This model rocket is a 1:50 scale replica of a real spaceship which was a contender for the $10 million Ansari X Prize. SpaceshipOne is the name of the spacecraft used to collect the prize money. Other X Prize contenders included Green Arrow, DaVinci, Pablo De Leon, and Gauchito (also available as an Estes Launchables). The next, exciting, step for the Anari X Prize foundation is a $2 Million Lunar Lander Challenge. The Lucky Seven was designed and created for the original X Prize by Acceleration Engineering, located in Bath, Michigan. The actual spaceship is 9 meters (29.52") long and measures 3 meters (9.84" )between fin tips. It launches vertically. As is the case with the scale model, it uses a parachute to slow the ascent.

This rocket was released as an Estes kit in late 2005 and uses mini-engines for propulsion.

Parts List

Unlike most rocket model kits reviewed on this web site, the Lucky Seven has plastic parts.

- plastic nose cone (two halves) with nose cone cap
- clay weight
- plastic body tube & rubber shock cord
- 4 plastic fins
- plastic body base with 4 nozzles
- engine mount tube and mini engine hook
- assembled 12" parachute
- pressure sensitive decals (stickers)
- instruction booklet with safety precautions

The kit does not include launch equipment or hobby supplies, such as glue and sand paper.

Construction

Instructions are limited to six easy-to-follow steps for this Estes model rocket. This includes applying decals. This is a level E2X (Easy-to-Execute) rocket kit, lots of fun for beginners.

To build this rocket, insert the engine mount tube and engine hook into the short body tube. Insert the plastic fins and glue the assembly base in place. This keeps the engine mount and fins in place. Glue the two nose cone halves together and attach the shock cord. To finish, attach the parachute and apply pressure sensitive decals.

For some reason, the Testors plastic model cement used simply wouldn't form a strong bond. To take care of this, CyA (super glue) was used instead of plastic cement.

Finishing

There is no need to paint this scale model rocket. Simply apply the decals.

To make it look more like the image on the box, the gray plastic nozzles were painted with a gold gloss (Testors #921537). This, however, is completely optional.

Measurements

The Lucky Seven is 7.9" (20 cm) long with a diameter of 1.637" (41.6mm). Including the clay weight, it weighs 1.5 oz (43.4 g).

Flight Data

The only recommended engine for this model rocket is a the mini A10-3T engine.

When launched with this engine, it reached a peak altitude somewhere between 125 and 150 feet. The advertised maximum height is 200 feet. Parachute ejected a little past apogee. Nice, low altitude, flights.

You don't need an extra-large field to launch this rocket, which can be a benefit. See the safety guidelines for required field size.

Don't get too attached to the nozzles. After only two flights, poor Lucky Seven is missing two nozzles. They were glued onto the model with CyA (super glue) during rocket assembly.