Rocketry Videos

"Mr. Rocket tells us what it is like to run a rocket company" (2010-09-13)

What is is like to run Apogee Components, the leading educational model rocket company in the world? He is Tim Van Milligan who tells us what makes him click, and what kind of fun things you'll be ... [View]

38mm_motor_selection.mov (2010-03-02)

How to pick which 38mm motor casing would work in your high power rocket. This video shows you how the PRO38 motors from Cesaroni work. You'll see how to put the engine together, and how you can use ... [View]

Aerotech Arreauxbee Hi model rocket kit (2019-12-12)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Arreauxbee-Hi This is a short introduction and launch video of the Arreauxbee-Hi model rocket kit from Aerotech. The rocket ... [View]

Aerotech Mega Initiator (2020-05-17)

This is a short video describing the Aerotech Mega Initiator high power rocket. It can fly on H through K size rocket engines. [View]

Attaching Fins (2015-12-22)

In this model rocketry workshop we discuss tips and tricks to getting your fins glued to your body tube properly. [View]

Avion Model Rocket Construction Part 4 of 4 (2018-01-29)

This is the final video in the construction of the Avion model rocket. In this video, you'll learn how to remove the masking tape from the painted rocket and how to apply sticker-type decals to the ... [View]

Bomarc Model Rocket Launch (2015-09-07)

Bomarc model rocket launch on an H123-Skidmark. Rocket build by Steve Riegel. [View]

Building a Fiberglass Rocket: Part - 1 (2019-04-23)

We're building a typical fiberglass model rocket kit here from a company called "Mach 1." The kit does not come with very detailed instructions, and some of the parts need post-processing to get ... [View]

Building a Fiberglass Rocket: Part - 5 (2019-04-23)

We're building a typical fiberglass model rocket kit here from a company called "Mach 1." The kit does not come with very detailed instructions, and some of the parts need post-processing to get ... [View]

Building The Apprentice Model Rocket Kit (2012-09-19)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com This is a sample video from the DVD that comes with the Apprentice Starter Set. The DVD is included to make sure that you and your child get 100% success with your first ... [View]

Building the Level-2 Fiberglass Rocket Kit - 1: Centering Ring Eyebolt Installation (2012-10-30)

In this episode on building the Level 2 high-power model rocket, we begin by washing all the parts down with soapy water. After that, you'll install the eyebolt in the engine mount centering ring. ... [View]

Building the Level-2 Fiberglass Rocket Kit - 4: Positioning The Centering Rings (2012-11-27)

In this episode, you'll position the rings on the motor mount and get it ready for the engine retainer. This is part 4 of 22. [View]

Cirrus Breeze Rocket Glider - 16: Launch Glider Flight (2014-02-18)

This is the launch of the Cirrus Breeze model rocket glider kit. It takes off really fast, so don't blink, or you'll miss it. This is a great rocket for competition, as it boosts strait, and has a ... [View]

Cluster Engine Display Stands (2020-05-24)

This is a commercial for the cluster engine display stands from Apogee Components. They are specifically created for rockets that have two or more engine mount tubes in them. They allow the rocket ... [View]

Developing the GPS Guided Recovery System (2019-03-06)

This is our presentation for NARCON 2019, held in Cape Canaveral Florida on March 2. It covers the development of the GPS Guided Recovery system that Brian Houghton and Tim Van Milligan from Apogee ... [View]

Estes Pro Series II Launch Controller (2019-02-05)

This video gives you some basic features of the Estes Industries Pro Series II Launch Controller. [View]

FAI Parachute Duration Competition Rocket - 5: Motor Mount (2014-04-15)

Gluing the engine mount into the conical transition. This series of videos goes with a rocket that we've just released at Apogee Components. The rocket is named I.T.S., which stands for Int ... [View]

GPS Guided Recovery - Return to Launch Site (2019-03-05)

This is a prototype of Apogee's GPS Guided Recovery system for model rockets. It is intended to decrease the walking distance you have to make to get your rocket back. It uses a GPS controller to ... [View]

High Power Rocket - Black Brant Launch (2010-09-21)

http://www.apogeerockets.com/Madcow_4in_Black_Brant_FG.asp This video shows the launch of the 4-inch diameter Black Brant II rocket kit. The rocket is available from Apogee Components web site. [View]

How to Cluster Model Rocket Motors with Success (2019-07-02)

How do you get successful ignition on a cluster of rocket motors for you model rocket? There are three important things that have to be taken into account: The controller you're using, the igniters, ... [View]

How to pack a Competition Parachute (2018-03-27)

Folding big competition style parachutes is tricky. They are so big and the rockets are so lightweight that they often don't fully open. This video shows the method used by international competitor ... [View]

Introducing the Black Brant VC Model Rocket Kit (2023-04-11)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-4-Model-Rocket-Kits/Black-Brant-VC Introducing the Black Brant VC Model Rocket Kit - a 1/15th scale version of the iconic NASA sounding ... [View]

Katana Model Rocket (2019-04-23)

