Many small rockets have been produced over the years for research and experimentation, the modern model rocket, and more importantly, the model rocket engine, was designed in 1954 by Orville Carlisle, a licensed pyrotechnics expert, and his brother Robert, a model airplane enthusiast. Orville read articles written in Popular Mechanics by G. Harry Stine about the safety problems associated with young people trying to make their own rocket engines. With the launch of Sputnik, many young people were trying to build their own rocket engines, often with tragic results. The Carlisles realized their engine design could be marketed and provide a safe outlet for a new hobby. They sent samples to Mr. Stine in January 1957, who was a range safety officer at White Sands Missile Range, he built and flew a few models and devised a safety code based on his experience on the range.

  The National Association of Rocketry was founded in 1957 to help promote not only the hobby, but to promote the safety of the activities related to model rocketry.

  The first model rocket company operated by Mr. Stine was called Model Missiles Incorporated in Denver, Colorado, but do to reliability and delivery problems, he was forced to approach others for help. Stine eventually approached Vernon Estes, son of a fireworks maker, to build his rocket motors and Estes Industries was formed in 1958. Stine's business faltered which allowed Estes to market the motors separately. Estes eventually began marketing model rocket kits which allowed him to dominate the market. He moved his business to Penrose, Colorado in 1960 where it operates today.

  Launching, flying, and recovery of Estes model rockets is a safe and rewarding sport. Over 315 million Estes model rockets have been launched since 1958. Wheather you are into flying rockets for fun or competition, Estes model rockets offers a rewarding experience.

  Model rocketry costs less to get into than you might expect. Once you have acquired an Estes Starter Set, which includes a rocket, launch pad, electric launcher, engines and supplies for two flights, your cost of enjoyment is just the additional Estes rockets and engines that you may purchase as your interest and skills advance.

  Estes model rockets are available in a variety of rocket designs and engines. Estes has model rockets that can fly from 100 feet to several thousand feet and all are reusable. Many Estes model rockets have secondary features like our 'AstroCam 110®' rocket, which has a camera that takes real photographs from hundreds of feet in the air.

  You may be wondering, where can I fly my Estes model rockets? Generally speaking, you can fly most Estes model rockets in a clear area the size of two football fields. Launch in little or no wind and make sure there is no dry grass close to the launch pad or in the flying field. For more information you can review the 'Model Rocket Safety Code'.

  There are many different Estes model rockets to choose from, start with the basic and work up to the more advanced, but get started and have some fun discovering or getting back into the hobby with Estes model rockets that you loved as a kid.