Model Rocket Flight Profile

As a model rocket is launched it goes through five main stages during its flight. Each stage is important and each one must work perfectly for the next stage to function. If you are new to model rocketry, this blog will provide a detailed example of how a model rocket reaches all five stages of it's flight. This will give future rocketeers the understanding of how rockets launch, fly and land

1) Ignition and lift-off: To get any rocket into flight there must first be ignition. Ignition is created using an electrical charge that actually ignites the rocket engines. Once the rocket motor ignites the rocket will begin to produce thrust, moving it from the launch pad.

2) Engine Burnout: Most model rocket engines will only last about three seconds before they burn out. By the time the rocket engine burns out the rocket has already reached it's maximum speed. The motor burns out so quickly, right around 55-85 feet high, but still manages to fly nearly one thousand feet.

3) Coasting: Once the rocket motor burns out the rocket will be flying at incredible speeds and will need to slow before the parachute is deployed. Although the rocket may look like there is nothing going on inside, the engine is doing something very important. The delay charge is burning at a very low speed. You will notice smoke continues to billow from the end of the rocket which allows for tracking the rocket.

4) Ejection: Once the model rocket has reached it's maximum altitude the ejection charge of the rocket motor is deployed. This charge of the rocket motor blows off the nose cone and deploys the parachute. Choosing the right rocket engine is important, some rocket engines delay charge may happen to soon or too late.

5) Recovery: Once the ejection charge deploys the parachute the recovery stage is in full effect. The parachute catches a gust of wind and will fully open, allowing the rocket to float to the ground slowly. Other examples of recovery systems include, helicopter blades, tumble or glider, all of which operate under the same principles.

These are the five main stages to a model rocket flight. Each stage relies on the motor to operate flawlessly and it is vital the recovery system deploys properly for future flights. The stages work in harmony to get the rocket to the highest altitude possible.