How to…

Create some of the world’s most famous rockets using just paper and glue

Build your own rockets with Space Racers

Get prepared

The first thing you’ll need to do is gather your equipment. The things you’ll need the most are PVA glue and a brush, as all of the rockets will require you to stick different parts together. Other useful tools include a pencil (useful for rolling the paper to curve it) and a lolly stick, which will help you reach into the rocket when you need to stick things inside.

Fold them in

When you are attaching a cone to another section, there will be several small triangular flaps that allow you to attach the two together. Make sure you fold these in first before you put the two sections together, and put glue on each one individually. Then put the sections together, and either use that lolly stick or your finger to press the flaps onto the other section to secure them.

Roll out

There are a few handy ways to roll out different shapes. You’ll be making a lot of tubes as you build you rockets, as cylinders topped with cones are very aerodynamic. When you are creating a larger tube, one easy way to make sure your card curves evenly is to put it on the edge of a table and hold it with one hand, then drag the other edge downwards.

Let it dry!

The most important tip we can give you is to let your glue dry for as long as possible before you work on a section again. So, if you’re attaching a flap to a section, attach the first part, then leave it for a few minutes (or more) to dry before you attach the second part. You can work on other parts while you wait, though. Doing this will make your finished rocket stronger.

Smaller cones

As mentioned, you will also be making a lot of cones, as these will form the front of most of the rockets you build. When you are making them, getting the point of the cone sharp is quite difficult. Use the point of the pencil right at the point of the cone, and when you fold it around you can make sure it stays pointy, so your rocket will take off perfectly!

Follow the instructions

The instruction booklet uses a simple number and letter system to show you what you need to do. Our top tip is that if you ever get confused, look at the letters on the pieces themselves. The letter surfaces will always stick together so that you can no longer see the letters. Stick to the instructions, though, and you shouldn’t find anything too complicated.

Stick along the lines

When you’re sticking multiple sections of the rocket together you might think that lining up the folds in your cylinders will make the whole rocket shape a little weaker, but as long as you’ve left the glue to dry fully this won’t be a problem. Keep all your joins in line to get the patterns on the rocket right and to ensure any other sections that might need to be attached will line up properly.

Lift off!

Once you’ve followed the instructions fully, you should have a rocket standing tall in front of you. If you find your gluing has not been as neat as you’d hoped and your sections aren’t completely straight — don’t worry! You can always use some sticky fixers or clear tape to secure any stubborn pieces. There are ten models of rocket in total: seven are famous designs from history, while one is a futuristic concept called the Skylon. There are also two blank rockets that you can decorate yourself to create a custom model.

“It is important to let your glue dry for as long as possible”