Beginner rockets.
Rocketry is a great exciting and educational hobby. Our beginner sets include all you need to get flying.
Great gifts for any age to learn the ropes before progressing to more challenging models.
Our Estes and Klima starter packs include motors, a launch pad and controller. There are a few listings that don't have it all but they are mentioned on the listings if you need additional items to fly.
The best bit of rocketry.
Your motor choice has to be right for your rocket or self build masterpiece.
We have entered loads of data about every rocket engine we stock, this means that you can click on All rockets and use the filters to narrow down on the exact engine you need.
View and filter all rocket motors
Electronics and payloads.
Rocketry is a great exciting and educational hobby. Our beginner sets include all you need to get flying.
Great gifts for any age to learn the ropes before progressing to more challenging models.
Our Estes and Klima starter packs include motors, a launch pad and controller. There are a few listings that don't have it all but they are mentioned on the listings if you need additional items to fly.
Ground support equipment is essential for rocketry.
You need a launch pad and launch controller to launch your rockets from. You also need wadding (or re-usable options) to protect your parachute each time.
We recommend the durable Klima launch pad and their launch controllers let you install two PP3 9v batteries at once for some extra launching juice! The Klima pad can take a 3mm or 6mm rod as well as a launch rail if required for larger rockets.
The estes pads are also great and the Porta pad E is very good for mid sized rockets also.
Bulk packs for schools and clubs
You can shop for bulk packs of rockets here. We list the packs of rockets on their own with bundles on the page so you can add everything you need in one click.
The bundles include motors, launch pad(s), launch controller(s), batteries and wadding. All you will need to run your club or rocket workshop will be the required tools and consumables for construction. Rocket manuals are on each page so you can check but in general with these starter kits you will likely need the following although not all of these are required by all kits.
Some wood glue (We like gorilla glue but all sorts of PVA should be OK).
Scissors, masking tape, sand paper, decorating supplies (pens etc).
Twill 3K Carbon fiber tube.
Length 1000mm
Outside diameter: 40mm
Inside diameter: 38mm
Wall thickness: 1mm
Other variations and product options.
Yes! You can buy gift vouchers from £10 through to £1500 from our Gift vouchers page.
These can be delivered either via email or on a printed card in an envelope at your preference.
Model rocketry is legal in the UK, you can read more in our dedicated page here: Model rocketry law in the UK
Ignition problems can be frustrating but they usually turn out to be one of just a few things! It's always worth having some spare igniters, you can buy some on our Starters & Igniters page.
1) Your batteries may not have enough power, or not be able to supply enough power. We ship and sell Duracell Procell Intense batteries as these are designed to supply lots of current when needed. You can find these in the Batteries & Chargers page.
2) Check your batteries are secure, it's possible your battery springs may have been compressed if the batteries rattle preventing a good connection. Take out the batteries and stretch out the springs before re-installing.
3) You may have a short circuit on the igniter. Check that your launch controller clips or igniter wires are not touching each other. The Estes igniters can sometimes get the wires squeezed together when you install them in the engine with the plug. Ensure the plug is put in with the wires apart. It's also worth noting that if the clips are touching the blast plate then this will also short out your circuit.
4) Check for lots of residue on the clips. This could prevent a good connection to your igniter. If this is the case clean them with some fine sandpaper or steel wool.
5) If your igniter has burnt when you remove it then you may not have pushed the igniter all the way in to the motor. Make sure igniters are all the way into your motor and with higher power motors follow the instructions carefully.
6) You may have failed to put the safety key into the launch controller correctly, or forgotten to do so. It's rare but it can happen during the business of launch time.
7) You could have been very unlucky with a motor or igniter. Try another motor and igniter to see if your launch controller is OK and this was the case.
8) You could have a faulty launch controller. A multi meter could be connected to the clips to measure the current flowing. It should show a good few whole amps when the launch button is pressed. Any lower would suggest bad batteries, or none at all a bad controller. If in doubt please contact us for assistance if you've got this far on the checklist!
You may wish to buy a upgraded launch controller too if you want to be extra sure of great launches! The Klima launch controller can take two 9v batteries which gives it plenty of juice! If you want to stand a bit further back the Estes Pro launch controller or E launch controller have longer leads. Check out our Launch controllers page for more information.
Model rocketry when done safely and correctly is great at all ages. Of course you will want to apply some adult supervision for very young children.
Most rocket manufacturers suggest adult supervision under 10 or 12 years old.
Of course not all rockets and motors are the same and higher power motors may warrant waiting to be even older to fly without supervision.
A and B motors are great starter motors so it may be worth picking starter sets or rockets and motors in this category for younger children.
Regardless of the age using of rocket motors you need to be at least 18 years old to purchase and store any rocket motors in the UK.
We suggest parental guidance is the key when deciding what age and what level of supervision is required for your children. Ensure your children read and know all the safety information included with the rockets and motors before flying.
We aim to ship all orders within 1 working day and it's rare we miss that target. If you order by 10am then your order will usually ship the same day although sometimes the odd order will ship the following day depending on how early our couriers collect and how busy we are. You can find more details on our delivery policy here: Our delivery terms & conditions.
Model rockets typically need the following pieces of the puzzle to launch. At least until you get to more complicated and higher power options.
1) A model rocket kit.
2) A launch pad.
3) A launch controller and batteries.
4) Model rocket motors for your rocket.
5) Recovery wadding for every launch.
