Any time you see a model rocket launch, you’ll usually see a launch pad, and any serious model rocket enthusiast wouldn’t dream of launching without one.
So, what is the use of a launch pad for model rockets?
Model rocket launch pads hold the rocket prior to launch and stabilize it during launch. The launch pad consists of a launch rod that aims and stabilizes the rocket’s initial trajectory, and a blast deflector plate that protects the ground and launch pad itself from the flames of the engine.
Launch pads for model rockets can be either purchased as part of a model rocket kit or made by hand. Read on to find out more about the functions of a model rocket launch pad and why you need one for your launch.
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Components of a Launch Pad for Model Rockets
The launch pad for a model rocket consists of two primary components:
- The launch rod: This is the piece of the launch pad sticking straight up in the center that the rocket attaches to and can be angled or adjusted to compensate for prevailing wind direction that could otherwise throw the model rocket off course.
- The blast deflector plate: The blast deflector plate is the (usually) metal flat part of the launch pad that lies parallel to the ground; both the model rocket and the launch rod are located on the top of the blast deflector plate. It protects the ground and launch pad itself from the flames of the engine.
Launch Rods
The launch rod is the vertical tower structure in the center of the launch pad that the model rocket attaches to, usually through connection via a launch lug. A launch lug is a small hollow tube attached to the outside of the rocket that the launch rod can slide through.
The launch rod is responsible for the following functions:
- Adjusts the trajectory of the rocket to compensate for wind direction/velocity
- Holds the model rocket straight up and down so that it doesn’t fall over and launch horizontally by accident
- Helps guide the rocket until it achieves a speed at which it can be effectively stabilized by the rocket’s fins (for more information check out our Model Rocket Fin Guide)
Launch rods are most suitable for launching lower-powered model rockets but are considered too flexible to launch medium or high-powered rockets with a heavier weight range.
Blast Deflector Plates
The blast deflector plate (link to picture on Amazon) is the flat base that the launch rod locks into, and the rocket sits on top of. The blast deflector plate is responsible for the following functions:
- Gives the model rocket a steady base to launch from, decreasing the possibility of a tip-over or horizontal launch
- Helps prevent grass fires caused by the blast of the model rocket engine
- Adjust angle of the launch in support of the launch rod
Blast deflector plates are necessary for launching any model rocket regardless of size or power.
The engine combustion involved in launching model rockets always has the possibility of causing a grass fire, and blast deflector plates help prevent that.
Different blast deflector plates are often designed to accommodate a few different launch rod diameters. That means that even if you plan to launch a variety of rocket sizes, one blast deflector plate will likely work for most of them. Here’s a common blast deflector plate found on Estes launch pads (link to Amazon).
Launch Pads are Vital for Model Rocket Fire Safety
While model rockets are a fun and rewarding hobby, they still involve the use of fire, and fire can be an unpredictable and hazardous natural force.
The reason a blast deflector plate (as part of a launch pad setup) is so important in the launching of model rockets is that it is key to fire prevention.
Launch pads help prevent fires in the following ways:
- Wind compensation: The launch rod and blast deflector plate help the rocketeer adjust for high winds, which can ensure that the model rocket is recoverable because it will land where the rocketeer anticipates it will land.
- Fire prevention at launch point: The blast deflector plate helps protect the ground directly beneath the launch point of the rocket from being scorched and catching fire from the power of the rocket’s motors.
Along with setting up an appropriate launch pad, rocketeers should also undertake the following operations during launch to help enhance fire prevention and safety:
- Keep an extinguisher on hand: Make sure that any time you launch a rocket, you have a handheld fire extinguisher at the ready to combat any grass fires that may catch as a result of the launch.
- Recover your rocket: Reduce the possibility of a smoldering rocket starting a wildfire by recovering your rocket post-launch. You can now attach a GPS tracker to your rocket (link to our recommendation on Amazon) or a beeper/siren in order to find it more easily after it launches.
When launching model rockets, the threat of fire or fire-related injuries is by far the largest danger faced while engaging in rocketry. It pays to make sure you’re prepared to prevent one, just in case.
Where Can You Buy a Launch Pad for Model Rockets?
If you don’t want to make a launch pad for your model rockets, there are many different brands of model rocket kits and launch pads available online.
One of the most common launch pad sets is made by Estes and is available here for purchase (link to read reviews on Amazon). Others are also available through Apogee and other vendors.
Many Estes bundles also come with the rocket and the launch stand and controller all in one package, such as the Estes Taser Rocket Launch Set (link to read reviews on Amazon). Bundles like these can be a fantastic entry point for new rocketeers.
How to Make a Model Rocket Launch Pad
If you don’t want to purchase a premade model rocket launch pad, you can always make one by hand. There are many free plans available on the Internet to create makeshift model rocket launch pads out of commonplace materials such as PVC pipe. Here is an example of a free launch pad design and instructions.
These plans feature a variety of different materials, tools, and household items, including the following:
- Ceramic tiles
- PVC pipes
- Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers
- Wood
- Adhesives
- High-powered drills
Before attempting to construction your own launch pad, you should take into consideration the dimensions of the different model rockets you intend to launch, as well as the durability of the materials you’re attempting to use.
Many materials on a launch pad may be exposed to momentary high temperatures (or sustained high temperatures if a rocket gets caught on the launch pad), so they have to be sturdy and fairly flame retardant.
Model Rocket Launch Pad Construction Materials
There is some debate as to what materials are most suitable for the creation of a commercial model rocket launch pad. Some manufacturers use stainless or galvanized steel, while others use plain solid steel.
While stainless steel might look good, it really doesn’t offer any benefits over solid steel when it comes to launch pad construction, and the rusty patina that develops on solid steel does not impact the ability of the blast deflector plate to perform its function.
The advantage of choosing a solid steel blast deflector plate versus a stainless steel or galvanized blast deflector plate is that the solid steel versions are typically cheaper, which can leave the rocketeer a larger budget for purchasing the model rockets themselves.
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