Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Our Website: ApogeeRockets.com -
If you’ve ever hesitated to build a scale model or multi-stage rocket because the motors can’t be stacked directly, this one’s for you.
Gap staging—where there’s space between the booster and upper-stage motors—sounds risky. What if the upper stage doesn’t light? Will it just tumble to the ground? In our latest video, we break down exactly how to make it work, step by step.
Here’s what we cover:
Why vent holes matter: We show you where to drill them, what size they need to be (spoiler: smaller than you’d think), and how they keep cold air from ruining your ignition.
How far apart motors can realistically be: Tim shares his experience with gaps up to 18 inches and why even 3 feet might work (but maybe don’t start there).
When to skip vent holes entirely: For composite motors, indirect staging with electronics is the way to go. We’ll touch on how that works, too.
You’ll see real examples, like how the Aerodactyl kit handles massive gaps and why the Arc Stratus uses clever hole placements. No jargon, no hype—just practical tips to keep your rockets from becoming lawn darts.
Whether you’re tweaking a scale model or just curious about staging, this one’s worth a watch. And if you’ve got a gap staging story (success or oops), share it in the comments—we’d love to hear.
How does the upper stage get ignited?
See our animated illustration: apogeerockets.com/Tech/How_2-Stage_Rockets_Work
Products shown in this video:
AeroDactyl - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/AeroDactyl-TS
Midge - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Midge
Wac Corporal - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-4-Model-Rocket-Kits/Wac-Corporal-with-Tiny-Tim-Booster-18mm
Arc Stratus - apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Arc-Stratus
Our Website: ApogeeRockets.com -
If you’ve ever hesitated to build a scale model or multi-stage rocket because the motors can’t be stacked directly, this one’s for you.
Gap staging—where there’s space between the booster and upper-stage motors—sounds risky. What if the upper stage doesn’t light? Will it just tumble to the ground? In our latest video, we break down exactly how to make it work, step by step.
Here’s what we cover:
Why vent holes matter: We show you where to drill them, what size they need to be (spoiler: smaller than you’d think), and how they keep cold air from ruining your ignition.
How far apart motors can realistically be: Tim shares his experience with gaps up to 18 inches and why even 3 feet might work (but maybe don’t start there).
When to skip vent holes entirely: For composite motors, indirect staging with electronics is the way to go. We’ll touch on how that works, too.
You’ll see real examples, like how the Aerodactyl kit handles massive gaps and why the Arc Stratus uses clever hole placements. No jargon, no hype—just practical tips to keep your rockets from becoming lawn darts.
Whether you’re tweaking a scale model or just curious about staging, this one’s worth a watch. And if you’ve got a gap staging story (success or oops), share it in the comments—we’d love to hear.
How does the upper stage get ignited?
See our animated illustration: apogeerockets.com/Tech/How_2-Stage_Rockets_Work
Products shown in this video:
AeroDactyl - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/AeroDactyl-TS
Midge - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Midge
Wac Corporal - apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-4-Model-Rocket-Kits/Wac-Corporal-with-Tiny-Tim-Booster-18mm
Arc Stratus - apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-Kits/Skill-Level-3-Model-Rocket-Kits/Arc-Stratus
