil into the balsa fins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two choices when sanding your fins. The first is to sand the fin so it has a tear-drop airfoil (the top of the fin, the part that faces up during launch being the thickest, and the side facing the ground the tip of the tear-drop).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile-729x1024.png\" alt=\"Profile of a teardrop airfoil\" class=\"wp-image-713\" width=\"365\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile-729x1024.png 729w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile-214x300.png 214w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile-768x1079.png 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile-1093x1536.png 1093w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Areodynamic-Fin-Profile.png 1129w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>After you attach your fins to the body tube, take some of that wood glue, and apply some along the edge where the fin meets the rocket. Use the tip of your finger and lightly smooth out the glue line. This will add a light fillet and further reduce drag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Launch Lug and Drag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It might seem trivial, but that little straw-like tube glued to the side of your rocket that you use for takeoff creates quite a bit of drag. The best way to reduce drag is to get rid of it completely. Unless you decided to buy\/build a&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apogeerockets.com\/Launch_Accessories\/Launch_Pads\/Apogee_Competition_Launch_Tower\" target=\"_blank\">Launch Tower<\/a>&nbsp;(around $200 at Apogee Components. Not likely worth buying unless you\u2019re going to start a rocketry club) or plan to buy\/build some other contraption to release the launch lug at take-off (Apogee makes&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apogeerockets.com\/Launch-Accessories\/Fly-Away-Rail-Guides\" target=\"_blank\">Fly-Away Rail Guides<\/a>), we\u2019re just going to have to deal with a launch lug. The simplest option is to streamline the launch lug by cutting 45 degree angles on the ends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Launch-Lug-Reduced-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Launch lug with 45 degree angle ends\" class=\"wp-image-1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Launch-Lug-Reduced-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Launch-Lug-Reduced-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Launch-Lug-Reduced-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Launch-Lug-Reduced.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Apply a High Altitude Finish to a Model Rocket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to take things to the next level and really reduce drag, you\u2019re going to need to give your rocket a polished paint job. Simulations between a regular matte&nbsp;finish versus a polished finish show a 14% difference in altitude. That\u2019s a pretty big deal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by painting the entire rocket with a good quality sand-able spray primer. You can find this at&nbsp;a car parts store (it\u2019s usually marketed as an automotive primer). It\u2019s a bit pricey, but since rockets have such small surface area, a can will last you a long time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dupli-Color-DAP1689-General-Purpose-Sandable\/dp\/B002984MTG?keywords=sandable%2Bprimer&amp;qid=1653319679&amp;sr=8-2&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=93aaf37486b36a05b3e6a70b79a2ec51&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Automotive-Primer.jpeg\" alt=\"Duplicolor primer\" class=\"wp-image-741\" width=\"110\" height=\"345\"\/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dupli-Color-DAP1689-General-Purpose-Sandable\/dp\/B002984MTG?keywords=sandable%2Bprimer&amp;qid=1653319679&amp;sr=8-2&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=93aaf37486b36a05b3e6a70b79a2ec51&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Duplicolor Sandable Primer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When the paint is completely dry, sand the whole rocket. You\u2019ll probably see through to the original finish the first time you sand. Repeat this process a couple more times until the rocket is perfectly smooth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paint the entire rocket with several lighter coats of an enamel paint (I&nbsp;like&nbsp;something bright to make it easier to see). Because there is usually a bump where different paint colors meet (which&nbsp;therefore creates drag), painting the whole rocket a single color will give it&nbsp;a much&nbsp;smoother finish, creating less overall drag.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lightly spray the whole rocket with 2-3 coats of clear enamel paint. Once it\u2019s completely dry, lightly wet-sand the entire finish using a succession of 800, 1000, 1200, and 1500 grit&nbsp;sandpaper&nbsp;(this is some next-level finishing!).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Abrasive-Waterproof-Sandpaper-Furniture-Improvement\/dp\/B01B2SWZ9W?crid=3UKGGBWFGIQTJ&amp;keywords=1200%2Bgrit%2Bsandpaper&amp;qid=1653497851&amp;sprefix=1200%2Bgrit%2Bsandpape%2Caps%2C143&amp;sr=8-9&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=39a39216b175b0254f9b030aa770e2d0&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Assorted-Sand-Paper-810x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Assorted sandpaper\" class=\"wp-image-742\" width=\"259\" height=\"327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Assorted-Sand-Paper-810x1024.jpeg 810w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Assorted-Sand-Paper-237x300.jpeg 237w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Assorted-Sand-Paper-768x971.