The Complete Handbook of Model Rocketry
A practical reference for builders, businesses, and serious flyers
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
From motor selection to business models, this is the complete practical reference for serious model rocketry.
About this book
Model rocketry is more than a hobby—it's a discipline of applied physics, precise craftsmanship, and safety management. This handbook cuts through the noise to give you the practical, technical knowledge you need. Inside, you'll learn how rockets actually work, from the internal ballistics of solid-propellant motors to the aerodynamic forces affecting your flight path. We cover the specifications that matter when evaluating components, how to choose the right gear for your specific goals, and provide step-by-step guidance for installation, launch operations, and routine maintenance.
Beyond the launch pad, this book addresses the professional side of the field. It explores the marketplace, offering a clear-eyed look at major brands, their positioning, and the concrete business opportunities available—from a mobile launch service to a specialized retail shop. You'll also find a forward-looking review of trends in materials, electronics, and regulation, along with guidance on finding trusted expert resources. With a practical FAQ and a comprehensive glossary, this is the reference you will keep on your workbench, not on a shelf.
Reader Reviews
William Lopez
★★★★★This is a proper reference book, the kind you keep on the workbench. Chapter 1 alone is worth it for the clear breakdown of motor impulse classes and the safety calculations—it's the first time I've seen it explained so practically for someone who is moving past the 'launch and hope' phase. My only gripe, and it's minor, is that some of the troubleshooting sections in the later chapters feel a bit basic for a 'Complete Handbook.' But for the engineering context and business chapters, it's a solid buy.
Matthew Walker
★★★★★There's a lot of good information here for the price of a few motors, and I didn't find any outright errors, which is more than I can say for most forum advice do not ask me how I know. That said, I felt the first chapter dragged a bit on the basics. I've been building for a while, so I was hoping for more advanced build hacks or navigation through some of the newer digital altimeter integration stuff. It's a good book for a club library or a beginner, but I already knew a good third of the content from experience. It's just okay, not the godsend the blurb promises.
Robert White
★★★★★As a club leader, I appreciate that this isn't a fluff piece. It reads like an engineering textbook but without the dry, boring prose. The chapter on business opportunities was a revelation, especially the details on starting a launch services business. The maintenance checklists and the physical description of a safe launch site are exactly the kind of practical materials I need for training new members. It’s the first handbook I'd hand a new serious hobbyist, and I've already recommended it to the local high school's robotics team.