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Rocketry is fast becoming a popular mode of entertainment among those who are always looking for something unique, some out-of-the-box for experiencing the thrill and excitement of life. Rocketry is considered as a unique hobby, as it encourages youngsters to get involved in rocket science and thereby popularizing this amazing hobby as a whole. Here in this section, we will discuss some of the common categories of professional rocketry. Let`s check them out:
Non-Professional Rocketry Categories The term is usually used for defining everything that is considered to be a part of hobby rocketry. It is customary to divide non-professional rocketry into four major categories, which are described in details below:
"Traditional" Model Rocketry Those who love to feel the thrill and excitement of rocketry for the first time, should start their enterprise with traditional model rocketry. Before you start headlong, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right model rocket from the right place. You can visit some hobby shops for this purpose. You can easily find Quest model rockets or Estes model rockets from any hobby shops located nearby.
A black powder motor is used often in traditional model rocketry. A black powder model rocket engine is usually integrated with traditional rocket for enhancing its performance. The size of a traditional model rocket can be of different types. The size can range from A to D. Each succeeding letter denotes up to twice the impulse of the smaller letter. This simply means that a D motor has double power than a C motor. You can easily find D sized reloadable model and single-use composite propellant rocket motors from AeroTech. Traditional model rockets can be built easily, as it is more or less a safe job. You will not have to spend a huge amount of money for this purpose because the price of a model rocket engine will not surpass more than a few dollars.
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Mid-Power Model Rocketry Those, who have become fed up with traditional model rocketry, mid-power model rocketry can be an ideal option for them to spice it up. Mid-power model rockets are usually built up with powerful composite propellant model rocket motors. The size of this model rocket ranges from “E” to “G”. AeroTech is considered to be the largest manufacturer of mid-power model rocket motors, kits, launch pad, rocket propellant and other rocket parts. If the weight of your model rocket propellant is less than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) and the total weight of mid power model rocket does not exceed 1500 grams, you can fly that mid-power model rocket without obtaining any permission prior to flying. However, there is doubt in the fact that building a mid power model rocket is by far the most complex task, as it demands greater understanding of rocketry. Though the price of composite propellant mid-power model rocket motor is slightly high as compared to smaller black powder model rocket motor, the cost per unit of composite propellant mid-power model rocket is less than small black powder model rocket motor. (Photo by Steve Jurvetson, see high-resolution versions of this and other photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/sets/5956/)
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High-Power Rocketry High-Power Rockets are those which are sanctioned by national organizations and manufactured commercially. These rocket motors are mostly reusable and therefore cost effective for avid rocketeers. The size of a High-Power Rocket motor can range anything from “H” to “O”. Public Missiles and LOC/Precision are thought to be the largest manufacturers of high-power kits but there are other companies too who are manufacturing the same kind of high-power rockets.
These high-power rockets can fly up to 25,000 feet and they can weigh up to one thousand pounds depending on their respective capacity. You need to obtain a certification either from Tripoli Rocketry Association or National Association of Rocketry before purchasing a high-power rocket motor. But this is not the end; you cannot fly them wherever you want. They can be flown only in those areas which are not densely populated. Apart from that, a clearance from Federal Aviation Administration is mandatory as well. As these rockets are powerful, they are fairly expensive as well. The cost of flying these high-power rockets can range anything from $20 to $1,000 per flight. In order to encounter stresses, sophisticated techniques and advanced materials should be used which will in turn increase the efficiency of your high power rocket to some extent. (Photo by Steve Jurvetson, see high-resolution versions of this and other photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/sets/5956/)
Experimental Rocketry Experimental rockets are those rockets using rocket motors which are not manufactured commercially. Those who are very enthusiastic about rocketry usually build these experimental rockets depending on their budget and requirements. The size of experimental rockets varies widely. However, the task of building your own rocket motors should not be taken lightly, as you are going to deal with highly flammable materials during this process. Above all, these rockets are perfect for those who are enthusiastic to learn how to make a rocket motor.
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