This is a vinegar and bicarb-powered rocket that will blast into space! Well a few inches or feet!

UPDATE: We had lift off today (6/13/2010)!

In order to make it blow, you need to make the rocket and base airtight. I\'ve uploaded Rocket Base 2, which has a larger diameter than Base 1, which is too small. Once you've printed #2 out, use sandpaper to make it smooth and exactly the same size as your rocket "engine". In the end, I found that the rocket itself was airtight enough. Also, I think that using modeling clay to fill the holes works too.

1. Print out rocket and base #2 (I left #1 just for reference)
2. Make sure that the rocket is airtight by blowing into it. If it isn't patch it up using acetone, or paint or something.
3. Make sure the rocket fits snuggly to the base and forms a good seal. You want to have the rocket build up pressure and then break the seal. Sand the base protrusion until it is smooth and mates with the rocket with a tight seal.
4. Put some modeling clay into the base to make it airtight. Roll out a bit, drop it in and squish it with the blunt end of a pencil or pen.
5. Fill the rocket with vinegar, leaving about 3/4" space for the powder.
6. Pour some pure baking soda (Arm & Hammer) into the base (baking powder works, but isn't as powerful). I used a kids cup straw (wide diameter) to fit up about an inch of powder. Then I could pop the straw into the base of the rocket and quickly pour the powder in.
7. Push the base and rocket together, but not super tight and shake
8. Put the whole lot on the ground and DON\'T PUT YOUR HEAD IN THE WAY
9. Wait and hope it breaks the seal and takes off! OR to break the seal manually hold the base on the surface and rotate the rocket by pushing on the fins.
10. TAKE OFF!!!