Rockets

Pack 316 Rocket Launch will be on May 17, 2008

Model Rockets is another fun activity Pack 316 offers to their Scouts. Here is a list of materials that the Cub Scout would use to plan, create, build, launch and recover their very own rocket.

• Materials. Only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of the rocket.

• Motors. Only certified, commercially made model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.

• Ignition System. Launch of rockets occurs with an electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters. The launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when released.

• Misfires. If the rocket does not launch when the button is press from the electrical launch system, an adult remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.

• Launch Safety. A countdown is used before launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when the launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when the launch of larger rockets. The stability is checked before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.

• Launcher. A launch of the rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye injury, launchers are placed so that the end of the launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.

• Size. Model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If the model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, rockets are check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.

• Flight Safety. Will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in the rocket.

• Launch Site. Launch of the rocket outdoors, in an open, large area, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. Confirmation that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
• Recovery System. A recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in the rocket is used so that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and only flame-resistant is used or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.

• Recovery Safety. Will not attempt to recover the rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.