2 Stage High Power Model Rocket: the Culmination of a Childhood Obsession

My initial interest in model rockets, like many of my childhood hobbies, was thanks to my big brother Jeremy.  No one knew that this hobby would turn into a 3+ year long obsession that would eventually incite my dad to apply for a low explosive users permit and a National Association of Rocketry high power permit on my behalf... needless to say we had fun!

You can see how one becomes addicted to this hobby... those few seconds just before liftoff are just pure thrill and excitement!

A second flight of the same rocket videoed on the left.  We met a local policeman who was incredibly nice and volunteered to help film the launch with his dashcam!

The last model rocket that I designed, built, and flew was started as a computer model. My goal was to get a two-stage, altimeter-equipped rocket 2+ miles high. I also needed to make room for custom radio tracking equipment that we had purchased (after loosing many rockets to wind in the past).

Preflight! Snow Ranch (Livermore Unit NAR -- LUNAR -- launch site). Circa 2006.

It worked! Thus far its highest altitude was about 1.5 miles.