Nebula 18 two-stage gliding model rocket

Nebula is an original design by Jonathon Hill of New Century Rocketry, inspired by the "Corkscrew 2" design created in 2003 by the late Bruce Levison.

But that's just where we started. By the time we were done with this design, we'd stripped all unnecessary components, optimized the length, and discovered that this rocket wants to spin, soar, AND glide—all in the same flight!

Flight profile

1. Straight boost
2. Corkscrewing sustain
3. Backsliding recovery

A streamer is included, but that's just so you don't lose the nose cone! The main rocket actually glides—backwards—and lands very gently with the ring fin pointed up.

Nebula 18 motors

We recommend these regular (18mm) rocket motors:

• A8-0 + 1/2A6-2T
• A8-0 + A8-3
• B6-0 + B6-4
  

Parts and tools included

The kit includes all the parts, instructions, and a handy laser-cut alignment jig for getting the fin and launch lugs on straight.

Nebula is named for its resemblance to the Engraved Hourglass Nebula, a young planetary nebula located about 8,000 light- years away. The detail revealed in this image has shed new light on the poorly understood ejection of stellar matter which accompanies the slow death of Sun-like stars.