A Comparison in Propulsion and Cost of Sugar-Based vs. Estes Rocket Motors

Abstract

Model rocket engines are mainly store-bought and utilize a black-powder propellant to fuel them. However, an alternate, homemade sugar motor propeller is being used by many rocketeers and serves as an alternate to common low-powered black-powder propellants. In this study, I have compared the pros and cons of producing your own sugar-motor propellant as opposed to buying a black-powdered propellant to demonstrate if engineering your own motor is really worth it. In this study, I constructed and tested the thrust of my own sugar motors. Then, I analyzed the performance, build quality, and time of the motors. Then, I compared the cost of the materials and the time it takes to make a motor. I found that while both serve as feasible alternatives for each other, they have benefits such as learning the basics of propulsion, being able to produce thrust to your needs, and more. This is important because people should be able to construct their own motors instead of buying it from companies as it teaches useful insights. However, if they really want to get to flying and care about the rocket, then buying one is better.