Best Model Rocket Engines in 2026

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

Flame resistant recovery wadding protects the recovery system.

Necessary to launch model rockets.

One of ever popular Ready to Fly rockets from Estes, the Athena is one cool rocket and comes fully assembled which means you get to the flying field quick. So, grab a friend and get ready to have some fun!

SKILL LEVEL: The Athena is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: The Amazon is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts. The Crossfire ISX is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: Amazon : B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C5-3, C6-3, C6-5 ; Crossfire ISX : A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: The Taser is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: The Phantom Blue is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: With moderate building and finishing skills, the Nike-X is perfect for this Advanced level rocket.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5

The Bull Pup 12D is the sport scale version of the USAF AGM-12D Bull Pup and a great choice for your first scale model kit

SKILL LEVEL: With moderate building and finishing skills, the Bull Pup 12D is perfect for this Advanced level rocket

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5

Launch your own Mars colonization mission – This set comes with all the parts and tools you need to build the rocket and launch it too!

Goes together quickly – no cutting, sanding, or painting required!

Recommended Engines: C6-3, C6-5

EASY to LEARN: Founded in 1958, Estes has been a pioneer in creating STEM educational kits for kids. Designed with kids in mind, Estes model rocket kits are made with lightweight materials and available in various skill levels from Beginner to Master. Newcomers can quickly snap a few pieces together for a ready to fly rocket, right out of the box. As their skills develop, our kits increase in complexity. With over 132 different rocket kits to build from, the sky’s the limit on what one can create.

GUIDES and SUPPORT: Each Flying Model Rocket Kit comes with its own easy to follow, step-by-step instruction guide for kids to follow. Educators and youth group leaders can access a resource library with dozens of lesson plans and curriculum for grade levels 5-12 in Science, Technology, and Math.

SKILL LEVEL: The Wizard is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.

EASY to LEARN: Founded in 1958, Estes has been a pioneer in creating STEM educational kits for kids. Designed with kids in mind, Estes model rocket kits are made with lightweight materials and available in various skill levels from Beginner to Master. Newcomers can quickly snap a few pieces together for a ready to fly rocket, right out of the box. As their skills develop, our kits increase in complexity. With over 132 different rocket kits to build from, the sky's the limit on what one can create.

GUIDES and SUPPORT: Each Flying Model Rocket Kit comes with its own easy to follow, step-by-step instruction guide for kids to follow. Educators and youth group leaders can access a resource library with dozens of lesson plans and curriculum for grade levels 5-12 in Science, Technology, and Math.

SKILL LEVEL: The Viking is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.

2-Stage Model Rocket Kit of US Sounding Rocket. Uses D or E Estes Motors (Not Included)

Over 30" Tall. Comes with Plastic nose cone and Ejection Baffle (no wadding required)

Bands, Hatches, Decals and pre-assembled Parachute Included

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: The Space Corps Centurion is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5 (sold separately)

BUILD  YOUR OWN ROCKET: Nothing compares to the thrill of building your own fully functional, FLYING model rocket. Great as a new favorite pass-time or for budding scientists and engineers, Estes rocket kits help kids and adults learn about high-flying space vehicles.

SKILL LEVEL: An Expert level kit, the Multi-Roc is intended for model rocketeers that have advanced building, finishing and model rocket launching skills.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES (not included): Upper-stage rocket only (no booster): B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7; Booster Rocket (two-stage): Upper: B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7; Booster: B6-0, C6-0

EASY to LEARN: Founded in 1958, Estes has been a pioneer in creating STEM educational kits for kids. Designed with kids in mind, Estes model rocket kits are made with lightweight materials and available in various skill levels from Beginner to Master. Newcomers can quickly snap a few pieces together for a ready to fly rocket, right out of the box. As their skills develop, our kits increase in complexity. With over 132 different rocket kits to build from, the sky’s the limit on what one can create.

GUIDES and SUPPORT: Each Flying Model Rocket Kit comes with its own easy to follow, step-by-step instruction guide for kids to follow. Educators and youth group leaders can access a resource library with dozens of lesson plans and curriculum for grade levels 5-12 in Science, Technology, and Math.

SKILL LEVEL: The Alpha is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.

Blurzz race sets are fully assembled, decorated and ready to run with the addition of an A10-PT engine and 9V alkaline battery (sold separately)

1:24th scale speeds of up to 500 mph (805 kph)

90 ft. (27.4 m) race track packs into carry case

The Estes Blue Origin New Shepard 🚀 is a 1/66th scale model of the Blue Origin New Shepard launch vehicle. It flies to altitude on a C5-3 or C6-3 and is capable of as much as 400 ft.

SKILL LEVEL: The Blue Origin New Shepard is an easy-to-assemble, beginner level rocket 🔰 with pre-colored parts.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: C5-3, C6-3 (Engines and Accessories are sold separately.)

Mini launch rod Use only to launch mini engine powered rockets

Suitable for Ages 10 & Older with Adult Supervision for Those Under 12

Not for use with standard engine powered rockets

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: With moderate building and finishing skills, the Destination Mars Mars Longship is perfect for this Advanced level rocket.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: D12-3, E12-4

There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.

SKILL LEVEL: The Orange Bullet is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: 1/2A6-2, A8-3 (sold separately)

The space Twister flying 7263 rocket kit contains high quality Estes body tubes, laser cut wood fins, molded plastic nose cone, colorful preassembled parachute and easy to apply Waterslide decals.

The space Twister stands just over 2 feet tall and requires about 4-6 hours to build and paint. When powered with a c6-5 engine, the rocket can corkscrew its way to 900 feet!

Estes 7263 rocketry is recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12.

The translucent blue and silvery-white Estes 7300 Ghost Chaser Rocket Kit features a transparent cargo section for lofting your favorite small payloads to altitude. Reach up to 1100 ft. 335 m. on an Estes C6-5 engine. Start flying quickly with the no-glue-snap-together construction and cool custom sick-on decals.

SKILL LEVEL : Designed as an easy-to-build, snap-together, beginner-level kit, this model goes together quickly and easily in the hands of even the newest rocketeer.

RECOMMENDED ENGINES: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7

Little Joe II features high quality body tubes, highly detailed vacuum formed wrap, molded Apollo Capsule, newly tooled plastic fins and detailed instructions.

The Joe is an advanced builder’s kit and will require 20-30 hours to build, paint and detail.

This scale Marvel is almost 2 feet tall and requires a composite *e30-4 motor for awesome scale like launches up to 800 feet, but can land softly on its preassembled 24” main parachute.