How to Pack Wadding in Model Rockets

A common problem experienced by novice model rocket enthusiasts is holes being melted through the parachute, often resulting in damage to their rocket when it impacts the ground. A simple solution to this problem is to use recovery wadding: a fireproof, tissue-like material placed as a soft barrier between the engine and the more fragile parachute or other recovery system. The wadding protects the system from the hot gases issuing from the detonation of the ejection charge.

Things You'll Need

• Package of recovery wadding tissues
• Model rocket
• Parachute

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Separate the nose cone from your rocket to open it, and gently remove and unpack the parachute. Pull out the parachute lines, shock cord, and any other lines from inside the rocket.

   • 2

     Take three sheets of recovery wadding and crumple each into a ball. Push the three balls down into the body tube. If the tube is too narrow, use an object like a pencil to aid in the pushing.

   • 3

     Re-pack and carefully insert the parachute and lines into the rocket, and replace the nose cone.