Brief:
The Estes Astrovision is a RTF rocket that comes in a Rocket Launch set with a launch stand and controller. The unique thing about the Astrovision is that it lofts a digital camera into the air. The camera can take both digital video (12 seconds worth) and digital still pictures.

Construction:
The parts list:

• Camera Nosecone
• Plastic Fin Can
• Pre-preprinted Body Tube
• Rubber band shock cord
• 6 button cells (3 required for camera, 3 extra
• Launch Stand
• Launch Controller

The Astrovision is a RTF rocket. The flyer just needs to load 3 of the included button cell batteries into the nose cone for the camera. A small Phillips head screwdriver is needed to accomplish this task.

Finishing:
Since this is a RTF and the body tube is pre-printed with the graphics, there is no finishing required.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
First, I flew the Astrovision on a C6-5 in still picture mode. The flight was beautiful. It went higher than I expected considering the added weight of the camera nose cone. Since I let a TARC team member hit the button and they didn't wait long enough, we ended up with 3 pictures of the parachute.

Next it was flown again on a C6-5 in video mode. I'm not sure what kind of video we got because the person who recovered it switched it to off before I got it back.

Recovery:
It comes with a rubber band shock cord which I thought did the job well. I decided to add a 12" nylon parachute to it though. The recovery was perfect--it ejected at apogee and had a wonderful descent rate. It was recovered a short distance from the launch pad.

Flight Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:
Takes decent pictures.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5