Estes Doorknob Model Rocket Kit
Estes Doorknob Straight View
Doorknob Model Rocket Side Flame
Doorknob Rocket Up Flame View
Doorknob Model Rocket Recovery View
Estes 9720 Doorknob Rocket Parts
Estes Doorknob Model Rocket Kit
Estes Doorknob Straight View
Doorknob Model Rocket Side Flame
Doorknob Rocket Up Flame View
Doorknob Model Rocket Recovery View
Estes 9720 Doorknob Rocket Parts
Estes Rockets

Pro Series II™ Doorknob

SKU: 009720
UPC: 047776097209
MSRP/MAP: $43.99
$43.99
Advanced

The Pro Series II™ Doorknob rocket is the perfect addition to any rocket enthusiast's collection. It is a 1:5.3 scale model of the single and two-stage Doorknob rockets used by scientists in the 1950s to measure the effects of radioactivity from nuclear testing. The rocket is designed to be both fun and simple to build and fly, making it suitable for rocket enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The Doorknob rocket played an essential role in collecting data on the effects of nuclear testing on the ozone layer and possible long-range radioactive fallout. The rocket's ability to capture radioactive data at altitudes of approximately 50 miles made it a crucial tool for scientists during this time.

The Pro Series II™ Doorknob rocket comes with two sets of decals, allowing for customization to turn it into a sports model. It is the perfect way to honor the scientific advancements of the 1950s while enjoying the thrill of launching a rocket into the sky.

  • SKILL LEVEL: Advanced
  • RECOMMENDED ENGINES: F15-4, F15-6, E16-4 w/Engine Adapter (sold separately)- D12-3
  • PROJECTED ALTITUDE: 1100 ft. (335 m)

Overview 

Needed to Fly

Specs

Reviews

Overview

The Ban on Nuclear Testing and the Hardtack Series

Before we start, we need to cover the prehistory of Doorknob Model Rocket. During the mid-1950’s, the US and Russian nuclear testing caused public concerns over nuclear fallout to reach a fevered pitch. In response, President Eisenhower announced a ban on further nuclear testing on or before October 31, 1958.

US scientists disregarded the ban and conducted the Hardtack Series of tests to collect data on radioactivity effects from both underwater and above-ground detonations. The program consisted of 35 detonations in the Pacific Proving Grounds from April to August 1958.

Measuring the Effects of Radioactivity

Scientists were chiefly concerned about damage to the ozone layer and possible effects of long-range radioactive fallout. To measure the earth's upper atmosphere, they developed single and two-stage Doorknob rockets. They could capture radioactive data for analysis at altitudes of approximately 50 miles.

Early results indicated minimal or no damage to the ozone layer from the nuclear testing. Additionally, it's possible that water detonations generated enough ozone to compensate for any loss caused by above-ground testing.

The Estes 1:5.3 Scale Model Doorknob

The Estes 1:5.3 scale Doorknob model rocket is a big and impressive kit that is both simple to build and fun to fly. It will be a hit in both the sport and scale rocket categories. There are two sets of decals available for those who want to turn this scale model into a sports model

Key points:

  • President Eisenhower announced a ban on further nuclear testing on or before October 31, 1958, due to public concerns over nuclear fallout
  • Despite the ban, US scientists carried out the Hardtack Series of tests from April to August 1958
  • Scientists were concerned about damage to the ozone layer and possible effects of long-range radioactive fallout
  • Single and two-stage Doorknob rockets were developed to capture radioactive data at altitudes of approximately 50 miles
  • The Estes 1:5.3 scale model Doorknob is a fun and simple kit to build and fly. Moreover, it has two sets of decals available for customization.
Estes Pro Series II™ Doorknob Model Rocket

What You Need to Fly

Pro Series II™ Launch Controller
$43.99
Porta-Pad E® Launch Pad
$33.99
1/4" Two-Piece Launch Rod
$16.99
Porta-Pad E Launch Pad and Pro Series II Launch Controller, 1/4 inch Two-Piece Launch Rod. Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding.
Six C 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)

Technical Specifications

  • Recommended Engines

F15-4, F15-6, E16-4
w/Engine Adapter : D12-3

  • Launch System

Porta-Pad E

  • Projected Max Altitude

1100 ft. (335 m)

  • Recovery System

18 in. (45.7 cm) Parachute

  • Length

26.9 in. (68.3 cm)

  • Diameter

3 in. (76 mm)

  • Weight

10 oz. (283.5 g)

  • Fin Material

Laser Cut Balsa Wood
Estes Pro Series II™ Doorknob Model Rocket Kit Parts

Needed to Build (sold separately)

Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, epoxy, carpenter's glue, sanding block, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (black, day glow orange, white) and clear coat (optional).
Download Instructions
Estes Pro Series II rocket kits are recommended for adults ages 18+ with adult supervision for those under 18, and rocketeers of all ages.

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
44%
(4)
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11%
(1)
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J
Jonathan R (Chevy Chase, MD)
Great rocket not excellent price

I love the Estes doorknob but for not all plywood components I feel that it is a little over priced but great kit either way I love the way it looks and flies!

User picture User picture
R
Rachel Rasmussen (Mapleton, UT)
It was RAD

This rocket was AWESOME! The Doorknob was a snap to put together and looked great. The paint job is a little tricky, and BTW you should use painters tape (because masking tape hurts more than helps) . Oh and if you are using motor adapters, do not use D12 -5s! There isn't enough juice in there to warrant 5 seconds of delay. It shot up about 200 feet, made a nerve racking nose dive, then deployed the parachute about 50 feet above the ground. Needless to say, this bad boy is pretty awesome!

A
Anonymous (Henderson, NV)
Great kit and scale

The History, artwork and packaging are just the start to a great kit for the price. I built this in one afternoon, the simple instructions, thru the wall balsa fins and awesome nose cone (same as Big Daddy). Also includes 2 sets of decals. The cardstock centering rings came warped, easy fix by bending back into position. The only difficult part of the build is deciding on what livery to paint it, Scale or Sport Deco.

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