Tripoli Rocketry Of San Diego Ocotillo Launch On 10-18-1998 These are not Estes Model Rockets, They are seriously high powered rockets powered by Aerotech Consumer Aerospace Engines requiring special permits, licenses, and FAA waivers. The last one supposedly broke the speed of sound, you can barely hear the "pop". FYI... The speed of sound is about 768 miles per hour. The speed needed to escape Earths gravity and obtain orbit is about 7 miles per second, or 25000 miles per hour.