Mars Snooper
Kit# K-20/1220
Green Skill Level Facecard and Hang Tag
Transitional Kit
Damon Era
Images by Gerry Fortin
Designer: Gene Street
Production Years: 1974
Retail Pricing Range: $3.25
Rarity: Extremely Rare
Description: Estes release of K-20 Mars Snooper design on a green skill level facecard and green hang tag. The kit is numbered with K-20 and 1220 marking. Few examples of this transitional kit are known as Estes was in the process of updating the Mars Snooper to a revised Mars Snooper II design with general release of the Mars Snooper II in 1975 consistent with skill level packaging approach used for most kits of that era. The most obvious design changes for Mars Snooper II include touch down pads vs. the historical wing pods, lowering the position of upper level fins and redesign of color scheme.
Comparison of Mars Snooper (K20/1220) and Mars Snooper II Facecards
Estes advertised the Mars Snooper as having a futuristic appearance of a real spaceship and was a "Fascinating Design" for demonstration launches.
The kit features two body tubes, seven balsa nose cones of various sizes, two balsa sheets for fins, a balsa adapter, large and small adaptor set, stage coupler, engine mount, launch lug, 18" parachute and instructions.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes K20
Essense Model Rocket Reviews: K20 Mars Snooper OOP
Specifications: Length (21.7 in), Weight (2.2 oz), Diameter (0.95 in)
Recommended 18 mm Engines: A8-3, B4-2, B6-4, C6-5
An A8-3 engine could be considered under powered for a model of this size and weight.
Estes Catalog Artwork