This is an introduction to the Katana high-powered model rocket kit from Apogee Components. It is a dual-deployment capable rocket with a 54mm diameter motor mount for motors sized from "I" to an ... [View]

Launch Your First Rocket (2009-06-30)

If you need a suggestion on what rocket to get for your first launch, we recommend a starter set. This video will show you how easy it is to get a successful first launch. [View]

LOC Magnum Model Rocket Kit (2019-03-05)

This is an overview of the features of the LOC Magnum model rocket kit. It is a three motor cluster, so it goes really high without the use of high power motors. [View]

LOC Ultimate Rocket Introduction (2019-04-09)

This promotional video shows the features of the LOC Ultimate rocket kit. It is a monster of a rocket, with 7 holes in the rear for up to seven rocket engines. You have the option of flying it with ... [View]

Mach 1 Method: Fiberglass Rocket Build Part 1 (2019-04-23)

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Mach 1 Method: Fiberglass Rocket Build Part 8 (2019-04-23)

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Make Rocket Ejection Charge Canisters (2012-08-07)

You can make a simple ejection charge canister for your high power model rocket with a rubber glove. In this video, you'll see how quick you can make the holder for the black powder. [View]

Model Rocket Competition Strategies: B Superroc Altitude Event (2013-03-18)

Here are some tips on building and flying in model rocket competitions. The event is B-engine Superroc Altitude. [View]

Model Rocket Engine Code Explained for Beginners (2019-05-21)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - A common question in model rocketry is what does the engine code printed on the side of the motor casing mean? An even more important question is how do you use that ... [View]

Model Rocket Field Zipper Repair (2016-03-15)

If you're out on the rocket range and your rocket suffers a tear (called a zipper) in the tube, what can you do to get the rocket back into the sky quickly? This video shows how to glue a piece of ... [View]

Model Rocket Manufacturers Forum NARAM 2019 (2019-08-08)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - This is vide we shot at the NARAM-61 in Muncie, Indiana (July 27, 2019). It is representatives from various model rocketry manufacturers telling the audience what are ... [View]

Model Rocket Motor Retention Methods (2009-08-17)

Trying to figure out how to restrain the rocket motor inside your cool rocket design? This video will show you a number of ways to hold the motor into the engine mount. [View]

Motor Extensions for Minimum Diameter Rockets (2012-09-04)

You're probably asking: "What is a motor extension? And why might I need one?" These are very good questions, and I'll try to answer them in this week's video. The short story is that they allow you ... [View]

Mounting a video camera to your rocket (2016-05-10)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - This video explains how to attach a key-chain video camera to the side of your model rocket. We recommend a camera hood to smooth the airflow around the camera to keep ... [View]

NARCON 2011 (2012-11-20)

Video footage from NARCON in 2011 of a panel discussion given by three other former and current Estes designers. [View]

Picking Igniters for composite motors (2018-02-13)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - We get a lot of questions from customers on how to pick an igniter for a composite motor. Note that an igniter does come with a motor, but occasionally fails to start ... [View]

Plugging a Rocket Motor (2020-02-11)

Need a plugged motor with no ejection charge but can't find one with the right impulse? We get that question all the time. It's very rare that you would ever fly a rocket that doesn't use an ... [View]

Resin Casting of Model Rocket Parts (2011-12-27)

Resin casting can be fun, and here I show you how it is done. This is how we make the resin nose cone for the Heli-Roc model rocket kit. Each kit is hand-made, just like the one shown in this video. ... [View]

Rocketry Manufacturer's Forum From NARCON 2020 (2020-03-19)

 This NARCON rocketry convention in Tucson, Arizona had a special forum that allowed the rocketry industry's manufacturers to tell what is going on in their companies. In this video, you'll ... [View]

RockSim Software Tutorial - 04 - 2D Drawing Preferences (2010-11-23)

Customize the units, and change the 2D rocket drawing to your specifications [View]

RockSim Software Tutorial - 06 - 3D Controls Pt 1 (2014-12-03)

Customize the 3D view - Part 1. Orienting the rocket, and zooming in and out. [View]

RockSim Software Tutorial - 21 - Motor Install (2015-01-19)

How to install new rocket motors in RockSim [View]

RockSim Software Tutorials - Installation & Registration (Windows) (2010-11-23)

RockSim Software installation & registration instructions for Windows computers [View]

RockSim Trajectory Comparisons using MS Excel (2020-06-27)

this is an old video I made in 2007 to show teachers how to create charts of rocket trajectories using Microsoft Excel. I'm sure that it can be done with something like google sheets, but I haven't ... [View]

RockSim Tutorial #10 (2020-06-30)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - This video covers the installation into RockSim of some of the parts inside the rocket. Not only will we put in the engine mount, but you'll see "how" to design the ... [View]

RockSim Tutorial #13 (2020-06-04)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - [View]

Rocksim Tutorial #6 (2020-06-04)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - [View]

Rocksim Tutorial #7 (2020-06-04)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - [View]

Rotary Revolution 06 (2014-12-09)

