Brief:
The Micro Slam Dunk is a Sputnik style Micro-Maxx rocket. Its major
components include a basketball-shaped shoe deodorizer and four bamboo skewers.
Construction:
While cleaning up the basement, I ran across an old shoe deodorizer that looked
like a basketball. I stuffed it away in my junk box thinking "nose
cone". When trying to decide on my next Micro-Maxx project, however, I
looked at this orange and black orb and immediately thought, Sputnik!
After disassembling the ball, I found that two integral plastic tubes held
it together. These can be seen in the first photograph. For the motor mount, I
drilled a 6mm hole, approximately 3/8" deep in the half with the larger
tube. I also cut off about 1/4" of the thinner tube to allow the halves to
separate more easily. Thus, the two internal plastic tubes form an ejection
piston of sorts. A small section of Kevlar®
twine holds it all together. I also drilled a small hole in each half for the
launch rod, and four slightly larger holes for the legs. The legs consist of
bamboo skewers, which are glued in with Liquid Nails.
Flight:
Although I test-fit the rocket on the launcher, I needed to elevate the
launcher slightly on the grass at the launch site. I flew the Micro Slam Dunk
three times. Each flight rose to a mere 20 feet or so. Not an impressive
altitude but it was fun to watch. On the first two flights, the two halves did
not separate and the motor ejected with a loud pop. For the third try, I
loosened the halves to they were barely connected, and separation did occur.
After all three flights, it landed back on its legs.
Summary:
The Micro Slam Dunk is yet another easy to build Micro-Maxx rocket. It is a bit
heavy but is still stable and ejects well before landing. Before it flies
again, I will work on loosening up the two halves so it will separate when the
two halves are completely together.
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