Pathfinder Student Rocket Launch at NASA Wallops Launch Range
Launch Your Amateur Rocketry Dreams
How To Make Amateur Rockets Bookset
If you have dreamed of designing, building and launching your own rocket, you have come to the right place. CP Technologies was started in 1994 with a three booklet/video series on how to make your own solid rocket motors. These booklets grew into the bookset “How To Make Amateur Rockets”, which include videos and software on a flash drive. The rocket motor used in the Pathfinder Rocket above was designed by students using the information in the “How To Make Amateur Rockets” bookset. Pathfinder was the first rocket launched by NASA that was entirely designed and built by college students. Do you have more questions about making your own solid rocket motor? Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
Making your own rocket motors is the final step in flying a rocket that is entirely your design. An added bonus to homemade rocket motors is that you save money so you can fly more often or fly much bigger motors. We got through the cost analysis of making your own motors. Click here to see the numbers for yourself.
“How To Make Amateur Rockets” was written by John Wickman, a professional rocket propulsion engineer with over 40 years of experience in solid, liquid, and exotic Space propulsion technologies. The 2nd Edition classic book/software/video set sells for just $49.95, which includes shipping within the United States. This book is completely illustrated with photographs and drawings. Click on the Homemade Rockets Book tab above for more information and to order your copy.
Solid Rocket Motor Design Classes
June 26-29, 2024
September 18-21, 2024
(2024 June and September Class are Sold Out!)
Only $269 For The Complete Class
Includes “How To Make Amateur Rockets” Bookset
In 2004, we started a “hands on” motor design class that we continue to offer three times a year during the summer. This unique class offers a way for people who want hands on guidance on their first rocket motor to get into the hobby. Unlike other classes that only show you how to mix and cast propellant, this class lets you design, build and test fire your own rocket motor. We have also taught a modified version of this class for new engineers at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory as well as college students and instructors. If your organization wants a special class, let us know. Click on the Rocket Motor Design Classes tab above for more information and to register for a class.
Where To Buy Rocket Motor and Rocket Supplies Plus Other Information
We have provided a web page that lists suppliers for chemicals used in solid propellants along with sources for materials to make rocket motors and rockets. The list is constantly changing as companies go out of business and new ones take their place. Click on the Resources tab above.
We also periodically post articles and information that provide useful information on setting up data acquisition systems for static tests, making ejection charges, and other topics useful to the amateur making their own rockets. Click on the Resources tab above.
Learn About Software Updates & Other News
Periodically, we make updates to the CP Technologies software. These updates will be posted along with information on how to download or obtain the update to the software program. Click on the Updates tab above for more information.
CP Technologies news about our Solid Rocket Motor Design Class, “How to Make Amateur Rockets” Bookset, and other products or services we sell will be posted on our Updates page.