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Assorted-Sand-Paper.jpeg 1187w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Abrasive-Waterproof-Sandpaper-Furniture-Improvement\/dp\/B01B2SWZ9W?crid=3UKGGBWFGIQTJ&amp;keywords=1200%2Bgrit%2Bsandpaper&amp;qid=1653497851&amp;sprefix=1200%2Bgrit%2Bsandpape%2Caps%2C143&amp;sr=8-9&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=39a39216b175b0254f9b030aa770e2d0&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Assorted Wet\/Dry Sandpaper (400\/600\/ 800\/1000\/ 1200\/1500 Grits)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll probably still see some micro scratches on the finish, and if you left it there, it\u2019s still going to be considerably more aerodynamic than what we started with. But if we\u2019ve gone this far, what\u2019s a little more?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buff the whole rocket with some Nu-Finish Car Polish, and gently rub out those micro-scratches. You can even use a fiber head\/buffing attachment with a Dremel to make buffing easier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NuFinish-437x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1784\" width=\"219\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NuFinish-437x1024.jpg 437w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NuFinish-128x300.jpg 128w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NuFinish.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nu-Finish-Liquid-Car-Polish\/dp\/B000BPSW7C?crid=1KHO3XMZI46GD&amp;keywords=automotive%2Bpolish&amp;qid=1653498266&amp;sprefix=automotive%2Bpolish%2Caps%2C157&amp;sr=8-11&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=1a23e8c174489a4b580652c91af97fab&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NuFinish Car Polish<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now add a light coat of car wax and buff it to a perfectly smooth finish. This is pretty extra,&nbsp;but your rocket is going to slip through the air like none other!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Selection for a High-Flying Rocket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I won\u2019t get super into rocket engines here (I\u2019ve written a lot more about them&nbsp;in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/how-to-choose-a-model-rocket-engine\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Choose a Model Rocket Engine<\/a>), but we will have to get into a little bit of the basics. If you want to fly higher, you\u2019re going to want more thrust, so you want to get an engine in your size (the size of your rocket) with the highest Total Impulse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you look at the code on a model rocket engine, the first letter identifies the Total Impulse. The higher the letter, the higher to Total impulse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Engine-Code-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a C6-5 rocket engine with an arrow and circle identifying the engine code\" class=\"wp-image-1785\" width=\"342\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Engine-Code-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Engine-Code-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Engine-Code-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Engine-Code.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first number right after the letter identifies to the average impulse. While you might think a higher number is best, a lower number might be better. A lower average can sometimes mean a longer burn time. Estes make a handy <a href=\"https:\/\/estesrockets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Educator\/Estes_Engine_Chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chart<\/a> that tells you the total burn time of their rockets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Estes_Engine_Chart-657x1024.png\" alt=\"Estes Model rocket engine chart\" class=\"wp-image-748\" width=\"657\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Estes_Engine_Chart-657x1024.png 657w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Estes_Engine_Chart-193x300.png 193w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Estes_Engine_Chart-768x1197.png 768w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Estes_Engine_Chart.png 774w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px\" \/><figcaption>Download a pdf copy from Estes <a href=\"https:\/\/estesrockets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Educator\/Estes_Engine_Chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Finally, the last number means how long until the ejection charge goes off,&nbsp;releasing your parachute or streamer. If&nbsp;your&nbsp;rocket is from a kit, pick the recommended rocket engine which has the highest number. If you have a fast-flying rocket, an extra second or two before that charge&nbsp;can&nbsp;make a difference (not a huge one, but a difference none the less).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re designing your own rocket, you can take more liberties with your design. So while you\u2019re at it, why not add a booster?