The Texas Rocket Trail edition of Rockets 2019 came to a close yesterday with a good launch day, finally! It has been a rough weekend as Thursday launches were successful closing just as storms were rolling into the area. Friday’s were completely cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday. Saturday only tested 2 rockets before lightning and storms forced the shut down of the site again, and those schools were asked to move theirs to Sunday as well.
Throughout the weekend, the site sustained flooding and damage multiple times. Luckily nothing beyond repair, although it did delay start times on subsequent days. Live streaming was lost on Saturday, but was restored for Sunday’s launch.
Along with weather, flooding and other damages in the area, they also had to contend with a horrid smell from the collision of two barges and a ship in the channel. Authorities were monitoring water and air qualities due to the nature of the chemicals the barges were carrying, that released at the collision.
Some of the recovery teams reported a run in with snakes, but escaped unscathed. Not sure about the snakes.
With all this going on and more, the team and volunteers still managed to launch 43 rockets for the weekend, 28 of which were Sunday. 32 of those were successfully recovered, another 5 were lost to the Bay. Considering they only had 2 recovery teams on Thursday and 3 on Sunday that is still an amazing recovery rate.
There were originally 57 rockets scheduled for testing at Smith Point but several cancelled due to the weather concerns which is why only 43 were actually launched. No word on what the fate of the rockets that were not tested will be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them return next rocket season.
This was a site of hope for all involved on Sunday, after all the weather issues. The pad finally boasted a full volley with all rails loaded and ready. 
Many thanks to Erin Arkinson for supplying me with information and pictures for the weekend. I never accomplished the Livestream, even when it was up, due to technical difficulties on my own system.
The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ . Links for the Livestream and pictures are also listed below.
Southeast Texas/Smith Point
- Schools participating: Gary HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Harleton HS, Northstar HS, SF Austin HS, Anahuac HS, Booker T Washington HS, Liberty HS, Pasadena Memorial HS, South Houston HS, Brazsoport HS, Brazoswood HS, Channelview HS, Kingwood Park HS, Milby HS, New Diana HS
- A live feed for Sunday’s launch was available. Most other days, weather prevented it’s availability. The link will still be available at www.systemsgo.org for a few weeks for viewing. I have it below as well.
- https://livestream.com/systemsgo/Rockets2019SETXDay4
- Pictures from the progress at the for the weekend are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page.
- They can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/SystemsGoEducation/
- https://www.facebook.com/ginger.burow
In late June, eight Texas schools’ senior/graduate teams are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The current roster lists a possible 10 rockets to be attempted at the range. This will complete the fifth launch and finalize the season.
Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during that event if information is available. There will not be live streaming since this is a military base.
Please watch the SystemsGo website, SystemsGo Facebook page, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on these events.
www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved, the future of your students will be greatly benefited.
Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019
On the Wings of Angels 