For some time, I have wanted to capture a rocket launch from the camera mounted on another airborne rocket. I don’t know why. Maybe because it is difficult, or sounds cool.

I got lucky on Saturday, when a large Nike Smoke (in black here) went screaming up as my rocket was drifting back over the flight line by parachute.

Here you can see the parking area out at Snow Ranch and the launch control area.

I got a number of frame grabs, but the video is a dizzy spin. I wonder if a metal swivel between rocket and parachute could prevent the twirling dance on the return….

(full strap-on-video from my rocket)

8 responses to “Nike Rocket Chaser”

  1. Very cool. Looks like a little shuttle launch down there.

  2. Excellent video and still. Very dizzy-making. Great continuity, from launch to recovery. With clear (unexpected) audio.

  3. That is kinda cool.

    I wonder what the "strap-on" tag will do for the views of this shot!


    Seen on your photo stream. (?)

  4. I guess they must have a sign that says : PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK. I always wondered how a rocket could hit a car but looks pretty easy pickings from this view.

  5. Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Rocket Aerial Photography, and we’d love to have your photo added to the group.

  6. boy …where were you when I was 15,in Winnipeg….!!!!!!!!!
    I thought I had invented model rockets from scratch…till someone mentioned "Estes"…
    I gather a lot has changed in 40 years…esp if you have more cash than 15 year olds..!

  7. Exactly! I went through a similar series of thoughts… Some blog primers here

  8. I love it. Massively cool.

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