Model rockets require different skills to construct with some being ready to fly or almost ready to fly. And others that will need construction with glue, some tools and paint. More details of what you require to complete your rocket should be in the description on each listing. We also include instructions manuals for rockets where possible which will also detail everything you need. If in doubt just drop us an email and we can assist you!
We do have some construction packs that you can find here: Rocket building supplies (set A)
Rocket motors life expectancy will vary greatly depending on how you store your motors.
In general you want to think of somewhere much like your living room in your house. A fairly constant temperature, not too dry nor too damp or too warm or too cold. And while that may sound like I've described every possibility do try to avoid cold damp places or extremely warm dry places. It's probably not wise to store them in the airing cupboard or in a damp outbuilding for example! You especially don't want to expose your motors to freezing temperatures or areas where condensation is apparent.
Security of your motors is also a concern. You want to ensure you keep your motors away from metal, electricity supplies and other flammable and hazardous goods. You also want to ensure they are secured against theft or the risk of children accessing them with big ideas and no adult supervision.
A dedicated storage box made of wood or strong cardboard is a great option for storing your motors in. But ensure you don't store anything else with your motors, keep only motors in this storage container.
Yes, we'd love to see you. You can visit our warehouse in Millom, Cumbria. It does operate on a trade counter method from one store room, but we can bring you any item you'd like to have a look at should it not be in this area.
We are usually open from 9:30am until 4:00pm Monday to Friday but please contact us if you can't make those times and we may be able to accommodate your visit outside of these hours.
You can find our location details on the contact us page.
The simple answer is Yes. Anyone can take part in model rocketry.
To fly safely you can attend a rocketry club to fly, or you can fly from home or land where you have permission to fly. There may be rules near airports that limit you maximum altitude although many starter sets do fly below these altitude limits. There is more information on this page about rocketry in the UK.
Regardless of your experience in rocketry or modelling in general you can get cracking with model rocketry. We have rockets for all skill levels and a selection of great starter sets that include everything except the glues & tools you may or may not need to get flying. (Some rockets are Ready to fly or extremely easy to assemble without glue for example).
Ready to fly starter sets.
Easy to build starter sets.
If you're limited on launch space then the starter sets with A size motors won't go terrifyingly high! If you have a bit more space or want something a bit more powerful then B motor starter sets are a great place to start. The included motors are listed on each product. You can also buy larger motors for your rockets too! All our A and B motor starter sets can take A, B and C motors. You can even go crazy and grab a Klima D9 motors for many of these rockets. Each time you advance a letter you double your total impulse of your motor. So a B motor is twice the power of an A, and a C motor is 4 times the power of an A motor for example.
We will only sell rocket motors or kits with rocket motors to people who are 18 or older. However model rocketry is great much younger than this! Most manufacturers suggest an age of 12+ for starter sets, and younger than this is still OK with adult supervision.
Model rocketry can grow with you regardless of your age with much higher power and advanced models possible in the UK perfectly legally. Please contact us for advice if you would like some and we'll be happy to assist you!
The UK Rocketry association suggests the following sizes depending on your rocket motor size.
The table below lists the minimum site dimensions for each motor impulse class. The distances stated are the diameter of a circle centred at the location of the launch pad. The rocket flight should be planned such that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that the rocket lands and may be recovered in this area.
For flights with increased safety considerations, the next largest distance must be used after the row associated with the Total Impulse. Examples of such flights where these considerations come into play are:
The site minimum dimension should be the maximum of:
| Total Impulse (equivalent Impulse Class) | Minimum site dimensions (Metric) | Minimum site dimensions (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2.5 Ns (A) | 30 metres | 98 feet / 33 yards |
| 2.5 - 5 Ns (B) | 60 metres | 197 feet / 66 yards |
| 5 - 10 Ns (C) | 120 metres | 394 feet / 130 yards |
| 10 - 20 Ns (D) | 150 metres | 492 feet / 164 yards |
| 20 - 40 Ns (E) | 300 metres | 984 feet / 328 yards |
| 40 - 80 Ns (F) | 300 metres | 984 feet / 328 yards |
| 80 - 160 Ns (G) | 300 metres | 984 feet / 328 yards |
| 160 - 320 Ns (H) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 320 - 640 Ns (I) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 640 - 1,280 Ns (J) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 1,280 - 2,560 Ns (K) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 2,560 - 5,120 Ns (L) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 5,120 - 10,240 (M) | 450 metres | 1476 feet / 492 yards |
| 10,240 - 20,480 Ns (N) | 600 metres | 1968 feet / 656 yards |
| 20,480 - 40,960 (O) | 900 metres | 2952 feet / 984 yards |
We should be able to supply parts to fix almost any rocket. The majority of accidents will result in a body tube or nose cone being damaged. Although often parachutes and shock cords can need replacing too. We sell all of these items in our shop under the scratch building section. If you need help identifying what you need please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.
Body tubes / Air frames.
Nose cones.
Recovery parachutes, streamers & cord.
Rocketry is a very scalable hobby that offers great learning and plenty of technology to enjoy. As such you can add many items from Altimeters, electronics, trackers, cameras and even flight computers to control your flight and stability.
Many people like to add a camera to their rocket. We do sell some options in our Video Camera category.
Altimeters are also incredibly popular, especially the Jolly Logic altimeters that we stock which you can find in the Altimeters section. If you are launching a higher power rocket you may like to check out the Jolly logic chute release.
The Electronics and Payloads category has many more upgrades and accessories. Although there's nothing to stop you popping over to our scratch building section to create your own rockets too!
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