Equip: 12 Essentials for Rocket Building
Apr 30, 2021
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Rocket building is a marvelous hobby for anyone who has ever wanted to reach for the stars. If you’ve got someone in your life who loves to try to launch things into orbit, here are some novel or interesting gift ideas to get you started.
1. Texas Tankwatchers T-Shirt
One of the most exciting things to watch right now is the SpaceX Starship test launches. Not only are they rolling these things off the assembly lines faster than we can blink, but you also never know if it’s going to land or explode! The Texas Tankwatchers Shirt from NASA Spaceflight is the perfect way to proclaim your love for rocket science.
2. Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration MasterClass
Who better to teach you about rocket science than someone who has gone to space on an actual rocket? Hadfield’s master class includes lessons on everything from spacewalking and the International Space Station to rockets and how they work. It’s the perfect gift for any aspiring rocket builder.
3. Lego Apollo Saturn V Kit
You won’t want to launch this rocket, but this Lego building kit contains 1,969 pieces that, when assembled, become a 1:110 scale model of the Apollo Saturn V. It’s complete with a removable first, second, and third stage, an Apollo spacecraft, lunar lander, lunar orbiter, and astronaut minifigures. Recreate your favorite Apollo landing!
4. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
There’s nothing quite like seeing a rocket launch with your own eyes. But if you want to capture it for posterity, you’re going to need a good camera. A good DSLR camera is an investment, but it will serve you well for many years to come. Especially if you choose a brand like Canon. Consider adding some long-range lenses to increase the usefulness of these awesome cameras.
5. Houdini Mono Air Hoodie
Rockets launch year-round, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours shivering while you wait for that T-0. The Houdini Mono Air Hoodie works by trapping a layer of warm air to keep you warm no matter where you are. It’s the perfect choice whether you’re rocket-watching or camping during the cooler winter months.
Get it from Houdini Sportswear
6. Space Racers: Make Your Own Paper Rockets
Not all rockets need to ignite for them to be awesome. Space Racers takes you step-by-step through how to create historically accurate rockets out of nothing more than paper. In addition to the instructions, each rocket has several awesome facts and information about each. This makes the perfect gift for rocket builders of all ages.
7. Moon Dust Vial Necklace With Actual Moon Rock
You might not be able to launch a rocket to the moon, but you can carry a piece of the moon with you. This necklace contains dust and a piece of stone from a lunar meteorite that landed in Northern Africa in 2013. In addition to your necklace, you’ll also receive a certificate of authenticity and an information sheet about the moon and the stone you’re wearing.
8. SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch in Watercolor
SpaceX is leading the modern space race, and its launches are always incredible to watch. The Falcon Heavy launch was incredible to watch, from the massive boosters taking flight to the two Falcon 9 boosters landing simultaneously back at Cape Canaveral. Showcase this awesome event with this stunning watercolor painting to hang on your wall.
9. SpaceX & ISS Flown 6” x 4” Flag
If you can’t bring yourself to space, bring space to you! The Space Collective offers flags, pins, patches, and other memorabilia that will be launched into space and then shipped to you once it returns to Earth. These flags are scheduled to launch to the ISS in August 2021 and will return to Earth sometime around May 2022, after which they’ll be shipped out.
Get it from The Space Collective
10. Actually, I Am A Rocket Scientist T-Shirt
There’s nothing better than a cheeky t-shirt when you’re looking for a gift. This heather gray shirt has the text “As a matter of fact, I am a rocket scientist” across the chest. It’s perfect for the rocket scientist or amateur rocket builders in your life.
11. Leviluna Levitating Moon Lamp
As an interstellar species, our next destination is our nearest celestial neighbor — the Moon. You can sign up for the Artemis missions but if you’re not an astronaut, you can still bring home the moon. This gorgeous LED lamp levitates over its base, and you can change it to one of sixteen different colors, or just leave it looking like the moon.
12. Science Geek Kinetic Art Asteroid Perpetual Motion Desk Toy
You can have the entire solar system at your fingertips with this gorgeous desktop toy. It requires one 9V battery but once it starts moving it won’t stop, spinning silently just like the planets do in their orbits.
Happy Shopping!
Whether you’re looking for a gift for yourself or for the rocket scientist in your life, these gifts are sure to point you in the right direction.
