Category: Fredericksburg STEM Academy

2023 Marks 25 Years White Sands Missile Range Hosts Student Rockets

2023 is a year of milestones for the Fredericksburg based STEM rocket program beginning with White Sands Missile Range hosting the SystemsGo Rocket Program again for its season end launches. This event marks the 25th year the STEM based program has brought high school seniors to the Army Base to test the program’s highest-level rockets, known as Goddard. It would have marked 25 consecutive years, but COVID took out 2020 putting the numbers behind by a year. The program took its first rocket from Fredericksburg High School to WSMR in 1999. The nonprofit organization supporting this STEM program in schools officially began in June of 2003, making this 2023 season its 20th Anniversary as well. This year three schools will be traveling to New Mexico to test their rockets at White Sands Missile Range, they include: Alamo Heights HS, Brazoswood HS and Union Grove HS.

June 23rd through June 25th are the dates for this year’s WSMR launch.  The SystemsGo team and schools will be traveling to Alamogordo, New Mexico for lodging on June 22nd. Early on the 23rd, preparations at the site will be made with the goal of launching all three rockets Saturday afternoon.  The 25th is our contingency day, but it is only a contingency for completing cleanup at the site, or if WSMR must delay our launches. It will not be a day to recycle rockets that fail.

We continue to launch from range ABC1. This range required the altitude cap for the rockets to be adjusted from the 20-mile radius the program previously had available for these test vehicles to travel and stay within their parameters. The original height cap was 100,000 feet. The current cap instituted two years ago is 50,000 feet. ABC-1 does not have a large bunker, so only essential launch personnel stay on site, and the SG staff evacuate out five miles for launches. Students and teachers are taken to a secure location known as Tula G, which is further down range where they watch the launches on screen inside a designated facility. Parents are no longer allowed to come, since the theater at Mission Control is no longer the viewing area. Volunteer staffing of base personnel for this has still not resumed.

Schools are asked to arrive early on the 22nd in Alamogordo to do pressure checks with as little time spent on configuration as possible. At least two vehicles need to have this stage complete before heading down range on the 23rd.  Preferably very little time will be spent on assembly on the 23rd. Some weight, CG, and FFR verification can be done if needed downrange the 23rd.  There will be tents on the range, the same as last year. Rockets need to be complete by the end of the day on Friday.

The first T time on Saturday will be 8:00 a.m. After that the range is Hot all day for us, which translates to as soon as we can reset and be ready to launch again, WSMR is ready to assist. This should make keeping the schedule and sending all three rockets skyward a viable task for Saturday.

WSMR personnel, including Test Center Commander, Colonel Shawanta Smart, and Range Operator, Lori Leyva, will be on site during the launches. WSMR will be providing lunch for all participants. Colonel Smart began her command in August of 2021, making this her second rocket season with the program. She stopped in last year for a brief visit, but plans to be onsite to see more of how the program operates. Ms. Leyva will be retiring after this year. Her service in coordinating SystemsGo and WSMR in launch efforts has been extremely beneficial to the program over the years she has been with us. SystemsGo will be making special presentations during the lunch break.

Saturday is a contingency day, but preferably it should be no more than a site cleanup day if needed that morning. Provided that we accomplish this early the remainder of the day’s activities will be decided at that time.

SystemsGo team members will be residing at the Quality Inn and Suites in Alamogordo this year.

There are three schools scheduled to launch four rockets. These include:

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 22nd
    1. Travel Day
    2. Pressure Checks and FRRs that evening at the hotels.
    3. Security checks of all Form 5000s
  • Friday, June 23rd
    1. Site Set up ABC-1 9:00- 9:30 a.m.
    2. Depart for site from hotel by 7:45 a.m.
    3. Complete all rockets.
    4. Leave the site with Union Grove and Alamo Heights on the rails.
  • Saturday, June 24th
    1. Launch Day (Three Rockets, barring any schedule changes by WSMR.)
    2. Depart from hotel by 4:45 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 a.m. –
      • T2
      • T3
      • Break for Lunch 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
      • Range Time Ends – unspecified currently.
  • Sunday, June 25th
    1. Contingency Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (To be determined.)
  • Monday, June 26th
    1. Travel Day

The schedule as seen above is a preliminary estimate, and though accurate as stated by Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt, at the moment, is subject to changes and adjustments as needed once the entire group is in New Mexico.

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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 benefited.

