THE STORY OF TURBOPUMP ROCKET DEVELOPMENT is an interesting one of trial and error. Many sidelines were explored before the objectives of light weight and high performance were finally attained with the main engines for the Shuttle. Russian rocket development followed a somewhat similar path, and the end result was very similar: a topping cycle with high combustion chamber pressures.

This How-To Classroom series covers building a high-power rocket kit, capable of flights on H or larger motors suitable for level 1 certification or general sport flying. We're going to concentrate on good basic construction techniques for high-power rockets.

This is a classic Loc kit that is very popular. Many people use it to certify or as their first high power bird. I was drawn to it by it’s large appearance. For someone used to Estes rockets it appears huge. I received it as a Christmas gift and started construction immediately.

Group projects often struggle for uniqueness, so why not do something different to make your project really outstanding? Summit City Aerospace Modelers of Fort Wayne, Indiana, did just that, making their latest project really unique by going with a very unusual theme.

If there was one place on the Internet I would point a brand new hobby rocketry enthusiast to, hoping they would catch the fever, Vern Knowles' web site would consistently be among the top choices that comes to my mind. Vern has put together one of the most comprehensive rocketry websites on the Internet today.

Second only to LDRS, the annual Airfest at Argonia, Kansas is, as the Kloudbusters would like to put it, the largest rocket launch of the year. This year's Labor Day weekend launch opened at 8:00 AM on Saturday, Sept. 5th. The weather was outstanding. The sun was shining and the winds were light, about 5 mph. In other words big, beautiful blue Kansas skies.