SEMROC MARS LANDER User Manual

1. Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose,
body, and fins of my rocket.
2. Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket
motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any
purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch
system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a
safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch
switch that returns to the "off" position when released.
4. Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of
my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety inter-
lock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last
launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
5. Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will
ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at
least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller,
and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the
safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability be-
fore flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing
them away to a safe distance.
6. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail
that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the
rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to pre-
vent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent acciden-
tal eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod
is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.
7. Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53
ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4
ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total
impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453
grams) at liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of propel-
lant, I will check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration
regulations before flying.
8. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or
near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload
in my rocket.
9. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at
least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe
weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per
hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad,
and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
10. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a
streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and un-
damaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant
or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
11. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from
power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS
Installed Total Impulse
(N-sec)
Equivalent Motor Type Minimum Site Dimensions
(ft.)
0.00 — 1.25 1/4A 50
1.26 — 2.50 A 100
2.51 — 5.00 B 200
5.01 — 10.00 C 400
10.01 — 20.00 D 500
20.01 — 40.00 E 1000
40.01 — 80.00 F 1000
80.01 — 160.00 G 1000
160.01 — 320.00 2 Gs 1500
MARS LANDER™
Kit No. KV-54
Specifications
Body Diameter 3.74” (5.9cm)
Length 12.6” (31.9cm)
Fin Span 13.2” (33.5cm)
Net Weight 4.1 oz. (116.2g)
Engine Approx. Altitude
B4-2 110’
B6-2 115’
C6-3 360’
Parachute Recovery
FUTURISTIC PLANETARY
MANNED VEHICLE
GREAT DEMO BIRD
FUN TO BUILD
AND FLY
WORKING SHOCK
ABSORBING GEAR
BALSA NOSE CONE
LASER-CUT
BODY PARTS
Skill Level 4
Master Modeler
Made in the U.S.A by Semroc Astronautics Corporation - Knightdale, N.C. 27545
Designed by
Wayne Kellner

SEMROC MARS LANDER Specifications

General

Brand	SEMROC
Model	Mars Lander
Skill Level	Intermediate
Fin Material	Balsa wood
Recovery System	Parachute
Decal Type	Water Slide
Recommended Engines	B6-2, C6-3

Summary

Model Rocket Safety Code

Rocket Materials & Motors

Use only lightweight, non-metal parts and certified commercially-made rocket motors.

Launch System & Misfires

Use electrical launch systems and follow misfire procedures.

Launch & Flight Safety

Maintain safe distances, check stability, and avoid flight hazards.

Launch Site & Recovery

Use safe launch sites and recovery systems.

What is a Retro-Repro™?

About Estes Industries, Inc.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

FLIGHT PREPPING

Stability & Engine Prep

Check CG stability and prepare the rocket engine.

Packing Parachute & Wadding

Pack parachute and wadding correctly for deployment.

Pre-flight & Post-flight Checks

Perform thorough pre-flight checks and post-flight maintenance.

About the Mars Lander™

BEFORE YOU START!

ASSEMBLY

Instructions & Parts ID

Review instructions and identify all rocket components.

FINISHING

Surface Prep & Painting

Prepare surfaces by sanding and apply paint coats.

Decal Application

Apply waterslide decals according to placement guide.

RECOVERY SYSTEM

Nose Cone & Parachute Prep

Install screw eye and assemble parachute with spill hole.

Shock Cord Attachment

Securely tie Kevlar and elastic shock cords.

BALSA PREPARATIONS

Fin Sanding

Sand balsa fins to ensure smooth edges and proper fit.

LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY

Gear Housing Covers

Glue fiber gear housing covers to balsa gear housings.

ASSEMBLY

Strut & Cylinder Assembly

Assemble gear struts, braces, and control cylinders.

MAIN ASSEMBLY

Body Wraps & Antenna

Attach body wraps and assemble the rocket's antenna.

MODULE ASSEMBLY

Module Fitting & Alignment

Fit and align command module, launch lug, and engine nozzle shroud.

Landing Gear Strut Prep

Glue gear strut supports and attach strut braces.

MODULE ASSEMBLY

Strut Wraps & Pad Assembly

Apply strut wraps and assemble landing pads.

Main Module Integration

Fit landing gear, ascent module, and secure descent stage.

MODULE ASSEMBLY

Landing Gear Ring & Span

Notch landing gear ring, set span, and attach pads.

Hinge Support Preparation

Prepare hinge supports by applying glue to ends.

MODULE ASSEMBLY

Bearing & Fillet Application

Insert bearings into hinges and apply glue fillets to joints.

Gear Sealing & Engine Shroud

Seal/paint gears and install engine shroud spacing rings.

ENGINE MOUNT

Shroud & Bulkhead Assembly

Assemble shrouds and attach bulkheads.

Engine Hook Installation

Install the engine hook into the engine tube.

ENGINE MOUNT

Centering Ring & Braces

Attach centering ring and ascent module braces.

Ascent Module Bulkhead

Attach aft bulkhead and internal ring to ascent module.

MAIN ASSEMBLY

Shroud & Brace Assembly

Glue shrouds and attach ascent module brace.

Gear Housing & Openings

Prepare gear housings and cut descent stage openings.

MAIN ASSEMBLY

Housing Attachment & Alignment

Attach gear housings and align landing gear assemblies.

Engine Mount & Gussets

Assemble engine mount and glue gussets.

MAIN ASSEMBLY

Parachute Tube & Kevlar

Mark parachute tube, attach lug, and tie Kevlar thread.

Bulkhead & Engine Mount Integration

Assemble descent stage aft bulkhead and engine mount.

Parts List

EXPLODED VIEW