Estes Space Shuttle Model Rocket Instructions

Ready to Fly Model Rocket Instructions

Keep for Future Reference

IMPORTANT: Please record date found on box near barcode, and keep for future reference. Read all instructions carefully.

Prepare Recovery System

1. Double Knot: Tie a double knot in the shock cord.
2. Parachute: Attach the parachute to the shock cord.
3. Shock Cord: Ensure the shock cord is securely attached.

Prepare Flight Recovery

1. Squares: Cut 5-7 squares of recovery wadding.
2. Wadding and Parachute: Insert recovery wadding and parachute into the body tube. They should slide easily. If too tight, redo.
3. Nose Cone Fit: Check the fit of the nose cone. If it's too loose, add masking tape and sand for a snug fit.

Prepare Engine

1. Engine Installation: Insert the engine and engine retainer cap.
2. Engine Preparation: Insert the starter plug, ensuring the tip touches the propellant.
3. Tighten: Tighten until it stops.

Add Clay to Shuttle

1. Fill Cavity: Fill the cavity in the bottom of the shuttle with clay.
2. Balance Point: Mark the center of gravity (CG) with a pencil at the location indicated (2 7/8" or 7.3 cm from the nose). Adjust clay in the shuttle (add or remove) until it balances at this marked location. Use the edge of a table or a sharp corner to test the balance.

After First Flight - Performance Adjustment

Based on the rocket's performance after the first flight, adjust the clay weight:

• If the rocket flies nose-heavy, add clay weight to the tail.
• If the rocket flies tail-heavy, add clay weight to the nose.
• If the rocket flies perfectly, no adjustment is needed.

WARNING: FLAMMABLE

To avoid serious injury, read instructions and NAR Safety Code included with engines. Prepare your engine only when you are outside at the launch site and preparing to launch. If you do not use your prepared engine, remove the starter before storing your engine.

Prepare for Flight

1. Fin Units: Insert and push fin units forward until they stop. Fin units are friction fit. To remove, pull in the opposite direction.
2. Fin Fit: Fins should have a snug fit when placed inside the boosters. If not, add clear tape to one or more sides of the upper fin units that enter the boosters until a snug fit is obtained.
3. Nose Cone: Place the opening in the Shuttle nose onto the peg.

IMPORTANT: Fins must be used when launching rocket.

Countdown and Launch

1. Safety Key: Keep the safety key out until final countdown.
2. Launch Controller: Insert the safety key and push down firmly. The bulb will light.
3. Launch Sequence: While holding the key down firmly, press the launch button until liftoff! (Countdown: 4... 3... 2... 1...)

NOTE: Fully extend your launch controller wire (16.4 ft. / 5 m) before launching.

Prepare Display Stand

1. Support: Place the support through the hole in the base.
2. Retainer Ring: Screw the retainer ring in place.
3. Display: Place the assembled rocket on the display stand.

Estes Launch Supplies Needed (Sold Separately)

• Launch Pad
• Launch Controller
• Recovery Wadding
• Starters (with engines)
• Plugs (with engines)
• Recommended Estes® Engine: C5-3 (first flight), C6-3

NOTE: Estimated weight: 3.6 oz. (103 g) with clear fin.

Pre-Launch Check

For safety, never launch a damaged rocket. Check the rocket's body, nose cone, and fins. Also, check the engine mount, recovery system, and launch lug(s). Repair any damage before launching the rocket.

Flying Your Rocket

Choose a large field (500 ft. [152 m] square) free of dry weeds and brown grass. The larger the launch area, the better your chance of recovering your rocket. Football fields and playgrounds are great. Launch only with little or no wind and good visibility. Always follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) SAFETY CODE.

Misfires

Take the key out of the controller. Wait one minute before going near the rocket. Disconnect the micro-clips and remove the engine. Take the plug and starter out of the engine. A burned starter means the starter tip was not touching engine propellant. Install a new starter; be sure the tip is touching propellant inside the engine. Push the plug in place. Repeat steps under Countdown and Launch.

NO DRY GRASS OR WEEDS

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