The Estes Alpha III rocket launch set contains a launch controller, launch pad, and rocket kit packet with materials and instructions required to assemble the rocket. It is recommended for children 10 years and older with adult supervision up to age 12. The orange plastic nose cone, body tube, one-piece plastic tail fin unit, and self-stick decals allow assembly of the rocket without painting. Additional supplies required to launch the rocket include model rocket engine, starter, recovery wadding, and glue (sold separately). This rocket launch set provides the equipment required to launch (with required components) the Alpha III rocket repeatedly and is suitable for youth group activities such as with clubs and schools.

*H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right.

A model rocket kit includes reusable parts, and requires launching equipment and single-use launching supplies. These kits are recommended for children 10 years and older, with adult supervision advised to age 12. Rocket kit assembly encompasses a range of skill levels—from Easy-to-Assemble (E2X), requiring only simple gluing and less than an hour of time—to Level 5, requiring multi-step assembly with measuring, cutting, gluing, and painting tasks. Reusable rocket kit components include a cone, a body tube, and a recovery parachute. A rocket engine, a starter, and recovery wadding are used once. Rocket engines come in a variety of sizes, time delays, and burn durations. A "first-flight" engine recommendation is generally made for each rocket kit. A launch pad has a stable base and a vertical rod that provide vertical stability during initial liftoff. A launch controller has a keyed ignition switch to prevent accidental ignition, and a cable provides a safe distance from the rocket during launch. Bulk packs of model rocket kits are available for clubs and schools, and allow groups of children to experience building and launching a rocket.

Estes manufactures model rocket kits, launching equipment, and rocket engines. The company, founded in 1958, is headquartered in Penrose, CO.

What's in the Box?

• Alpha III assembly kit
• Astron II launch controller
• Astron II launch pad
• Supply/instruction packet