Eggs Up- How to Make and Launch a Rocket Egg

Why not? I can't really say how this project idea was generated from a random-walk conversation about what to do with eggs. But we wondered whether a hard boiled or raw egg would fly better. This project tests the use of a hard boiled egg as a rocket, launched using a standard model rocket engine and launch pad.

This project assumes you have some basic experience with model rockets. There are many tutorials on model rockets. This one by mikeasaurus is good https://www.instructables.com/Model-Rockets-2/

Supplies

Rocket Construction

1 extra large egg

Mod Podge (optional)

Glitter (optional)

Screw or drill

Craft knife

Thin cardboard or thick card stock

Fin pattern (see below)

Drinking straw

Glue

Launch Supplies

Model rocket engine (we used 1/2A3-4T) and starter

Model rocket launch pad and controller

Step 1: Prepare Egg

Hard boil the egg. I use the 1 minute boil-10 minute soak method. Throw in a few extra eggs for egg salad or deviled eggs to conserve energy.

Note: Brown eggs vs. white eggs. Our backyard flock gives nice brown eggs, but the ladies are getting old and the shells tend to be thin. So we bought some 'extra large' white eggs, which seem to be exactly the same size as our brown ones. Use the largest, thick shelled eggs you can get.

Step 2: Decorate Egg (optional)

Coat the egg with Mod Podge and optional decorative finishes. This step may not be absolutely necessary, but we thought the Mod Podge would help keep the shell from cracking. And the glitter just looks great. Let the egg dry. Pegs on a weaving loom work well to hold the drying egg.

Step 3: Make Engine Compartment

Carefully create the hole for the engine. We started by hand drilling a hole in the shell with the screw. You could use a power drill, but it is pretty easy to get too heavy handed and crush the egg. Once an initial hole is made, use a craft knife to cut it to approximately the diameter of the rocket engine. Carefully core out space to accommodate the engine. Use the engine to check for size, but don't leave the engine in the egg. It will soak up the moisture and be ruined.

Step 4: Attach Fins and Launch Lug

Cut 3 fins from thin card board (from a paper towel tube for example). Trace the pattern, or make up your own pattern. The fins should have two tabs at the top, bent opposite directions to attach to the egg. Glue the fins on to the egg about halfway up, spaced evenly around. Cut about a 2 cm piece from the straw and glue it to the egg about halfway up between two of the fins to make a launch lug (the tube that holds the rocket onto the rod that is the launch rail).

Step 5: Fuel the Rocket

Inset the engine into the egg. You may have to work it in by turning it side to side. It should be held in snug enough to not fall out when the egg is turned over. The engine does not need to be all the way inside of the egg. Insert the ignitor and plug into the engine.

Step 6: Get Ready to Launch

Place the launch lug on the launch rail and gently lower the egg down to the plate. Attach the alligator clips of the controller to the ignitor (make sure they are not touching each other or anything else). Move with the controller as far from the rocket as the cord goes. We didn't have any major explosions during our trials, but better to be safe.

When you are in position and ready to launch, insert and push down the safety key, count down, and push the launch button...

Step 7: BLAST OFF!

Step 8: Assessment

The egg rockets were not reusable. We may try attaching parachutes and including wadding on the next iteration, although the explosion from the ejection charge may be responsible for most of the damage.

Next up, carrots?