Expand the images to the left into a new tab using the pop-out icon in the upper right. These are the templates used by our friends at ULA on the launcher systems we built for them, but they work great on our standard launchers too.

Download and print at 100% on a 8.5" x 11" heavy paper, 80# card stock recommended.

You will also need a roll of clear packing or shipping tape.

You can use the launch tube from the launcher kit as a mandrel to make sure the rocket is formed to the correct size. Alternately, you can get 1/2″ PVC pipe at Lowes or Home Depot, and cut it to 12″ lengths to use as a mandrel. Many mandrels are recommended when working with groups.

These four templates represent the Delta IV, Delta II, Atlas V and the new Vulcan rockets from United Launch Alliance. Special thanks to ULA to allow us to use their imagery for this purpose. Also, a huge thanks to Lee Ann Hogan, Communications at ULA, for working with us on this project.

Notes on construction:

Step 2.) Cut out the body tube. Use scissors or a paper cutter.

Cut only along the inside edge – leave the blank un-printed strip along the side. This extra material overlaps, making it easier to get a neater cylinder.

Form the body tube:

Top image: Apply 11″ long length of clear packing tape, 1/2 way along the edge you just cut.

Align the end of the tape with the base of the rocket (left side in the image). Excess at the tip is OK. You can stick it right to the table or plastic surface, and peel it up as shown.

Second Image: Flip the template over (printed side down – sticky side of tape up), align the mandrel (1/2″ piece of PVC pipe or launch tube provided with your kit):

Note the sticky-side up tape along the top edge (it's hard to see in the image). Roll the rectangular body tube around the mandrel, like using a rolling pin.

Third Image: Cut a second length of packing tape at 13-15″ long. Add this piece of packing tape over the exposed paper, leaving the extra material extended over the nose of the rocket. The tape should be even with the bottom edge of the rocket. (don’t tape it to the pipe).

Fourth Image: Fold this extra tape over the open nose of the rocket to seal it. Neatly fold in the extra flaps of tape like hospital corners.

Roll the tube on a hard flat surface to smooth out the tape. It is best to work from the center of the tape outward.

Cut an additional 5-7″ long piece of tape and cover the nose in the opposite direction as the last piece of tape. Neatly fold the edges of this piece and roll to smooth out the tape. This will seal in the pressure at launch.

Cut out and attach the fins. Cut out 4 fins with scissors or paper cutter. Cut a 3/4″ wide piece of packing tape with scissors, and cover 1/2 one side of one fin:

You can tape it to the table again, and peel up the fin and the overhanging tape together. Align the long edge of the fin with the blue dashed lines at the rear of the rocket, and stick the tape flap down.

Fold fin to the opposite side and apply a second piece of tape to the other side of the same fin, half the tape on the fin, the other half on the body.

Trim excess tape from the leading edge of the fins if necessary. Repeat for the other three fins.

Slide out the mandrel pipe and Check it out! It’s ready to fly:

These templates also look more realistic and fly much higher when used with a foam nose available in the store or use clay, Play-Doh or a wine bottle cork to add a nose weight.