# Giant Model Rockets Saturn V is the Largest Amateur-Built Rocket Ever Launched By Michael Plishka | Published 2009-04-30 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/model-rocketry-reaches-new-heights-largest-amateur-built-rocket-launched References: [rocketryplanet](http://www.rocketryplanet.com/content/view/2829/30/1/3/) I used to love launching [model rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/over-the-moon) as a kid. This takes it to a whole new level. At 11 meters high, this rocket made by amateur Steve Eves is a thing of beauty--and coolness. It took approximately 1,500 hours and $25,000 to build this replica of the [Saturn V rocket](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u1spg-nasa-artemis) that took US astronauts to the moon. On April 25th, this model successfully reached a height of 1,300 meters before parachutes were deployed using a modified automotive seatbelt locking mechanism. While not reaching orbit, this feat shows that reaching orbit may not be an impossibility for future [amateur rocket builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-engine-technology). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Amateur Rocket Building:** The trend of building large and impressive rockets by amateurs, showcasing the potential for innovation in the space industry. - **Replica Rocket Construction:** The trend of constructing detailed replicas of famous rockets, providing opportunities for creative expression and educational experiences. - **Modified Rocket Launch Mechanisms:** The trend of modifying automotive mechanisms for rocket launches, highlighting innovative approaches to deploying parachutes and enhancing safety measures. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** The space exploration industry can leverage amateur rocket building trends to explore new avenues for collaboration and innovation. - **Education and Entertainment:** The education and entertainment industries can capitalize on the trend of replica rocket construction, offering interactive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts of all ages. - **Automotive and Safety Equipment:** The automotive and safety equipment industries can explore partnerships with rocket builders to develop and improve components such as modified seatbelt locking mechanisms for rocket launches. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Space-Inspired Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-collections.md) - [Space Vehicle-Inspired Model Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-technic-nasa.md) - [Revolutionary Reusable Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-rockets.md) - [Space Exploration Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-launch.md) - [Wooden Military Replica Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m142-himars.md) - [Sci-Fi Large-Scale Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucs-death-star.md) - [Cardboard Airplane Builds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-airplane.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md)