Estes Star Hopper™ Model Rocket Instructions

Assemble Engine Mount Fin Can Unit

1. Press the two fin can halves together until they fit securely.
2. Insert the assembled fin can unit into the designated hole and rotate downwards.

Attach Shock Cord to Fin Can

1. Attach the shock cord to the shock cord mount using a double knot.
2. Insert the shock cord mount into its hole and rotate downwards to secure.

Attach Body Tube to Fin Can

1. Feed the shock cord through the body tube.
2. Align the slots in the body tube with the tabs on the fin can unit. Slide the body tube over the fin can unit until the tabs on the fin can unit match up with the slots in the body tube.

Attach Fins

1. Insert a fin into its corresponding slot on the fin can unit.
2. Slide the fin forward until it stops. Repeat this process for the remaining two fins (X3).
3. Screw the engine retainer cap onto the fin can unit.

Apply Decal

Carefully apply the self-stick decal to the body tube of the rocket, ensuring it is smooth and centered for the Star Hopper™ appearance.

Attach the Nose Cone and Streamer

1. Attach the nose cone to the shock cord using a double knot.
2. Tie the streamer to the shock cord, approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the nose cone attachment point.

Prepare Flight Recovery

1. Push recovery wadding down towards the end of the body tube. Use 2-3 squares of Estes® Recovery Wadding.
2. Ensure the recovery wadding and streamer slide easily into the body tube. If they are too tight, adjust or redo the packing.
3. Fold the recovery wadding, then roll it.
4. Insert the prepared recovery wadding into the body tube.

Prepare Engine

Follow these steps to prepare the engine for launch:

1. Insert the starter into the engine.
2. Insert the plug into the engine. Use one starter and one plug per engine.
3. Ensure the starter tip is touching the propellant inside the engine.

WARNING: FLAMMABLE

To avoid serious injury, read instructions and the NAR Safety Code included with engines. Prepare your engine ONLY WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE AT THE LAUNCH SITE PREPARING TO LAUNCH. If you do not use your prepared engine, remove the starter before storing your engine.

Countdown and Launch

Keep the launch key out of the controller until the final countdown.

1. Place the rocket on the launch pad.
2. Connect the micro-clips to the engine igniter.
3. Ensure the launch controller wire is fully extended before launching.
4. Insert the launch key into the controller.
5. Push the key down firmly; the bulb should light up, indicating power.
6. Begin the countdown: 4... 3... 2... 1...
7. While holding the key down FIRMLY, press the launch button until LIFTOFF!

Estimated weight: 73 oz. (20.7 g)

Estes® Launch Supplies Needed (Sold Separately):

• Launch Pad
• Launch Controller
• Recovery Wadding
• Starters (with engines)
• Plugs (with engines)
• Estes® Engines: 1/2A3-4T, A3-4T, A10-3T

Environmental Note: Launch only in areas free of dry grass or weeds.

Precautions and Flying Tips

Pre-Launch Check: For safety, never launch a damaged rocket. Check the rocket's body, nose cone, fins, 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. Launch only with little or no wind and good visibility. Always follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) SAFETY CODE (enclosed).

Misfires: If the rocket does not launch, 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 the engine propellant. Install a new starter, ensuring the tip is touching propellant inside the engine. Push the plug in place. Repeat steps under Countdown and Launch.

NAR Safety Code: Always adhere to the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code for safe model rocket operations.