Assembling and launching the model rocket

Those familiar with model rocketry understand how a model rocket kit is constructed. Generally, the motor mount is installed first followed by the shock cord and fins. The nose cone and parachute are installed using the shock cord once the glue on the shock cord is dry.

The preparation of a model rocket for flight is outside the scope of this book. However, we will outline the steps to complete the construction of the model rocket prior to launch. As we have already glued our motor mount in place, we will start the final assembly of our model rocket with the shock cord.

Installing the shock cord

The shock cord of a model rocket consists of a flat paper wedge and an elastic cord. The shock cord attaches the nose cone and parachute to the body tube of the rocket and provides shock absorption for the nose cone as it is jettisoned from the body tube.

For our rocket, the paper wedge has a top length of 30 mm, a bottom length of 20 mm...