Paper Rockets

Welcome to my paper rocket project. Check out my video of the launch.

This is a weekend project to create a pneumatic rocket launcher. This will launch paper or 3D printer rockets hundreds of feet into the air over and over again. It is a great party entertainer, and everyone can design and make their own rocket with basic skills. The parts for the launcher cost about $40 US, and can be obtained from most hardware stores. It is operated by a bicycle pump, or air compressor. I have launched at pressures up to 110psi. Higher than 80psi sometimes bursts the rocket depending on how heavy paper and how much tape was used.

I have added a new nose cone with a whistle in it. It isn't very loud, but makes a bit of sound at launch and landing. There is also a heavy duty version of the fins which has thicker fins largely for printing with a 0.8mm nozzle. The fins don't usually break unless you hit a rigid object like a tree branch.

The launcher is made of PVC and uses a sprinkler valv