Rocket Modeler Interactive Simulator

Please note: the simulation below is best viewed on a desktop computer. It may take a few minutes for the simulation to load.

Model Rocket

This simulation was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center in an effort to foster hands-on, inquiry-based learning in science and math. RocketModeler is a simulator that models the design and flight of a model rocket.

• Change design variables including the size, and shape of the rocket body, the fins, the nose cone.
• Select different materials for each component.

The program calculates the weight of the rocket and determines the drag coefficient from a table of experimental data.

• Select from a variety of standard solid rocket engines.

The program computes the center of gravity and pressure for your rocket and determines the stability.

Design

When you have a design that you like, you move to the pad, where you can launch your rocket and observe its flight trajectory. Pause at any time to record data and then continue the flight through parachute deploy and recovery. This program supports stomp rockets, bottle rockets, and ballistic shells in addition to solid model rockets. It also supports both English and Metric units, and you can fly your rockets on the Earth, Moon, or Mars.