Estes Electron Beam Controller A launch controller with his launch controller Rocket engines are ignited electrically.  The ignitor is a nichrome wire that's inserted into the nozzel of the engine.  When electricity flows through the ingitor, it gets hot and the insulation coating the wire burns, which ignites the black powder propellant in the engine.   The Launch controller consists of a battery, wire, and one or more switches that allow the rocketeer to ignite the rocket engine from a safe distance.  The most common launch controller is the Estes Electron Beam Controller.   This  controller comes with many ready to fly rockets and costs about $20 when purchased retail (e.g. at the scout store).  You can usually find them on Ebay along with a Portapad for under $10.  Or you can make your own launch controller. The major disadvantage of the Estes controller is that it's powered by 4 AA batteries.  Weak batteries or dirty electrical connections can cause problems getting the rocket off the ground -- not a good idea if you have an audience.  The launch controllers pictured on the lower left are powered by coffee and a 12 volt battery respectively.   The 12 volt battery is much more reliable and permits multiple simultaneous launches.

Sketches of an Estes Ignitor Ignitor Inserted in Engine Detail of Ignitor in Engine

---

Model rockets activities in Scouting are described in the Webelos handbook and in the Space Exploration Merit Badge Handbook. While very effort has been made to provide accurate information as part of these model rocket discussions, the maintainers of Worthington Scouts cannot be held responsible for your rocket launching activities. In particular, it is your responsibility to carry out any necessary risk assessments and to implement appropriate safety measures.  

---