Estes Checkmate Model Rocket Kit
007276 - Checkmate™ model rocket
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007276 - Checkmate™-Builder Kit

Checkmate™

SKU: 007276
$14.99
Sale
Advanced

Experience the thrill of high-flying rocketry with the Checkmate model rocket! Featuring a unique, highly swept nested fin design, this rocket can easily reach 900 feet and comes in both single and 2-stage options.

An advanced build makes it a great choice for someone who is already familiar with common rocket building tasks. The Checkmate model rocket launches on mini engines (sold separately) and has streamer recovery for the rocket and tumble recovery for the booster. When you're ready to launch again, just prepare with a new Estes engine, wadding, a starter, and starter plug. To build the Checkmate model rocket, you'll need scissors, pencil, ruler, fine sandpaper, carpenter's glue, plastic cement, hobby knife, masking tape, clear coat, primer (white), paint (black, blue, yellow), and clear coat (optional).

Launch the Checkmate model rocket with the Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller (sold separately) and get ready for an exciting and unforgettable experience!

  • SKILL LEVEL: Advanced
  • RECOMMENDED ENGINES:
    Single Stage : A3-4T, A10-3T
    Booster Stage: A10-0T
    Upper Stage: 1/2A3-4T, A3-4T, A10-3T
  • PROJECTED ALTITUDE: 900 ft. (274 m)

What You Need to Fly

In The Classroom

The Checkmate Model Rocket brings high-energy excitement to STEM learning with its bold, eye-catching design and advanced flight performance. Featuring a uniquely swept nested fin configuration, this rocket sparks curiosity before it even leaves the launch pad—making it a standout choice for classroom demonstrations, rocketry clubs, or student competitions.

With the flexibility to fly as a single-stage or two-stage rocket, the Checkmate can reach impressive altitudes of up to 900 feet. Its Advanced skill level makes it well-suited for students with prior rocketry experience or as a next-step challenge for learners who have mastered beginner builds. It's a hands-on way to explore staging, propulsion, and flight recovery systems.

Key Features for Educators:

  • Flies on mini engines (sold separately), making it a cost-effective option for programs with budget constraints
  • Recovery system includes streamer recovery for the rocket and tumble recovery for the booster
  • Easily reset and relaunch with a fresh engine, wadding, starter, and starter plug

The Checkmate is a dynamic educational tool that supports critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on engagement—perfect for elevating your rocketry curriculum or STEM enrichment program.

What You Need To Build (Not Included)

  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Fine Sandpaper
  • Carpenter's Glue
  • Plastic Cement
  • Hobby Knife
  • Masking Tape
  • Clear Coat
  • Primer (White)
  • Paint (Black, Blue, Yellow)
  • Clear Coat (Optional)

What You Need To Launch (Not Included)

Estes-LP2-06

Live, Online Training and 1:1 Support

Estes Education has been a leader in STEM education for over 60 years. We know that STEM is a vital interdisciplinary topic that requires hands-on and inclusive learning. Explore these supporting materials to take learning to new heights!

Should you have need, you can meet with a member of Education team for FREE, 1:1 online support to learn rocketry basics, how to apply our curriculum, and discover unique teaching strategies. Our team is eager to answer your questions!

Technical Specifications

Advanced
  • Recommended Engines

Rocket : A3-4T, A10-3T
Booster : A10-0T
  • Launch System

Porta-Pad II
  • Projected Max Altitude

900 ft. (274 m)
  • Recovery System

Streamer
  • Length

17 in. (43.2 cm)
  • Diameter

0.74 in. (19 mm)
  • Weight

1.1 oz. (31.2 g)
  • Fin Material

Laser Cut Balsa Wood

Technical Specifications

This product recommended for children ages 10+ with adult supervision for those under 12, and rocketeers of all ages.

Learn About Model Rocket Safety!

Not sure how to safely launch a rocket with your group? Head over to our dedicated Safety instructions page for videos, support, and more!
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Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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Larry Fugate (Chicago, IL)
Checkmate is an Interesting Design

Typical for an Estes model rocket kit, it's an interesting design, well engineered, easy to build and finish, and a fantastic flyer. I heartily recommend it to newbies, experienced rocketeers and everyone in between. You won't be disappointed.

m
marty beattie (Riverton, UT)
Checkmate

Great rocket. Makes me feel 12 again!

E
Erik

Great kit and was shipped with good packing