#Rockets2023 #SystemsGo #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail #EyesOnTheSkies #TexasToNewMexicoRocketTrail

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Launches ended today, Saturday, May 6, 2023

Rockets 2023, Central Texas Edition, ended today. The original schedule listed 15 rockets for today. Petrolia HS had two rockets that moved from the launch in North Texas last weekend to this one, and Fredericksburg HS relaunched an earlier rocket that had been unsatisfactory, so that brought totals to 18 for the day.

Launching began a 11:41a.m. and ended at 5:35. The team packed up the site afterwards and finally headed for home around 8:00 p.m. Launches went well albeit a little slow clearing through to the rails.

The Alamo Heights Media students were helping Phil Houseal with interviewing, livestream and general media coverage today. They interviewed Steve, Layla, and I to find out about the roles of the recovery teams.

It has been a long, fun, but tiring weekend. Everyone was ready for some much needed R and R.

This completed the Central Texas launches. Next week the team moves to Southeast Texas to launch from Smith Point near Anahuac, Texas. Currently 38 rockets are scheduled for testing on Thursday and Friday at that site. It will be the last leg of the spring launches for Rockets 2023.

Pictures from the day’s events 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

More details will be available here each day for next week’s event. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and 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 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 benefited.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Thursday Evening Launch Report

Today was the first day of launches for the Rockets 2023 Central Texas Launch Event here in Stonewall, Texas. 22 rockets were originally slated for testing. At Mission Complete for the day, 18 were launched, and four were no shows. Recovery retrieved all but three and returned them to the students. Two of the Recovery teams headed up by the launch area landowners were still searching for the missing three ballistic rockets, so they may be waiting at the site when everyone returns for tomorrow’s launches.

It was a slow start for lift offs from the Pad today, with the first and only rocket in that volley screaming into the sky at 11:10 a.m. after the cloud ceiling holding us a bay finally permitting a window. Unfortunately, those same clouds kept rockets on the rails waiting until 1:45 p.m. Heavy clouds moved in after that volley, so lunch was called, but the afternoon sky showed its blue beauty for the rest of the afternoon allowing a continuous flow of vehicles skyward. All rockets for the day were complete by 5:00 p.m.

A possibility of rain and severe weather was predicted for the afternoon and evening, but held off, so that was a blessing for the day. Weather can either make for quick turnarounds on launches, if vehicles are waiting to go, or cause lengthy delays or daily aborts to flight schedules. Currently the local forecast still has the potential for storms and rain, so the sooner your rocket gets to the rail the better chance you will see it launch if weather persists.

As for the launches, themselves, they were an interesting kaleidoscope of flips, turns, tailspins, dives, and self-destruction as all left the rail. Many had beautiful flights, but only a few had perfect deployment and easy landing. Others broke into body, coming in on a dive and chute floating away in a different direction making locating all pieces challenging. While others did a post launch ballet in the sky and thumped to the ground in the vicinity of Pad and Mission Control, which did make them easier to locate.

The 2023 Brett Williams Scholarship was presented to Andrew Mills from Fredericksburg High School on site today. Andrew and his parents took photos for the presentation with SystemsGo Executive Director, Rebekah Hyatt.

SystemsGo has been giving a chance to “Launch A Rocket” as a raffle prize at local events for the past few years. This year’s winner was Stonewall native, Bernice Burg. Mrs. Burg came out today to collect on her prize. She was instructed on the Fill and Fire system at Mission Control, and then launched several rockets in one volley. Afterwards Program Director, George Burns, took her to the Pad to watch a rocket launch from the Bunker. When asked what she thought, she responded that she enjoyed the whole experience and was really glad she came.

Pictures from the above-mentioned events, and rockets as well as 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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday at the Sammy Segner Ranch on Double Horn Road and Stages 1 and 2 will be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Spectators are welcomed 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.

The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered is priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, then it is even more memorable. If you are not on site, then shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

The Central Texas/Stonewall launch dates, Livestream links and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Friday, May 5, 2023
  •  Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
  • Central Texas-Stonewall 2023 Flight Schedule for Friday
  • Friday, May 5, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Victoria East      John Reilly 4
    Hamilton           Tom Parrish 1 1
    McGregor           Jonathan Whatley 1 1
    Georgetown      Nicole Bolen 5 2
    Fabens                Julieta Banuelas 3 1
    Atascocita          Amy Keesecker 6 1
     

    6
    Schools Launching
    Totals 20 6
    Total Rockets 26
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Harleton HS, London HS, New Tech Odessa HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, McGregor HS, Canon City HS
  • 26 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org/events as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows:

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and 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 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 benefited.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies2023 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

 

Rockets 2023 Continues with Central Texas/Stonewall Launches Starting Tomorrow, Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Central Texas Launches sail into the skies over Stonewall, Texas starting tomorrow, May 4, 2023. This is the third in the series for the Tsiolkovsky and Oberth level vehicles of the Rockets 2023 season.

