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Model Rocket Information
(G and Under)

What is Model Rocketry?

Model rocketry was developed during the “space race” era as an alternative to the amateur rocket activity — involving metallic airframes and the mixing of dangerous propellants — that was responsible for injuring and even killing numerous young scientific experimenters.

 

How to Build a Model Rocket.

NAR volunteers have produced nine pages of excellent tutorial material on how to build a model rocket and a 45-minute instructional video for rocketeers of all ages on all the steps and techniques involved in building and flying a model rocket. This instructional video has been divided into six short segments of 4 – 9 minutes in duration and posted online by the NAR’s TARC partners, the Aerospace Industries Association on their YouTube site. The six segments are:
Part 1: How Model Rockets Work
Part 2: Components of a Rocket
Part 3: Construction
Part 4: Finishing the Rocket’s Fins
Part 5: Assembling the Rocket
Part 6: Painting the Completed Rocket

Model rockets are constructed of much safer materials — such as cardboard, plastic, and balsa wood — and are fueled by single-use rocket motors manufactured by professional businesses. These rockets may be flown over and over simply by replacing the used motor with a fresh one. They typically contain a parachute, streamer, or other recovery device that allows them to land gently for later reflight. The modeler need never mix, pack, or work with explosives or propellants.

Today, model rocket kits and motors can be purchased in almost every hobby shop and toy store. Kits are designed for all ages and all levels of challenge, from simple starter kits to complicated scale models. Motor power ranges from “1/4A” (the smallest) to “G” — enough power to lift a six-foot model and a hefty payload!

Model rockets must be flown in compliance with the Model Rocket Safety Code.

What is the NAR?

How many ways can you have fun with rockets? The NAR is all about having fun and learning more with and about model rockets. We are the oldest and largest sport rocketry organization in the world. Since 1957, over 80,000 serious sport rocket modelers have joined the NAR to take advantage of the fun and excitement of organized rocketry. Listed below are just a few of the benefits of becoming a NAR member:

Read Sport Rocketry Magazine

Sport Rocketry is a bi-monthly magazine jam-packed with building tips, plans, product reviews, technical information, space science features, interviews, and reports on launches and other rocketry activities from all over the country. (Check our our free online sample issue!)

Visit NAR Organized Rocket Launches

NAR members and Sections host hundreds of launches each year — both sport launches and competitions — these launches range from the local and regional level to national events. Check out our Online Launch Windows calendar listing some of the launches coming up in the next few months.

 

Connect With Local Clubs

Rocketry is more fun when you get together with fellow flyers in a NAR Section near you. Sections participate in building sessions, monthly meetings,  launches, and more! Your sport rocket designing, building, and flying is always more fun when you have rocket flying friends joining you. If you’d like to have a club closer to you, we’ll even show you how to start a new one!

Learn New Rocket Techniques with NARTREK

When you join the NARTREK (National Association of Rocketry Training Rocketeers for Experience and Knowledge) program, you fly increasingly more complex rockets through three levels. As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and a jacket patch certifying your accomplishment. You are under no time limit. You progress at your own pace. You can even “try it before you buy it” by downloading the Bronze Level Packet  now, and following the instructions on the first page!

Fly Model Rocket Contests

Since 1959, sanctioned NAR model rocket competition has evolved into a proven method for challenging the individual to improve craftsmanship and flying skills. It is an activity that emphasizes patience, skill, and sportsmanship. Any NAR member can participate in NAR sanctioned competition. The U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code , or “Pink Book,” is the official rulebook for conducting and participating in NAR sanctioned competition. NAR members can design and build model rockets for over 25 different competition events. Official US Records can be set in many of these events. The NAR has an archive of competition rocket plans suitable for many contest events and skill levels.

Your model rocket experience will “lift off” as soon as you become a member of the National Association of Rocketry!

 

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  • High Power Rocket Certification

    Design and Fly High Power Rocket Vehicles Learn More

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  • Contact Nar

    National Association of Rocketry
    P.O. Box 407
    Marion, IA 52302

    Call: 319-373-8910

  • Join NAR

    The best way to get more out of the exciting hobby of rocketry is to connect with other flyers. The National Association of Rocketry can get you connected to the cutting edge of the hobby so you can learn how to fly higher, faster, and better. As an NAR member you will get:

    • Access to launch sites through local NAR clubs
    • The bimonthly color magazine "Sport Rocketry"
    • Insurance coverage for your flights
    • Certification for high power rocket flying

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    • Home
    • Join NAR
    • Site Map
    • Contact Us
    • My Membership
    • About NAR
    • The American Rocketry Challenge
    • Model Rocket Info
      ▼
      • The Sport Rocketry Hobby
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
    • High Power Rocketry
      ▼
      • High Power Rocketry Certifications
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
      • Filing for FAA Launch Authorization
      • High Power Resources
        ▼
        • High Power Technical Reports
        • NAR HPR Certified Member Search
      • The NAR Rocket Science Achievement Award
    • Educational Resources
      ▼
      • Online Mentoring Resources
      • NARTREK Skills Program
      • The NARTREK Cadet Program
      • 4-H
      • Air Force JROTC
      • Civil Air Patrol
      • Rocket Teacher Certification Program
      • Grants, Scholarships, and Recipients
      • Educator’s Newsletter Archive
    • Find a Launch
      ▼
      • General Launch Information
      • Launch Calendar
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
    • Local Clubs
      ▼
      • NAR Club Locator
      • Find an NAR Club Launch
      • Submit a Local Club / Submit Changes
      • Section FAQ’s
      • Section Guidebook
    • Insurance Questions/Claims
    • Safety
      ▼
      • Safety Codes
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code
    • Rocket Motor Information
      ▼
      • Certified Motors
        ▼
        • Motor Related Lists
      • NAR Motor Testing
        ▼
        • NAR Motor Testing Notices
      • Manufacturer Notifications
      • Report a Malfunctioning Motor
    • Contest Flying – NAR Competition
      ▼
      • National Scoreboard
      • US Team Selection Scoreboard
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
      • Competition Results Entry
      • Team Registration
      • Teams List
      • Contest Events
      • Competition Meets
      • US National Model Rocket Performance Records – 8/2/19
      • International Competition
      • Competition Guide
      • U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
      • Rules Revision Process
    • Sport Rocketry Magazine
      ▼
      • Magazine Submissions
      • Write It and Get Paid
      • Advertise in Sport Rocketry
      • Sample Issue
      • Contact Sport Rocketry
    • Member Resources
      ▼
      • Members Only Forum
      • Magazine Archives
        ▼
        • Sport Rocketry Magazine
        • eRocketeer Digital Editions
        • Member Guidebook Archive
        • American Spacemodeling Magazine
        • The Model Rocketeer Magazine
        • Model Rocketry Magazine
      • NARTREK Skills Program
      • R&D Reports
      • Technical Bibliography
      • NAR Insurance
        ▼
        • Insurance Questions
        • Proof of Insurance
        • NAR Insurance Claim Form
      • NAR Association Documents
      • Promotional Materials
    • NAR Products
    • Website Fixes
    • Donate
    • What’s My NAR Number?
    • Log out