Star Hopper

Based on rumored 1950s secret project to counter the “flying saucer threat.” The Estes Star Hopper is a no-glue, no-paint Beginner-Level kit that you can build and launch up to 400 feet all in the same day. Features detail-molded plastic parts, atomic-age styling, and a 18-inch streamer for recovery.

There had been strange lights in the sky before 1947, but never like this. In June of that year, an experienced civilian pilot reported “saucer-like discs” over Mount Rainier. By July the papers were running stories about a rancher who discovered strange wreckage in the desert near Roswell. Accounts of mystery “aircraft” and other unknown aerial phenomena were gaining public notice. Something strange was going on and the people in charge wanted answers.

In 1949, a clandestine group of government scientists met at a secret airbase in Nevada to form Project Star Hopper. The goal was to produce a fast and maneuverable piloted vehicle to compete with the unidentified objects commonly referred to as “flying saucers.” With the nation’s best engineers on the task, plans were drawn up for a sleek and functional atomic-powered vessel that could be launched quickly to intercept the aggressors. The result was the Star Hopper – the world’s first interplanetary spacecraft. A small fleet was constructed and tested, and by 1955, they were ready to protect the skies from alien invaders. Or so we were told…

Was there really a Project Star Hopper? It’s hard to say. No documents or proof exists – just rumors and speculation. Based on the scant evidence available, Estes has designed a detailed model of this cryptic craft. The Estes Star Hopper is a Beginner-Level kit that all rocket lovers will be thrilled to own and fly. This is a no-glue, no-paint, snap-together kit that anyone can build and launch all in the same day. Featuring detail-molded plastic fins, nose cone, and engine mount, this kit not only looks great but is built to survive even the roughest landings. Pre-finished in a retro atomic-age silver paint scheme, the Star Hopper is a stylish kit that looks great and flies even better!

Prep the Estes Star Hopper with a recommend Estes engine (not included) and get ready for fantastic flights up to 400 feet – great for demonstrations and small field flights. Watch at apogee as the rocket ejects a 18-inch streamer to slow its fall and help you track it to the ground. With the twist-on engine retainer for fast engine loading, and a relatively wide body tube for easy ejection wadding and streamer packing, you’ll have your rocket ready to launch in no time! While the real Star Hopper may only be a myth, the Estes Star Hopper is real and ready to fly!

WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): 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 are also required for launch controller (not included).