ModulaRocket v 1.0

ModulaRocket v 1.0

The ModulaRocket v 1.0 is an innovative, fully 3D-printable model rocket designed for maximum flexibility and user customization. Its modular architecture allows you to quickly swap out key components—including nosecones, fin units, and fuselage sections—empowering you to experiment with various rocket configurations using a single set of parts.

Key Features

• Fully 3D-Printable & Support-Free:
  Every part is engineered to print cleanly on standard FDM printers without the need for support material. This minimizes filament waste and significantly reduces print time, making ModulaRocket v 1.0 fast, efficient, and accessible for makers of all skill levels.
• Modular Construction:
  Five threaded, interchangeable components:
  1. Nosecone: 5:1 ellipsoid (other shapes supported)
  2. Nosecone Interface: Enables quick nosecone changes without re-tying parachute or shock cord
  3. Upper Fuselage: Threaded tube with shock cord anchor
  4. Lower Fuselage: Threaded for quick swaps, includes fin set, launch rod guide, and engine block
  5. Engine Retention Ring: Threads onto lower fuselage to secure the engine
• Customizable Length & Appearance:
  Mix and match upper/lower fuselage sections and nosecones for endless design possibilities.
• Field-Proven Stability:
  Three clipped-delta airfoil fins, optimized for low drag and high stability at typical model rocket speeds.
• Recommended Material:
  Designed for carbon or glass fiber-reinforced filament—ABS-GF offers an excellent balance of strength, weight, and cost.

Base Model Specifications

• Diameter: 1" (25.4 mm)
• Overall Length: 23.75" (603 mm)
• Nosecone: 5:1 ellipsoid
• Fin Set: Three clipped delta fins (root chord 3", tip chord 0.75", span 2")
• Empty Weight (no engine): 61.4g (with 12" parachute installed and printed with Bambu Labs ABS-GF with two line thickness walls)

Materials List

3D Printed Parts
(Recommended: ABS-GF or Carbon/Glass Fiber Filament)

• Nosecone (5:1 ellipsoid, support-free)
• Nosecone Interface
• Upper Fuselage Section
• Lower Fuselage Section (with integrated fins, launch rod guide, and engine block)
• Engine Retention Ring (threads onto lower fuselage for secure engine hold)

Hardware & Recovery Components

• Parachute: 12–15" diameter (ripstop nylon or lightweight plastic; all flight data assumes a 12" chute)
• Shock Cord: 16" length of 200 lb rated Kevlar line (durable and heat resistant)
• Engine: Estes B4-4, B6-4, or C6-5 (18mm diameter)
• Wadding: Flame-resistant recovery wadding or Nomex blanket
• Launch Rod Guide: Integrated in lower fuselage (fits standard launch rods)

Optional/Field Supplies

• Talcum powder (for parachute static reduction)
• Nomex or heat shield (for parachute protection)
• Standard model rocket launch pad and controller

Notes

• All 3D-printed parts are support-free designs for efficient, low-waste printing.
• The engine block and retention ring securely hold the engine in place—no masking tape or extra retention is needed.
• Use fiber-reinforced filaments (ABS-GF or Carbon Fiber) for optimal strength and durability.
• If you swap fuselage modules or change design elements, always verify CG/CP and parachute size for safe recovery.

Projected Flight Data

Notes:

• Descent rate and times are based on a 12" round plastic parachute.
• Drift is calculated for wind speeds of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mph, assuming parachute deploys at apogee.
• C6-5 flights require large fields due to high altitude and significant drift in wind.

Material Recommendation

For best results, print the ModulaRocket v 1.0 using glass fiber-reinforced ABS (ABS-GF) or similar carbon/glass fiber filaments. These materials provide excellent strength, low weight, and cost-effectiveness—ideal for modular rocketry.

Ongoing Development & Updates

I will be releasing additional modular components for the ModulaRocket v 1.0 as I design and test them. These new parts may include alternate nosecones, fin units, fuselage sections, and other enhancements to expand the rocket's capabilities and customization options.

Check back regularly for updates and new STL downloads to further enhance your modular rocketry experience!