Today was the third day of launches at Stonewall for Central Texas Rockets 2021. Weather was again the issue of the day. Rain delayed the start again for the second day. Stages 1 and 2 which were able to continue getting all the rockets through checks.
Unfortunately the same could not be said for Stage 3 checks as they were stalled several times for weather. Because of this some teams did not leave their rockets when asked to go for shelter and so those will still have to pass Stage 3 tomorrow. All those that did leave their rockets have been checked.
The storms kept everything stalled until 4:30 this afternoon when a short window between storms allowed one volley resulting in three off the rail and two misfires. An attempt was made for a second volley but to no avail. Instead it was a race to secure the rockets and equipment to safety and retreat from the site before next line of storms.
That leaves a massive docket of vehicles for testing on Sunday. 51 if all of today’s are actually present. It will be a busy Sunday if all goes well! Should be interesting to see how many the crew can put up in one day!
Some of the volunteers passed the time playing dominoes during rain storms while no rocket teams were there for checks. The rest of us passed the time visiting and watching the radar. Luckily tomorrow’s forecast looks much better than the past couple of days.
Livestream should be back up to cover the festivities which will start extra early tomorrow. First rockets up by daybreak as long as we can reach the site after flooding rains this evening.
It’s 11:30 p.m. now and I’m still waiting to cross the Palo Alto Creek slab and go home along with five other cars of neighbors and B/B guests.
Today was originally scheduled to be the last day of Central Texas Rockets here in Stonewall, but due to weather on Thursday and Friday we are still launching tomorrow.
Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available, because no spectators are allowed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.
The Central Texas/Stonewall launch dates, Livestreams and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .
Central Texas/Stonewall:
- Sunday, May 2-Weather Contingency Day
- Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671 - Schedule for Sunday: All or as close to that as possible!
- Schools participating: Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, London HS, Carroll HS, New Diana, Kingwood, Hamilton, Roosevelt, Fabens, Harleton, Marble Falls, Union Grove, Victoria East, Victoria West, McGregor, Fredericksburg, Alamo Heights, Ingram, and Canon City.
- 71 expected rockets for testing
- A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows: May 2- Day 4
Pictures from the progress at the site to this point 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
A live feed for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.
Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.
Please watch the SystemsGo website, SystemsGo Facebook page, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on theses 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 #Rockets2021 #EyesontheSkies
On the Wings of Angels 