| | Not displaying correctly? View web version. | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #648: | | Ever wished you could see your rocketâs flight before ignitionâor replay its real-life launch to uncover hidden insights? RockSim Pro v4.2.3 is here to transform how you design, test, and learn from every mission! Discover Whatâs New in our Latest Newsletter:
â Compare Flights Side-by-Side in 3D
Run two simulations at onceâlike angling your rocket northeast vs. eastâand watch their trajectories unfold in real time. Perfect for nailing down âwhat-ifâ scenarios! â Replay Real Launches Like Never Before
Import data from your GPS trackers or altimeters and replay your rocketâs actual flight in stunning 3D. See every pitch, roll, and yaw as if you were hovering above the launchpad! â Simulation vs. Reality: Spot the Difference
Overlay your predicted flight path with actual launch data to pinpoint design tweaks, wind quirks, or surprisesâso your next sim (and launch) is sharper than ever. Why It Matters:
For over 25 years, RockSim has helped rocketeers swap guesswork for precision. Now, Pro v4.2.3 takes it further, turning complex physics into visual, actionable insights. Whether youâre a hobbyist or a pro, these tools help you: Design smarter by testing variables in seconds. Launch safer by learning from every flightâs hidden details. Master the unexpected with 3D animations that make even tricky concepts click. Also in this Issue: Seabee Rocket Plan We're also taking you on a journey back to the early 1960s with an exciting DIY project from modeler: Robert George. Discover the fascinating world of the Sea Bee rocket, a modified single-stage Aerobee designed to validate the sea-launch concept. This scale-model plan based on a 56mm tube (BT-70) will guide you through creating your own model of this historical rocket, using parts you'll find on our website. Learn about the unique underwater firing capability and sea-launch technology that made the Sea Bee a crucial stepping stone in rocket development. | | 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. |
| Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! | Apogee Arc Stratus | | Our new Arc Stratus kit is out, and is perfect for intermediate level rocketeers and STEM enthusiasts. This two-stage powerhouse soars on twin 24mm motors, leveraging gap-staging tech to ignite its sustainer flawlessly mid-flight. Its rugged laser-cut basswood fins and through-the-wall mounting provide stable ascents and touchdown durability, while the 9-inch clear payload bay invites creativityâlaunch micro experiments, trackers, or symbolic mementos, all cradled in a sleek, BT-60 airframe. Inspired by the legacy of the Estes Loadstar, but refined with modern muscle, the Arc Stratus balances nostalgia with innovation. Also comes with Kevlar shock cord, spring steel engine clips which enable motor swaps in seconds, and chrome decals that scream "look at me." Whether youâre chasing altitude records, classroom wow-factor, or the thrill of mastering two-stage flight, the Arc Stratus doesnât just climbâit carves your name into the sky. Are you ready to challenge the laws of physics and launch your legacy? [Shop Now]. |
| RS-Pro Upgrade | | The lastest version of RS-Pro is now available (v4.2.3f2). This new version has several new features, including the ability to 'read in' recorded altimeter or GPS data from Featherweight devices. This will allow you to display the trajectory of your actual launch in the 3D Launch Visualizer in realtime. We call this "replaying the flight." You can also compare this trajectory against predicted simulations from RS-Pro so that you can determine what can make your sims or your flight better in the future. If you're already a RS-PRO user, this is a free upgrade, and you can do a "check for updates" from within the software and get it right away. |
| Apogee Invicta | | The Apogee Invicta is a high-power, two-stage marvel designed for thrill-seekers and skill-builders alike. Standing nearly 6 feet tall with a robust 3-inch diameter, this rocket combines laser-cut precision and electronic staging for jaw-dropping air-start flights that will have every video camera on the field pointed at your rocket's launch. Perfect for post-certification enthusiasts, the Invicta offers versatility: fly it as a towering two-stage beast (using motors up to "I" class) or solo with just the sleek upper stage. With rugged through-the-wall fin construction, reusable nylon parachutes, advanced features like removable rivets for easy access to electronics, and an innovative baffle system, itâs built for repeat adventures. Ready to command the skies? Visit Apogeeâs website to explore specs, assembly videos, and motor optionsâyour next launch masterpiece awaits! |
| NCR SA-14 Archer XL | | The iconic SA-14 Archer XL returns, engineered for a new generation of rocketeers! Celebrated since its 1990 debut, this 4" diameter classic soars gracefully, flies straighter, and lands tougher than ever. North Coast Rocketryâs 2025 edition combines decades of passion with cutting-edge innovation, delivering a model rocket built to dominate the skiesâflight after flight. Click here for more information. |
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| | Launch of the Week! The plan from this week's newsletter is the Sea Bee. While the real rocket was launch from below water, I didn't want to go that far for this simulated rocket, although you can in the Launch Visualizer. I found a small pond in our city, and for this simulation, I launched it from the shore. Fortuantely, it didn't land in the water, but was easily recoverable. See how the Launch Visualizer can help you pick a site, and a trajectory so you can get your rocket back. | |
| Customer Testimonial âI am very satisfied with not just the level of service I have received from apogee but the products are always top notch. My orders always arrive early or on time and my full order is always there. I never have any thing missing from the package like I do with some other vendors. I especially love the little bonus stuff thrown in my order knife and blades, stickers, etc.. when I chose apogee to be my rocket parts supplier I not only did so because of the above reason, I did so because I also like the educational side of apogee as well from the great instructional videos to the newsletter. So I knew I was getting my supplies from a pro in the hobby. Thank you for all you do apogee and keep up the fantastic job and level of service you have provided thus far! P.S yâall still need to add some tshirts to your website!!!â -- George Beck | |
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| I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
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