A homemade launchpad for compressed air-powered rockets

A conventional model rocket engine is a simple fuel (black powder or more advanced compounds) molded in a cylinder that uses expanding gas to produce thrust. Although it is minimal, there is some danger there. An alternative is compressed gas, which will also expand to produce thrust, only without explosive chemical reaction. If that intrigues you, then take a look at this compressed air launch pad for Aiden Wyandt paper rockets.

Compressed air can also be dangerous. But 80 PSI (the highest pressure for this project) does not present a great risk with the appropriate hardware. The disadvantage is that all the expansion of gas is immediate and comes from the pitcher. That way, it is more like a cannon than a real rocket. This is perfect for cheap artisanal paper missiles and the pitcher makes it fun and safe.

Within the plywood enclosure with laser there is an arduino wifi plate one R4. Receive energy from a 20 V friction tool battery to 24 V. That also feeds the solenoid valves through the relays and the Arduino controls them, along with the LED lighting. The Arduino houses a web interface to assemble and launch, so that children can move at a safe distance. Once the countdown is completed, the solenoid will open and the compressed air will expand to the launch tube to send the rocket flying.

That air comes from an external air compressor through a standard accessory. It enters a couple of small tanks and the solenoids feel between those tanks and the launch tubes. Because there are two, this pitcher can handle two rockets before needing to restart.