Rockets 2024 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Three schools were slated to test a total of 26. Of those, two aborted, one from each Birdville (BCTAL) and Carroll High School and 21 were tested today here in North Texas.
It was a long day. Final launches just barely made the daylight thresh hold before the final mission complete was called for the day. Storms loomed in the area all day with warnings of severe weather rang out in areas near by, but the site stayed clear with beautiful temperatures and weather. Wind was the only real issue to contend with and though gusty at times, not enough to disturb the launches.
Temperatures climbed slowly from 60s to 80s . Extra shirts and jackets were quickly discarded. By late afternoon it was full sun with only spotty clouds, but storms could be seen rolling by in the distance.
Recovery had a good day. Twenty-one rockets were tested, and though exact numbers are not in yet, preliminary estimates are that only 4 were unrecovered. Once again this year we only have three recovery teams. Recoveries for the day, were spread among the teams and what Pad recovered in their area. Twelve were recovered and another four failed to leave the rail. Of the 24 available for testing today, there were 3 that were unable to test doe to lack of readiness by the time deadline. Two of those are returning tomorrow to attempt launching.
Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 5 schools and 18 rockets. Dexter Learning has moved to the Central Texas launch, and two of Hollenstein rockets returning tomorrow it ups the number to 19 for the day.
It was a good day in spite of short handedness in Mission Control and the Pad. Recovery will be down one team tomorrow. At this point no word on if another team will be coming to replace this team.
Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain and possible storms starting around 4:00 p.m. This could present a problem with completing all the launches for tomorrow. Hopefully this will not be the case, and we will not have to run into our contingency day on Sunday.
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
Restrooms and wash stations are available at the launch site. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents (10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group . No concessions are available on site this year, so everyone is responsible for ,their own food, drinks and snacks.
Please be courteous and clean up after yourselves and the members of your group. 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 launch dates, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .
North Texas/Jack County:
- Saturday, April 27
- Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
Look for the signs, for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking. - North Texas-Jack County 2023 Flight Schedule shown below.
- Schools participating: University HS, RL Turner HS, Petrolia HS, Northstar HS, Dexter Learning
- 91 rockets expected for testing.
- Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org for each day.
- Saturday, April 27, 2024
If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2024 Day 2 in Jacksboro.
More event details will be available here in upcoming days as events get closer. 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, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2024 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail
On the Wings of Angels 