Scratch Mini Mars Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Mini Mars {Scratch}

Contributed by Ian Cinnamon

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Ian Cinnamon - 12/02/07) Unpainted

Brief:
This rocket is for the Design this Spaceship contest! This is an entry for design #1. This rocket is made out of around-the-house parts - no special parts required!

Construction:
Parts Required:

  • - BT-55 Ogive Nose Cone (must be balsa)
  • - BT-55 Tubing (about 3")
  • - BT-20 MMT (about 3")
  • - Cardstock Paper
  • Tools Required:
  • - CA
  • - Wood Glue
  • - X-Acto Blade-
  • - Low Grit Sandpaper


Nose ConeThis rocket is very simple to make. First, start with the nosecone by sanding off the tip and making it more rounded. Continue to sand by hand until the rocket resembles the photos.

Next, cut 3" of BT-55. This will be your main BT. If you don't want to use tumble recovery on this rocket, you can make the BT a bit longer and use a streamer.

Next, make the motor mount. First, role the cardstock into a cone. Make sure the BT-20 will fit snugly in the opening. Use tape to hold this cone in place. Coat the inside with wood glue and the outside with CA. Us wood glue to secure the MMT tube inside this shroud.

To finish the body assembly, glue the shroud/MMT structure into the BT-55 tubing (about 1/4" in) with wood glue.

Cone Cone Cone

To make the fins, cut them out of cardstock - but cut out six of them. Glue two of them to each other with wood glue or CA. Secure them to the shroud of the rocket with cardstock flaps.

Paper Fin Attached

Use some extra Kevlar® or copper wire as your shockcord.

Good luck!

Flight:
This rocket uses tumble recovery. The rocket is very lightweight and is not prone to damage. Although the fins extend below the MMT, the CA will strength them enough to prevent damage

Summary:
PROS:

  • - Cheap build
  • - Easy build
  • - Quick build

CONS:

  • - Easy to lose

comment Post a Comment