| Model rocketry is a hobby similar to building | | | | rocketry is often credited as the most |
| model airplanes. In the hobby today, there | | | | significant source of inspiration for |
| are two distinct areas of rocket activity: | | | | children who eventually become scientists and |
| amateur (or experimental) rocketry, and model | | | | engineers. See National Association of |
| rocketry (including high powered rocketry). | | | | Rocketry (NAR). |
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| Model and High Power Rocketry | | | | The History of model rocketry |
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| Model rocketry and high power rocketry | | | | The model rocket, and more importantly, the |
| involve professionally-manufactured | | | | model rocket engine, was designed in 1954 by |
| solid-fuel or hybrid liquid/solid fuel rocket | | | | Orville Carlisle, a licensed pyrotechnics |
| motors. Since these motors are professionally | | | | expert, and his brother Robert, a model |
| designed and constructed, they are far safer | | | | airplane enthusiast. They originally designed |
| than motors produced by individuals for use | | | | the engine and rocket for Robert to use in |
| in amateur or experimental rocketry. The | | | | lectures on the principles of rocket powered |
| motors also are tested and certified by the | | | | flight. But then Orville read articles |
| National Association of Rocketry, the Tripoli | | | | written in Popular Mechanics by G. Harry |
| Rocketry Association or the Canadian | | | | Stine about the safety problems associated |
| Association of Rocketry and come in | | | | with young people trying to make their own |
| standardized sizes and powers. | | | | rocket engines. With the launch of Sputnik, |
| | | | many young people were trying to build their |
| Model rocketry | | | | own rocket engines, often with tragic |
| | | | results. Homer Hickam was a teenage boy from |
| According to the National Association of | | | | West Virginia who with some of his friends, |
| Rocketry (NAR) safety code, model rockets are | | | | created a rocket. Some of these attempts were |
| constructed of paper, wood, plastic and other | | | | dramatized in the movie October Sky. Homer is |
| lightweight materials. The code also provides | | | | often credited with creating the first model |
| guidelines for motor use, launch site | | | | rocket, but it is more likely that the first |
| selection, launch methods, launcher | | | | true model rocket was built by Orville |
| placement, recovery system design and | | | | Carlisle. The Carlisles realized their engine |
| deployment and more. Since the early 1960s, a | | | | design could be marketed and provide a safe |
| copy of the Model Rocket Safety Code has been | | | | outlet for a new hobby. They sent samples to |
| provided with most model rocket kits and | | | | Mr. Stine in January, 1957. Stine, a range |
| motors. Model rocketry is a very safe hobby, | | | | safety officer at White Sands Missile Range, |
| provided precautions are taken as given in | | | | built and flew the models, and then devised a |
| the safety code. | | | | safety code for the activity based on his |
| | | | experience at the range. |
| Model rocketry is enjoyed by many different | | | | |
| levels of hobbyist, from grade-school | | | | The National Association of Rocketry was |
| children launching 3 inch (75 mm) tall models | | | | founded in 1957 to help promote not only the |
| in the baseball field, to teams of adults | | | | hobby, but to promote the safety of the |
| launching 200 pound (100 kg) behemoths | | | | activities related to model rocketry. |
| thousands of feet into the air. Model | | | | |