I haven't looked it up, just going from memory: weren't the Chinese first on that one? Say, about 1000 year b4, give or take a century or 2. Truth be known, I wasn't there, but I do remember reading that somewhere.
Something I haven't tried but might be worth a bottle rocket or 2, why not move the rocket down on the stick, hey Dick? I have a pretty good idea of what will happen, but heck it would be fun to do
MattK
ORIGINAL: Tall Paul
Toy firework rockets have the motor at the front.. a big lump.. and a long stick at the back for stability.
The design dates back to William Congreve ... abt 1805
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William...%28inventor%29
The "rocket's red glare" in the National Anthem refer to Congreve rockets fired by the Brits at Fort Sumter.