• Rocket launching system
  • Rocket launcher diagram
  • Eight-rocket launcher
  • Wooden rocket launch towers
  • Launcher wiring
  • Power source
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Building a backyard rocket launcher (photos)

Rocket launching system

Chicago-area rocketeer and overall home tinkerer Kevin Shoemaker devised a clever way to save some cash for a rocketry weekend with the kids by combining recycled stuff from around the house with off-the-shelf parts from Radio Shack. The finished result is self-contained and maybe a little dangerous, like me.

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

Rocket launcher diagram

The secret sauce.

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

Eight-rocket launcher

The eight-station rocket launch system (version 1.0 wasn't quite as badass).

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

Wooden rocket launch towers

You can walk on the Bolivian rosewood rocket launch towers, or you can use them to launch potentially explodable projectiles high into the air. Your call.

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

Launcher wiring

Well, this wiring just kind of ruins the magic, doesn't it?

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

Power source

The system's power source. No, you can't take this through airport security.

Read more in our related story: "DIY Weekend: Homemade 10-rocket launcher"

Photo by: Kevin Shoemaker

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