Dynastar Rising Star
© 2011 Apogee Components
Designed to offer stable flight for larger payloads, using standard more affordable rockets, this large-finned model rocket ($42, Apogeerockets.com) is ideal for hoisting electronics such as a camera or the just released $70 AltimeterTwo. About the size of a thumb drive, the device has an LCD display and a 3-axis, 24g accelerometer that can capture acceleration, speed, ejection, and a barometric pressure sensor so you can track exactly how high your rocket flies. The Lithium-Polymer battery is charged by your computer's USB port; the device can store one flight at a time. Apogee also sells a Sky Starter Set for $38.53, an all-in-one kit that includes a small launch pad and three engines.
$42, Smart Toy
Teaches: science, aeronautics, rocketry