Project 1, Concept 2: Spring Rocket

James DR Raskob

The Spring Rocket is a model rocket with springs attached to the fins. These springs can be angled in different directions to make the rocket behave differently. The rocket is held in place by a hook with the springs compressed, and then released by a trigger mechanism. The rocket will show some principles of ballistic and action/reaction systems.

Most of the toy (with the exception of the springs and the trigger mechanism), would be made of rigid plastic, which is cheap, durable, and easily colored. The springs would be metal, and would probably wear out eventually. The springs could be replaced, however. There is obviously some safety concern in sending a pointed object flying through space in a somewhat unpredictable direction, but by restricting the age of the market, this should be kept fairly low.