(photo by Embry Rucker)

As previously reported, rocket enthusiast Andy Woerner and friends launched a 21-foot solid-fuel X-wing rocket on October 10 in California. The X-wing features a 19-foot wingspan and S-foils that actually lock into attack position after launch!

More than a month after the exciting event, Wired magazine takes a closer look at this fan’s mission to make the ultimate working model.

…Seconds after liftoff the fighter pitched wildly and blew up – just like Red 10. And Red Leader. And Biggs (poor Biggs). The wings, built to the proportions of the model, just couldn’t take the force. “We were afraid the wing panels would fold up,” Woerner admits. On the bright side, prior to its flight to oblivion, young Rebels got to clamber around the cockpit. “We do this for the kids,” Woerner says. Because, you know, it’s not like these guys are geeks or anything. By the way, the club’s next project: a Klingon D7 Battle cruiser. And if this one blows up, well, that’s how the Klingons like to go out, anyway. K’plah!

Read the story here:
Star Wars-Obsessed Rocket Geeks Build and Launch an X-Wing Fighter