Asteroid Explorer
Kit# 1386
Version 3 Pink Skill Level Hang Tag
Pink Facecard
Images by Gerry Fortin
Designer: Unknown
Production Years: 1982-1983
Retail Pricing Range: $5.00
Rarity: Scarce
Description: Estes Asteroid Explorer model rocket kit #1386 appeared in the Estes 1982 through 1984 catalogs. The first kit packaging scheme used a Version 3 pink skill level hang tag designating skill level 2 construction challenge and a simple uniform darker pink facecard with an overlaid gray and black Asteroid Explorer rocket. This packaging configuration is illustrated above. Probably starting in 1983, the Asteroid Explorer was packaged with the black paper hang tag.
The Asteroid Explorer is a futuristic design and marketed by Estes as "Geological data gathering probe of the 1990's. Probes asteroids and other large masses for ore samples."
Kit Contents: The kit contains a body tube, plastic nose cone, three wood dowels, die cut balsa sheets, 18mm engine mount, decal sheet, 12" parachute, launch lug and instruction sheet.
Availability: This kit is considered as scarce based on the infrequent number of eBay appearances. Interestingly, the pictured kit has a Version 3 pink 1977-1979 vintage hang tag while the kit was first listed in Estes catalog in 1982. Asteroid Explorer kits are also found with the black paper hang tag with blue lettering.
Additional information can be found at the following link;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes1386
Specifications: Length: 16.6", Diameter: 0.976", Weight: 1.09 oz.
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, B8-5, C6-5, C6-7
Estes Catalog Artwork
