Tag
#beginner
12 articles
launch-equipment
8 min readBest Launch Pads and Controllers for High-Power Rocketry (2026)
A practical guide to launch pads and controllers for HPR — from budget-friendly personal setups to club-grade systems for your L1 flight.
motors
7 min readHow to Read a Rocket Motor Code (H128W, J350W, and the Rest)
Decode hobby rocket motor designations — impulse letter, average thrust, propellant suffix, delay, NAR/TRA class ranges, and how to pick a delay.
beginner
2 min readHow to Talk to an RSO (and Not Get Sent Back to the Pits)
What a Range Safety Officer actually wants to hear: the flight card, the motor, the recovery, and the one sentence that keeps the line moving.
L1
7 min readLaunch Day Checklist: What to Bring for Your First HPR Flight
A complete first-flight packing list for high-power rocketry — rocket, motor, tools, recovery gear, paperwork, and RSO inspection.
certification
7 min readNAR vs Tripoli: Which Rocketry Organization Should You Join?
A practical comparison of NAR and Tripoli — membership dues, insurance, certification reciprocity, L2 exam differences, launch culture, and how to choose.
simulation
8 min readGetting Started with OpenRocket: Simulate Your First Flight
OpenRocket is a free, open-source rocket flight simulator. You build a virtual model of your rocket and run a simulation.
building
9 min readBeginner's Guide to Rocket Epoxy and Fillets
How to choose the right epoxy, mix it properly, and apply structural fillets that keep your fins attached through high-power flights.
building
10 min readHow to Finish and Paint Your Rocket: A Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to surface prep, priming, painting, and clear coating your rocket — from filling spiral grooves to getting a smooth, professional finish.
building
7 min readRocket Motor Retention: Clips, Retainers, and How to Keep Your Motor In
Why ejection can spit a motor out the back of your rocket, and how to choose real retention — tape, Estes clips, and Aero Pack retainers.
recovery
9 min readRocket Recovery Hardware Guide: Parachutes, Shock Cords & More
Everything you need for reliable rocket recovery — parachute sizing, shock cord materials, Nomex protectors, quick links, and shear pins.
physics
11 min readUnderstanding Rocket Stability: CG, CP, and Why Your Rocket Needs Both
A clear explanation of center of gravity, center of pressure, stability margin, and how to make sure your rocket flies straight — not sideways.
L1
8 min readHow to Get Your L1 High-Power Rocketry Certification (2026)
Everything you need to know about L1 certification — NAR vs Tripoli, what kit to build, which motor to use, and what to expect on flight day.