There had been strange lights in the sky before 1947, but never like this. In June of that year, an experienced civilian pilot reported “saucer-like discs” over Mount Rainier. By July the papers were running stories about a rancher who discovered strange wreckage in the desert near Roswell. Accounts of mystery “aircraft” and other unknown aerial phenomena were gaining public notice. Something strange was going on and the people in charge wanted answers.

In 1949, a clandestine group of government scientists met at a secret airbase in Nevada to form Project Star Hopper. The goal was to produce a fast and maneuverable piloted vehicle to compete with the unidentified objects commonly referred to as “flying saucers.” With the nation’s best engineers on the task, plans were drawn up for a sleek and functional atomic-powered vessel that could be launched quickly to intercept the aggressors. The result was the Star Hopper – the world’s first interplanetary spacecraft. A small fleet was constructed and tested, and by 1955, they were ready to protect the skies from alien invaders. Or so we were told…

This rocket is designed with the youngest of rocketeers in mind. Star Hopper snaps together, no glue required, and is made from the smallest number of possible parts. Everything is pre-colored but kids can also make it their own by decorating with markers or stickers.

The combination of the streamer, the mini-engine, and the drag profile means this rocket is going to land closer to the launch pad than most starter rockets, making it ideal for small fields.

Included with this kit