This step is where the shock cord is attached to both the body tube, and the graphite rotor shaft. The Rotary Revolution is a new competition style helicopter duration rocket. Specifically, this ... [View]

Saturn 1B Assembly Part 1 - What Paint to Use (2019-10-15)

This video shows the general painting techniques you'll use when building the Apogee 1/70th Scale Saturn 1B model rocket kit. [View]

Saturn 1B Assembly Part 22 - Service Module Wrap (2019-10-15)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - You'll see in this video how to install the Service Module wrap onto the upper part of the rocket. This is the Apogee Components 1/70th scale Saturn 1B model rocket ... [View]

Saturn 1B Assembly Part 43 - Attaching Fin Unit to the Tubes (2019-10-15)

In this step in the assembly sequence of the Apogee Components 1/70th scale model of the Saturn 1B rocket, is where you'll be attaching the fin unit to the fuel tank sub-assembly. This step needs to ... [View]

Saturn 1B Assembly Part 54 - Wadding and Parachute Packing (2019-10-15)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - The final step before flight of the Apogee Components 1/70th scale model of the Saturn 1B rocket, is to install the recovery wadding, and pack the parachutes for ... [View]

Saturn V Project Disk 1 (2017-11-24)

Measurement Correction: in the video at 17:10 Tim says that the engine mount tube should be recessed to 2-5/8". The correct measurement is 3-13/32". This is the video instructions for the assembly ... [View]

Saturn V Project Disk 3 (2017-11-24)

This is the video instructions for the Apogee Components 1/70th scale Saturn V model rocket. This is the third DVD. It covers: Step #49 - Removing Plastic Parts 00:00:00 Step #50 - Plastic Assy Part ... [View]

Semroc Blue Jay Glider Model Rocket Kit (2019-06-24)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Glider-Rockets/Blue-Jay-Boost-Glider - This is an introductory video of the Semroc BlueJay model rocket glider. The Semroc Blue Jay is a Delta-shaped joined ... [View]

Shock Cords for Dual-Deployment Rockets (2018-04-09)

"When flying dual-deployment rockets, how long do you make the shock cords? And which one (long or short) is put in the back of the rocket?" These are common questions that we get from people that ... [View]

Simple Timer for Staging model rockets (2019-08-05)

The Apogee SimpleTimer for Staging has been designed for timing applications in high-power consumer rocketry. Its intended use is to start igniter in the sustainer motor of a two stage rocket. It ... [View]

Simulating Flip-Out Fins on Multi-Stage Model Rockets (2021-12-18)

In this episode, we're looking at the process of debugging a rocket design. Then we'll look into the necessary steps to finding out how high a multi-stage rocket with deployable (hidden) fins will ... [View]

Strategies For NAR Payload Altitude Contest (2017-05-22)

http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - In 2017, the National Association of Rocketry is changing the way competitions are conducted to streamline the events and make it easier to be competitive. There will ... [View]

Stratus Gale 06 - Sand the tail fins (2015-06-25)

Where the wing of the Stratus Gale rocket glider requires a cambered airfoil, the two tail pieces need a symmetrical airfoils. This video shows how to sand the parts for a great flight. This model ... [View]

Terrier Sandhawk Build Part 10 - Launch and Post Flight Analysis (2019-10-18)

This 10-part video series shows the conversion of the LOC Precision Terrier-Sandhawk model rocket to a real working two-stage rocket that uses electronics to ignite the motor in the upper stage of ... [View]

Terrier Sandhawk Build Part 2 - Electronics Sled (2019-10-18)

The sled that holds the electronics in the rocket is not part of the LOC kit, and something that Apogee Components developed just to make this kit work. We include it with the kit when you buy from ... [View]

The Estes Alpha III (2019-09-10)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Bulk-Rocket-Packs/ALPHA-III-12-pack - This video is a short introduction to the Estes Alpha III rocket kit. It has a plastic fin unit, so construction is ... [View]

Unbox the Estes Vapor Model Rocket Kit (2022-04-08)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Estes-Vapor-Rocket-Kit Here we're looking at the Estes Vapor rocket kit through the eyes of a real rocket scientist. ... [View]

Unboxing Estes Black Brant XII Model Rocket Kit (2024-02-13)

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-4-Model-Rocket-Kits/Black-Brant-XII This video is our very first look into the Estes Black Brant XII model rocket kit. We'll look at it ... [View]

Using the Aerotech Universal Delay Drilling Tool (2019-06-18)

So I noticed a problem this past weekend with the Aerotech Universal Delay Drilling Tool that a customer showed to me at a rocket launch. The one he had wasn't cutting into the delay grain of his ... [View]

Using the Estes Igniters and Plugs Successfully in Model Rocket Motors (2019-06-04)

How do you successfully ignite an Estes rocket engine? That is what we'll cover in this video. Every now and then, we get a panic call from a school teacher because they had a rocket launch, and the ... [View]

Which Motor is Best for Your Rocket? (2020-05-05)

When you take a look on the Apogee website at any particular rocket kit, you see a long list of compatible motors. It can be daunting to figure out which one to choose for your first flight. This ... [View]