After the 13 Saturn V launched by NASA between 1967 and 1973, the last three Apollo missions (18, 19 and 20) were canceled as the Congress had lost the drive to keep space exploration a priority. However, much of the vehicles and equipment was already built and paid. NASA decided to take of these Saturn V and use it to launch an Earth orbital space station, the Skylab.

The Saturn V's S-IVB thrid stage was modified to be used as a huge inhabited orbital laboratory to carry on experiments in that peculiar environment, and was put in Earth orbit by the enormous power of the Saturn V first and second stage.

The Skylab has hosted three different crews in its lifetime, with the longest mission being 84 days long. The orbital station stayed in orbit until 1979, when reentered the atmosphere and disintegrated above Western Australia.

This Estes flying model rocket reproduces the real vehicle very accurately, in 1:100 scale. Realism is added by vacuum formed tube wraps and fin fairings, and injection molded fins are both durable and detailed. Even a fin alignment guide is included for precise placement. It is a wonderful project for those who love to built and a very good static model too!

Very detailed water-slide decals represent the markings of the historic mission. An engine nozzle assembly, not functional, must be removed before loading an E or F motor in the rocket for flying. The rocket is recovered in two sections: the upper one with a 45 cm parachute, while the lower one under two 61 cm parachutes.

The motors to be used suggested by Estes are not available on the European market. For this reason we suggest replacing them with Aerotech engines of the same diameter (29 mm) and characteristics. The possibilities are many, both reloadable and single-use. Suggested motors are listed in the dedicated tab.

We also suggest replacing the plastic parachutes in the box with the more robust nylon parachutes from Top Flight, PAR-24 Thin and PAR-18 Thin.

To launch this rocket you need a launch pad with a 6 mm shaft such as the Estes PRO Series launch Pad or the Aerotech Mantis.
To use Aerotech engines in this rocket you will need to use a 12 volt launch control such as the Estes PS II Launch Controller or the Aerotech Interlock Controller.

The kit includes:

• Every part needed to build the rocket model (tubes, rings, plastic parts, etc.)
• Water decals
• Pre-assembled plastic parachutes
• Detailed instructions

What you need to build it (not included):
Cutter, scissors, ruler, pencil, aliphatic glue, masking tape, transparent adhesive tape, fine abrasive paper, spray paints.

What you need to fly it (not included):

• Launch pad with 6 mm rod
• Launch controller (for Aerotech engines it must be 12 volts)
• Engines (see list of recommended engines)
• Flameproof wadding or parachute protection sheets