I lost part of a rocket almost four years ago. It was the second stage of a two-stage rocket, which had tipped a bit at separation. This caused the chute to deploy at higher than normal speed, stripping the chute. Recently I received email from a geologist who had found the remains of the rocket in a remote desert location. (I always include one or more stickers on my rockets with my contact information.) He arranged to leave it for me at a mutually agreed upon motel, and I picked it up on my way through there this summer. The rocket itself is in bad shape, with damage from the impact as well as almost four years’ exposure to the elements. But the motor hardware is in great shape, and the PerfectFlite altimeter seems to be in good working order. After connecting a new battery, it beeped out the altitude of the rocket’s last flight: 6721’. Here’s a photo of the remains:
