Abstract: A shuttle launch system for a model rocket which includes a model rocket engine having a propellant charge for propelling the model rocket in a first direction and an ejection charge for ejecting matter in a second direction generally opposite the first direction consists of a booster rocket having a longitudinally extended tube with a peripheral sidewall, an inner chamber and top and bottom ends and an engine-receiving chamber adjacent the bottom end of the tube. A shuttle glider support structure is mounted on the booster rocket for releasably supporting a shuttle glider thereon. A fluid passage extends between the inner chamber of the booster rocket and the shuttle glider support structure such that a portion of gas within the inner chamber is redirected from the inner chamber through the fluid passage and out of the shuttle glider support structure.