This video shows step-by-step instructions for building the "Kestrel" mid-power rocket by Apogee Components. Part 1: motor mount, tail cone, payload bay. Part 2: fins, recovery system, motor adapter, paint, final assembly, decals.
Dr. Dave... I was wondering... the rocket I plan to make will be about 4' high with a body thickness of 2.5", the question I have is can my parachute be too big? I plan to use a totes style umbrella for the chute material... is there a formula for the parachutes relative to the bodies that is ideal? I know in the case of most rockets you have made go between a 12-18 inch parachute... I figure that the size of the umbrella is prob a bit more than that..... thank you
Offhand I recommend a 24-30” parachute for that size of a rocket. I suggest using OpenRocket to simulate your design. It will show the performance of different sizes of parachutes.
