What is the practice of "dry fitting" in rocketry?

The practice of "dry fitting" in rocketry involves assembling components without the use of adhesives or permanent fasteners to ensure that all parts fit together correctly before final assembly. This technique is crucial as it allows builders to identify any issues with the alignment or compatibility of parts, enabling adjustments to be made if necessary. By performing a dry fit, a rocketry enthusiast can avoid potential problems during the actual assembly process that could lead to structural failures or performance issues in the rocket.

The other options, while related to rocketry, focus on different aspects. Measuring rocket parts for accuracy is essential for ensuring that all components meet specifications, but it does not involve the assembly process. Testing rockets in a vacuum chamber pertains to simulating conditions in space but is not related to the fitting of components. Finally, taking pictures of rocket parts for documentation is useful for record-keeping, but it does not contribute to the physical assembly and fitting of the rocket components. Thus, the proper practice for fitting and ensuring everything works together smoothly is indeed dry fitting.