Estes 7309 Mars Snooper Box with Rocket
Mars Snooper Recovery
Estes Rocket Up Flame
Side Flame
Flight Sequence
Estes 7309 Mars Snooper Box with Rocket
Mars Snooper Recovery
Estes Rocket Up Flame
Side Flame
Flight Sequence
Estes Rockets

Super Mars Snooper™

SKU: 007309
MSRP/MAP: $37.99
$37.99
Expert

Get ready to embark on a journey through space with the Super Mars Snooper rocket kit! Originally released in 1965, this rocket earned the cover of the first-ever, full-color Estes Catalogue in 1966. We've stayed true to the original in every way that matters. The sleek and futuristic design was ahead of its time in 1966, with the concept of a nuclear-powered rocket barely discussed. But with the Super Mars Snooper, we've stayed true to that vision.

Today, the technologies envisioned by the Super Mars Snooper are being proven and developed. With this model rocket, Estes looked to the future and dreamed of the rocket technology the world would see as the decades went on. The initial mission for this research vessel was to do exhaustive research on one of Mars' moons, Diemos.

This rocket stands well over 2 feet tall and flies up to 400 feet on a C11-3. Get ready to explore the depths of space with the Super Mars Snooper rocket kit!

  • SKILL LEVEL: Expert
  • RECOMMENDED ENGINES: C11-3, D12-5
  • PROJECTED ALTITUDE: 800 ft. (244 m)

Overview 

Needed to Fly

Specs

Reviews

Overview

Super Mars Snooper rocket kit was originally released in 1965 and earned the cover of the first ever, full color Estes Catalogue in 1966! So, based on this, we stayed true to the original in every way that matters.

Mars Snooper is an Expert build, as was the original. We made it even a little larger! The sleek and futuristic design was ahead of its time in 1966. Not to mention, the concept of a nuclear-powered rocket was novel and barely discussed. But, we made sure to stay true with this super rocket.

A nuclear powered rocket would be able to remain in space for years, maybe decades. Therefore, in 1966, a nuclear powered rocket was merely an exercise in fantasy. With the research vessel in mind, the initial mission for the unmanned probe was to do exhaustive research on one of the moons of Mars, Diemos.

Today these technologies are being proven and developed. With this model rocket, Estes looked to the future and dreamed of the rocket technology the world would see as the decades went on.

In addition, Super Mars Snooper rocket stands well over 2 feet tall and flies to 400 feet on a C11-3.

Estes Super Mars Snooper Model Rocket

What You Need to Fly

D12-5 Engines
$13.49
C11-3 Engines
$9.99
Recovery Wadding
$5.99
Porta-Pad® II Launch Pad and Electron Beam® Launch Controller
$39.99
Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding.
Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

  • Recommended Engines

C11-3, D12-5

  • Launch System

Porta-Pad II

  • Projected Max Altitude

800 ft. (244 m)

  • Recovery System

18 in. (45.7 cm) Parachute

  • Length

29 in. (73.7 cm)

  • Diameter

1.33 in. (34 mm)

  • Weight

4.5 oz. (127.6 g)

  • Fin Material

Laser Cut Balsa Wood
Super Mars Snooper Model Rocket Flight Sequence

Needed to Build (sold separately)

Scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, wax paper, sand block, yellow glue, medium CA glue, hobby knife, masking tape, primer (white), paint (black, blue, white) and clear coat (optional)
Download Instructions
This product recommended for children ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all ages.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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G
Glen Kaminski
I have to agree with a previous reviewer, Andrew Kleinhenz.

I have to agree with a previous reviewer, Andrew Kleinhenz. The instructions leave much to be desired. Still, it's a challenging build. I'd like to see it a little longer in the recovery compartment. I'm using a nylon chute, a kevlar shock cord and nomex wadding and the space would be appreciated.
Cheers.

A
Andrew Kleinhenz
I have built most if not all of the master/expert

I have built most if not all of the master/expert level kits from Estes. This turned out to be a really satisfying build and requires skill. The finished product is impressive and I am looking forward to its first launch.
The two issues I see are:
1) The main body tube is short. Meaning your chute packing etc. WILL be charred if you don't use wadding properly. I suggest a more durable shock cord like longer Kevlar. The rubber will break on the first or second launch.
2) I am sorry to say this, but the instructions are junk. In one place they have you cut out a template that if done, will ruin steps not yet completed on the back of the page. READ AHEAD and note what to do before cutting out the tube marking template.
Estes makes GREAT kits. But they really need to invest in proper instructions that kids of all ages need to READ, or at least actually use language that reduces ambiguity. Great kits but the instructions (on this kit and all kits) are poor.
This is just my input. This kit is great! However, if one is less experienced, I can see where the instructions would be a source of frustration. If you are new to this level of building, GO SLOW.