About the Spin Launcher

AntiGravity rockets are spin stabilized on the way up. The fins are angled so that they rotate the rocket clockwise (viewed from the top). It takes a few seconds after liftoff to spin fast enough, but this isn't soon enough. The Spin Launcher gives the rocket a vigorous spin right from the very start of the flight without any delay. The spinning also eliminates the need for a long guide rod, so this launcher's curved rods are only one foot long (300 mm). The three curved rods engage three rings in the rocket's booster stage to actively spin the rocket upon liftoff.

Approximate assembly time:  37 seconds

Setting up for Rocket Launches

The Spin Launcher's spikes need to be firmly attached to the Earth to provide a stable base for rocket launches. To press the spikes into the ground, the ground should be a soft grassy surface. Press the spikes in little by little from corner to corner to avoid bending them. The bubble level in should show the bubble centred so your rocket goes straight up. The spikes only need to go halfway into the ground unless the ground is very soft.

What if the Ground is Too Hard for the Spikes?

If you have trouble pressing the spikes into the ground, try a different spot where the ground is softer or where there are no hidden buried rocks in the way. Or, you can try pouring water on the ground and wait a while for the ground to soften. If there is no way of pressing the spikes into the ground, remove all three spikes (turn them counter-clockwise viewed from the top) and then use three wood screws (the launcher base has extra holes for this) to attach the launcher base to a 2 feet by 2 feet ( 60 cm x 60 cm) piece of plywood, 1/2 inch thick (1.27 cm). Then the plywood can rest directly on the ground to provide a stable base for your launcher.

Transporting the Spin Launcher

To make it easier to transport, you can dismantle the launcher. This should be no problem, because you are now an expert at assembling it in less than 37 seconds.