&nbsp;You\u2019ll need to design and build a booster attachment (which might change&nbsp;your&nbsp;center of gravity and center of pressure), but if you\u2019re designing and building a rocket from scratch, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a booster can make a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;difference as you now get to add a second engine and almost double your total burn time. Estes sells a rocket called the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Estes-9707-Majestic-Flying-Rocket\/dp\/B00FDA18M6?crid=2DOVFD4W5LIZ&amp;keywords=estes+pro+series+ii+booster&amp;qid=1653499696&amp;sprefix=estes+pro+series+ii+booster%2Caps%2C106&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=7ad64597db5f448ab64a0841bc320a45&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Majestic<\/a>&nbsp;that can fly up to 2,000 feet. With the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Estes-9752-PSII-29mm-Booster\/dp\/B00FU4AXBW?crid=2DOVFD4W5LIZ&amp;keywords=estes+pro+series+ii+booster&amp;qid=1653499696&amp;sprefix=estes+pro+series+ii+booster%2Caps%2C106&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=grabowskig0d-20&amp;linkId=89ca97c18b9a092d0fe111d6bb5216f2&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">booster attachment<\/a>,&nbsp;that same rocket can fly up to 3,000 feet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">(Friendly) Competition with High Flying Rockets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fun part of making a rocket fly as high as possible is not necessarily to put on the&nbsp;most powerful&nbsp;motor possible and see it fly into the stratosphere (ultimately losing it), but to see who can fly the highest with a lower-power engine (see how to measure the height of your launch&nbsp;here). I mean,&nbsp;what kid&nbsp;doesn\u2019t want to take on dad in a&nbsp;competition?&nbsp;(And let\u2019s be honest, it\u2019s a bit cathartic as a parent to put our kids in their place and just stuff that jump shot into the neighbor\u2019s yard.)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So why not make a bit of a competition out of it (or if you\u2019re not the competitive type, make it more of an experiment)?&nbsp;See just how high you can fly your rocket. Some of these kits are so cheap, you can build two or three and test out the difference in altitude with a single spray paint finish versus a high-polish finish. Experiment to see how much&nbsp;of&nbsp;a difference sanding the fins makes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you<s>r<\/s>&nbsp;know it, your kids are learning something (shhhh\u2026.&nbsp;don\u2019t let them know), and you\u2019re having a good time building and launching rockets! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diving Deeper into Model Rocketry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find yourself getting seriously into rocketry and you want to learn more, check out Make: Rockets by Mike Westerfield. Make is an awesome resource for so many things STEM-related and this book will give you everything you need to know about low-powered rocketry including compressed air and water rockets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This book is no-joke and is about 1\u00bd inches thick. This book has become my rocket bible and is a great resource (and no, Make did not ask me to say any of this).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Make-Rockets-Down-Earth-Science\/dp\/1457182920?crid=33IGPCG4H2EEG&amp;keywords=make+rockets&amp;qid=1655037741&amp;sprefix=make+rockets%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=dadstuff0bd-20&amp;linkId=2dfc2ec5e87490b3655a9cdbbd08f802&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Make-Rockets-Boook.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1655\" width=\"600\" height=\"633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Make-Rockets-Boook.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Make-Rockets-Boook-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Make-Rockets-Boook-768x810.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Make-Rockets-Down-Earth-Science\/dp\/1457182920?crid=33IGPCG4H2EEG&amp;keywords=make+rockets&amp;qid=1655037741&amp;sprefix=make+rockets%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=dadstuff0bd-20&amp;linkId=2dfc2ec5e87490b3655a9cdbbd08f802&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Make: Rockets by Mike <\/em><\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Make-Rockets-Down-Earth-Science\/dp\/1457182920?crid=33IGPCG4H2EEG&amp;keywords=make+rockets&amp;qid=1655037741&amp;sprefix=make+rockets%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=dadstuff0bd-20&amp;linkId=00c5dfb13266a9541640d6bbee373c2a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Westerfield<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last week my son asked me how high a rocket can fly. As I went on my deep dive and explored just how high low-powered rockets can go, I started<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[63,61,59,105,38,107,58,64,106,108],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/728"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=728"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1791,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/728\/revisions\/1791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=728"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dadstuffsite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}