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Peak of Flight Newsletter #462:

Model Rocket Stability

Peak-of-Flight Newsletter Cover image How do you know if a rocket is stable? This weeks' Peak-of-Flight newslettercovers this important topic. We're going back the basics here, to give you the definition and the methods used to determine if a model rocket will be stable.

“Stability” for us essentially means to fly a predictable flight path. We desire the nose of the rocket to point forward and the model to fly in a predictable trajectory so that the launch is safe. You can equate stability with safety.

While this article is meant for beginners, at the end of the report you'll get links to other resources that will take you as deep as you want to go.

Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)!

Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page.

What is new in rocketry? Here are the latest items to land on Apogee's shelves!

Vaccum Form Transition

This small transition was designed for competition rockets like the Apogee Spek and the Apogee Midge. It joins an 18mm diameter (BT-20 size) tube to a 13mm diameter (BT-5 size) tube. Made from lightweight hi-impact polystyrene plastic, it has a smooth surface that reduces drag and is easy to paint.

New 30 and 36 Inch Parachutes

These are tough rip-stop nylon cloth parachutes with a highly visible printed pattern that adds some color to the rocket's flight. The fabric is soft and everyone says it feels like silk. Because of this, the chutes can be packed tighter to fit smaller diameter tubes.

Octagon shape, the size is measured from flat edge to flat edge.

These are great for mid-power size rockets because the construction is heavy-duty.

N-1 Moon Rocket

The N-1 rocket from the new manufacturer, Altaira Rocketry, is a 1/122 scale replica of the Soviet Union's moon rocket that competed against the American Saturn V. This model stands over 34 inches tall and flies on a cluster of six Estes D12's. This is a very difficult rocket to build, and we only recommend it to modelers with significant scratch-building experience.

“I have purchased from Apogee for several years. The orders always ship quickly, complete, accurate and packaged well. I have asked to pick up from their location and they were very accommodating. Great to work with, knowledgeable and friendly. Apogee is always my first choice."

-- Kevin Farrell

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