Author Archives: Roger

JonRocket.com Goes Mobile

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Look for the JonRocket.com trailer at launches in the Central Florida region.

We attend the ROCK launches in Oviedo, FL; the NEFAR launches in Bunnell, FL; and the TTRA launches in Plant City, FL. Since, we’re not able to attend all of the launches, please Contact Us if there’s something you need from us at a specfic launch.

We stock a collection of rocketry supplies including single-use motors, igniters, small parachutes, and other things you may need on-site. We don’t generally bring kits or parts to launches. Be sure to Contact Us before the launch if you’d like us to bring anything special.

We accept cash and major credit cards at launches.

For an introduction to rocketry (model rocketry and high-power rocketry) and information about Central Florida rocketry clubs, please visit OrlandoRocketry.com.

Dr. Zooch Space Launch System (SLS)

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NASA’s proposed follow-on to the Space Shuttle program is called the Space Launch System (SLS). At the heart of the SLS is a large booster rocket. Based on NASA artist conceptions, Dr. Zooch has produced a flying model rocket kit of the proposed SLS booster.

I took the attached photo at the Tripoli Tampa Rocketry Association Launch a few weeks ago. It captures the lift-off of a Dr. Zooch SLS kit built by Chris Michielssen.  As explained in a series of posts to his excellent Model Rocket Building Blog, Chris modified the kit a little by adding a few home-made decals and changing the position of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB)s.

Note the “flame fins” which attach to the rocket for flight to ensure that the rocket is stable.  Chris has painted them to resemble the flames from SRBs. Chris describes how he builds and paints flame fins in his blog.

The Dr. Zooch SLS kit is available from JonRocket.com.

Semroc Starship Vega

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The Starship Vega made its debut in the 1973 Estes catalog. It’s futuristic design made it an instant hit.

Assembled, the rocket is about 20-inches tall and just under an inch in diameter. Semroc’s kit features a quality balsa nose cone, laser-cut fins, and waterslide decals. The Skill Level 3 model is recovered by parachute.

Semroc has recaptured the magic of the classic kit from the 1970s.  It is now available for purchase at JonRocket.com.