11

LENS

The final bit of prep involves adding an igniter.
There’s a hole in the bottom of the motor, into
which I poke the electrical igniter. It’s a small blob of
translucent material with two wires coming out. A
plastic plug holds this in place, and the ends are bent
over to make it easier for the crocodile clips to connect.

ALL SYSTEMS GO
The rocket then slips down the guide-rod on the launch
pad (there’s a thin plastic tube glued to the side of the
rocket), the launch controller is clipped onto the igniter
(making sure there’s no short circuit), and we’re ready
for launch.

We retreat to a safe distance, and get ready. Paul

turns a key on the launch controller. A faint whine

comes out, indicating that the Wizard is ready to go.

I become aware that a small crowd has gathered

around; all experienced rocketeers, but they still turn up

to support me and watch my simple rockets.

Five

Four

Three

Tw o

One

Nothing. I hammer the launch button a few times, but

it’s futile. We switch to Baby Bertha and get ready again.

Five

Four

Three

Tw o

One

FFFFWWOOOSH!

Success! It shoots off, leaving a trail of smoke. It

becomes a faint dot in the sky, then the parachute

deploys. The crowd still applauds the successful launch;

the first time anyone’s applauded anything I’ve made.

We go and take a look at the Wizard. Paul gives the

crocodile clips a sanding to make sure the accumulation

of soot hasn’t stopped the circuit, and we try again.

This time it works. The two rockets have the same

engine, but the Wizard flies far higher than the Baby

Bertha. Again, the nose pops off, and the streamer

comes out, helping it sail safely back to earth.

The noise, smoke, the rockets’ raw power, coupled

with the nerves of it not firing, combine to make it an

exhilarating experience. I can’t claim to be a rocketeer,

but I have built and launched a couple of rockets!

Below

The first of our rockets heading (almost) straight up to

the clouds

Above

A launch controller

lets you deliver

power to ignite your

motors safely

Below

The final preparation

for launch is to

connect the ignitor to

the launch controller

CLUBS

Launching your rocket as part of a club is a great way to
get advice (Paul’s help tweaking our kits undoubtedly helped
them fly better), and also to see what other people are doing,
and it gives you a chance to see more powerful rockets fly.
However, it’s not essential, and you can launch rockets
by yourself. The UK Rocketry Association (UKRA) maintains
a safety code that you should follow if launching in the UK
(hsmag.cc/tHLWqR). In the US, the National Association
of Rocketry maintains a similar code (hsmag.cc/bMzxLE).
Many other countries have similar organisations, so make
sure you’re following your national body’s advice.