I’ve been flying model rockets since 1960. In the late Seventies I worked for FSI, a rocket company based in Missouri. In between at least ten other careers, I wrote a book entitled “Basics of Model Rocketry,” which was published in 1980 and became a best-seller by hobby standards. That led to writing eight other hobby books, while working as a magazine editor and association executive.

For some strange reason I was inspired to ruin my hobby by making a business out of it. The fact is, I get the same pleasure out of assembling a batch of gadgets that I used to get out of building model planes and rockets. There is a real thrill in exploring new ideas, cobbling something together, figuring out why it didn’t work, and figuring out the best way to make 20 of them at a time.

I’m semi-retired now, no longer offering rocket kits or advanced launch systems. I still make GO Boxes, the Sixpack multiple launcher, the MicroBeacon, and a few other things. Most of them go to my friends at Apogee and ASP, but you can order them direct from me via email. And I will support any Pratt Hobbies product that has a problem, no matter how old it is; I can still repair most, although I no longer have the batteries I built into some of the advanced systems. My mantra is, if it has my name on it, it ether works or you have your money back.

In the next to last sentence, make it “one of my old RTLS launch systems” to make it clear that they aren’t available any more. No one would want one, anyway; technology has left me behind. People are using wifi and Bluetooth to control launchers now. Sure beats the big spools of wire.

Thanks for being patient with me. Some days are easier than others when it comes to actually accomplishing something.

Looking back, I can say it’s been a pure pleasure to work with so many enthusiastic people over the years. We have the finest customers in any business I can imagine, and we’re all here for the same reason: to have fun. I have boxes with hundreds of letters from teachers, Scoutmasters, school kids, 4-H clubs, every group you can imagine, all excited about their rockets. On the other side of things, NASA is using an RTLS launch system to fire hybrid motors at Wallops Island. Life is good.

Thanks to you all.

Doug Pratt

GO Boxes and Microbeacons are available from Apogee Components and Aerospace Specialty Products.

To order directly, please contact us