The Estes Astron Explorer stands impressively tall at 42.20 inches and marked my introduction to  master series rockets. Assembling it was challenging, demanding close attention to a number of intricate instructions. I recommend bringing ample patience to the table for the completion of this rocket. The painting and finishing also posed their own set of difficulties, yet I learned valuable lessons that I aim to apply to future intricate builds. But once it is complete, the rocket turned out to be magnificent and splendid and it was really fulfilling persevering through the building process.

Build

Building the Estes Astron Explorer proved to be quite the challenge. My recommendation would be to gain experience by assembling various other rockets before venturing into this complex build. Among the most intricate steps, cutting the vents into the body emerged as particularly difficult. Patience and precision are paramount in this process; a sharp X-Acto knife is your ally. Remember meticulous attention during this step will yield a more dependable and refined final outcome. Another aspect that posed difficulties was the painting phase. The rocket’s intricate design, coupled with the suggested color scheme, meant maneuvering and a lot of masking tape. Despite my best efforts, I messed up a few times. In hindsight, I recognized a more efficient approach would have involved painting individual components prior to assembly. This strategy not only saves time but also results in a cleaner finish. I eagerly anticipate applying this technique in my upcoming master series rockets.

Launch

Weighing in at a substantial 6.0 oz, this rocket might seem hefty, but it proved to be no match for the powerful D12-3 motor. Ensuring the correct motor launcher and launch base are in place is imperative due to the motor’s tremendous force. The launch itself was uncomplicated and smooth, particularly for those with a few under their belt. I suggest using an ample amount of wadding paper to safeguard the parachute against potential damage.

Recovery

The included 18″ (46 cm) parachute proved effective in safely returning the rocket to the ground. Launching it on a humid day in August, I took an extra precaution by using billiard powder to guarantee the reliable deployment of the parachute.

When dealing with intricately designed rockets like those in the master series, a more effective approach is to paint the individual components separately before assembling the rocket. This method yields a cleaner and more polished final result.