In 1961, Vern Estes designed the first Estes model rocket packaged for sale as a complete kit, the Astron Scout™. But before the Astron Scout took flight, a never before seen prototype was created. This prototype, named the Orange Bullet, used metal weights glued to the end of the fin tips to shift the center of gravity (CG) back after the engine popped out at apogee, resulting in the rocket tumbling gently instead of streamlining in nose first.

While the design functioned, Vern and fellow rocketeer G. Harry Stine decided they could achieve the same thing without ejecting the engine. The weight of the rocket engine itself was used to shift the CG backwards in a later version which became the classic Astron Scout. This rocket sold tens of thousands of kits over its long lifetime and inspired countless young people to pursue technical careers.

Sixty years later, Bill Stine, G. Harry Stine’s son and current Estes Vice President decided it was time for the Orange bullet to take flight. This March, Estes will launch the first rocket in the new Designer Signature Series and the first complete kit Vern Estes ever designed, the Orange Bullet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BUILD: Scissors, pencil, fine sandpaper, carpenter’s glue, sanding block, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white) and paint (grey, orange). (Tools, construction and finishing supplies not included.)

WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad with a 1/8 inch launch rod and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).

Recommended Engines 1/2A6-2, A8-3

Projected Max Altitude 500 ft. (152 m)

Recovery System Featherweight

Length 5.9 in. (15 cm)

Diameter 0.74 in. (19 mm)

Estimated Weight 0.24 oz. (7 g)

Estimated Assembly Time 1 Hour (painting and glue drying time not included)

Fin Materials Laser cut wood

Decal Type Waterslide

Launch System Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller

Launch Rod Size 1/8"

Age Recommendation Estes model rocketry is recommended for boys and girls ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all ages.