Love the work man it's very nice
Great design and fantastic skill
And I know what you mean about the tile suction cups
I do have a suggestion though with the talk of the flame under the rocket and this going for a retro-futuristic look I can see neon flames under the rocket working well there it would match the theme I believe.
Now of course neon tubing isn't the best idea for that spot but I was thinking if you used EL wire for that spot it could work nicely as if done right it can look like neon tubing but it's smaller and looks more futuristic.
Just a thought if your still going for the flame look
You can also get some plexi etched and light that up then use another piece behind it etched as well lit up in a different colour I've done it before and it works great and can make the flame animated as well but but I think it would be way too thick to be used.
Great work as always