All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Estes - Satellite Interceptor {Kit} (1296, 3027) [1978-1982]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 1 Parts (2012-05-20)

I haven't made a carded rocket in a while. I started this one while I was entertaining on a cruise ship. This is Bob Harrington's carded downscale of the Estes Satellite Interceptor. You can find ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 2 Fin Lamination (2012-05-21)

In my carded downscales, I draw both sides of the fins joined at the leading edge like a butterfly wing. The leading edge is creased, folded and glued over the card stock center. In this "k ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 3 Fin Lamination (2012-05-21)

Lightly roll over the glued skin to smooth it out and remove excess glue. Be ready, the skin can slip around and out of alignment with the interior cardboard edge. Lay waxed paper over the fin and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 4 Fin Lamination (2012-05-22)

All the fin laminations have been glued up and are ready for cutting. Notice how the skins were glued to the flat, squared outside edges of the interior cardboard. The fins were cut out using the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 5 Rounding Fin Edges (2012-05-22)

To prevent delamination, run a bead of white glue over the edges. This strengthens the outside edges and helps round out the square sides even more. This is one of the edges after smoothing out ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 6 Body Tube Wraps (2012-05-23)

Before you start gluing a carded model, wash your hands and keep them clean! Carded models, especially white carded models will pick up any oil and dirt from your hands. Bob Harrington's carded ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 7 Wing Tip Dowels (2012-05-23)

The wing tip dowels were cut from toothpicks. The ends were rounded and all three were sealed with two coats of varnish, sanding between coats. I wanted to paint them white before gluing to the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 8 Fin Fitting (2012-05-25)

The root edges of the wing fins didn't really match the body tube. I ended up sanding a slight curve in the root edge until a better fit was obtained. After sanding the root edge, the fit is better. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 9 Assembly (2012-05-25)

There are a lot of fins on this rocket. For reference, use the instructions from the Estes website HERE. When you are finished gluing, use a white eraser to clean up any smudges and dirt. You'll ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 10 Fix (2012-05-26)

The forward red stripe was a little wider than the main body stripe. I should really go back, and print another at the correct width. But, I wanted to get this model done for the group launch on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Build Part 11 Fix (2012-05-26)

Any leftover red was rubbed off with the white eraser. A very light skin of white glue was rolled over the exposed rough paper and rolled flat with a clean dowel. It's not perfect, but looks better ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Carded Satellite Interceptor Finished! (2012-05-28)

This is a great design, scaled down very well by Bob Harrington. I know the nose cone isn't the correct profile, I'll leave that for another day and another order to Semroc. Bob includes a ... [Read More]