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Peak of Flight Newsletter #505:

Make Your Own Disk-Gap-Band Parachute
It Is The "Mars Parachute"!
 

Peak-of-Flight Newsletter

The main claim to fame of the "disk-gap-band" parachute is that all the probes sent to the planet Mars used it at some point in their entry, descent and landing. While it has a slightly lower drag coefficient than a regular "flat circular" parachute, the disk-gap-band parachute is more stable and oscillates less during descent. It also opens more softly, giving a little bit more cushion to delicate payloads.

In this article by Dave Flanagan, you'll get a bit of history of this unique type of parachute, as well as plans to construct your own version of it. Now you can simulate the descent to the red planet with your own scaled down version of this parachute. Check it out by downloading this free newsletter right now. 

Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)!

Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page.

 

Thank You for Your Support!

Your Google Reviews Were Very Appreciated!

Submit a 5-Star Google Review

Last week we asked for help in submitting reviews of Apogee at Google Reviews in order to drown out a negative review from a disgruntled job applicant. YOU came through big time! We received a couple dozen reviews, and we appreciate it more than you can imagine. The ratio of positive-to-negative reviews is now over 50-to-1. Thank you for your support.

While the urgency is over, we always appreciate and encourage customers to write an honest google review of your experience with us. Here is the link if you'd like to submit a review of your experience with Apogee Components:  http://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJ37n3Q-FPE4cR8K2Hlow-BYc

Submit a Rocket Design and Get Paid!

Rocktober Photo Challenge

Newest Products From Apogee Components

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

Chute Release Protection Blankets

Parachute Protection Blanket with Chute Release PocketDo you have problems with your parachute slipping out of the rubber band of the Jolly Logic Chute Release?  

The Chute Release Protection Blanket solves this problem and does even more:

  1. It is a Nomex/Kevlar® blanket that protects the parachute from the heat of the ejection charge.
  2. It also keeps the parachute from slipping out of the rubber band because of the way you fold it up.
  3. And it protects the Jolly Logic Chute Release from heat damage by encasing it in its own pouch.
  4. Finally, the pouch is sewn into the blanket, so if the parts of the rocket come down separately, the chute release is much easier to find. 

Available in three sizes 9-3/4", 12" and 14" blankets.

2-Engine Motor Mount Kits

Twin Engine Motor Mount Kits

Looking to experiment with twin-engine rockets? By using two motors, your rocket takes off twice as fast, or you can loft a heavier rocket. Apogee Components has three new motor mount kits that allow you to convert many common rocket kits to use two motors. We have kits for 24mm motors into either BT-70 or BT-80 size tubes, and a twin 29mm motor mount into a BT-80 (2.6-inch diameter) tube. All three motor mounts contain motor retention, so you don't need to buy any other retention device.

Estes Double Ringer

Double Ringer Rocket Kit

The new Double Ringer is a unique rocket in that it uses two special gliders called "annular wings" attached to the side that provide stability for the rocket as it ascends into the air. When the rocket reaches apogee and the parachute is ejected, the two gliders detach from the tube and fly gently to the the ground. This is a great kit for younger rocketeers, as it is designed to be simple to build.

Estes Alpha III Bulk-Pack

Alpha III Rocket Kit

The Alpha III rocket has been around for decades, and has had such longetivity in the rocket industry because it has proven itself to be kid-friendly. The build is perfect for children since the learning experience is fun and simple. This rocket allows students to learn about the basic parts and principles of rocketry in an easy fashion. It can be assembled very quickly, and it flies straight and true. You can be assured that you'll have a successful launch and an impactful experience when you use this rocket in your classroom. Available as a 12-rocket bulk pack.

 

Customer Comments

“At least five things I like about Apogee: (1) the quality of their products is unsurpassed - bar none; (2) the people there are helpful and really care about me, the consumer; (3) shipping is handled quickly and efficiently; (4) the videos in lieu of paper instructions is so very helpful; and (5) I love to receive their helpful and informative newsletter. I am really looking forward to visiting the company next time I'm in Colorado. I have been building model rockets sine 1964, but I must say that the rocket building techniques displayed in your videos have advanced my skill level and quality of my rockets. Thank you so much for all that you do for us and the sport.”

— Eloy Gomez

Write a Testimonial!

 

Wanted: Igniter and Battery Expert

We're looking for someone to write a definitive guide to selecting igniters, controllers and batteries for rockets. We'd love to have a newsletter article on that topic, because we get lots of inquiries about it. Is that you? Do you know how many e-matches can be set off in a cluster by a 3.7v 400 mAh battery? See our Newsletter Guidelines on how to submit an article on this topic and get paid upto $350 for your time. 

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