The SystemsGo Team spent well into the evening setting up the launch site at the Sammy Segner Ranch on the Double Horn Road. This included construction of the Pad and Mission Control and testing of the rails. Stage 3 inside MC, Media, and Communications were also part of this set up.

Class A Event Rentals arrived to set up tents for Mission Control, Media and spectators. Duane Neffendorf again provided portable restrooms and wash stations to the site. The FHS “Grub Uber Alles” Culinary Arts Trailer set up shop and began preparing to provide concessions for the weekend. Later LCRA and Bee Creek Communications brought in equipment to provide Internet WiFi and Radio communications.

Stages 1 and 2 rocket check in stations were also established at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building. Student Team tables were numbered for evaluations and last-minute corrections to the vehicles.

The Stonewall site covers the Fredericksburg and Hill Country area schools. Some of our North and South Texas schools still participate here, but most are encouraged to use the sites closest to them.

Currently there are 63 rockets scheduled for launch by 17 schools at the Stonewall location for Rockets 2023. This schedule may be updated this week with the possibility of schools adding or dropping close to launch time. 

Spectators are welcomed again this year. Teachers are encouraged 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, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Central Texas/Stonewall:

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 9:00 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Please either join in the action on site or help cheer the students on while watching the  Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered is priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, then it is even more memorable. If you are not on site, then shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online. 

A live feed for each launch will be provided and the link is available at http://www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day of the launch.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

Pictures from each day are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

  • Thursday, May 4- Saturday, May 6, Weather Contingency Day-Sunday, May 7
  • Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
  • Central Texas-Stonewall 2023 Flight Schedule
  • Thursday, May 4, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Fredericksburg         Andrew Matthes   2
    Union Grove                Greg Park/Rhonda Baker 1 1
    Marble Falls              Lindsey Todesco 1  
    Kingwood                   Kevin Thomas 4 4
    Roosevelt                    Jared Warsing 2 1
    Harleton                       Gwen Wright 1 1
    Johnson HS             Bryant Griessel 2 2
         
         
         
     

     

    7
    Schools Launching
    Totals 11 11
    Total Rockets 22
  • Schools participating: Fredericksburg HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Union Grove, Roosevelt HS, Johnson HS, Harleton HS
  • 22 expected rockets for testing

https://www.facebook.com/SystemsGoEducation/

https://www.facebook.com/ginger.burow

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 #Rockets2023 #EyesOnThe Skies

Rockets 2023, Wednesday North Texas Launch Site Transformation Day

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Wednesday at the site in North Texas, near Jacksboro in Jack County,  transforming the Brown  and Thornton family ranches into a launch site, Stages 1 and 2 check-in stations, and Event parking areas once again for this year’s 2023 NTX launch. Most preparations were completed today. Only a few last minute tasks are left for Thursday morning, before the arrival of schools, students, and test vehicles for the Rockets 2023 launch line up.  Tomorrow, Thursday, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue.

This is the event’s fourth active year in this location. The ranches used here in Jack county are courtesy of the Brown family for Stage 1, 2 and Event Parking, and the Thornton family for Mission Control and launching.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation is the founding sponsor for SystemsGo for this event. A new sponsor for this year is Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Pictures from the progress of the launches at this site are shared 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

The featured picture at the head of this article, shows a little about the range land this particular launch event calls home. The signage shows the sense of humor our group has. After all, placement is everything!

Concessions for this year’s launch event in Jacksboro, will be provided by Brazos Volunteer Fire Department .  Funds raised will benefit the Fire Department. Preliminary menu items include hamburger, hot dogs, grilled cheese, etc.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided by Mobile Thrones  again this year, both at the launch site and the Stage 1 and 2, Event parking site.

A spectator tent will be available as SystemsGo welcomes spectators. Teachers and Spectators are still encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter, as there is only one large spectator tent available. 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.

Parents are asked to ride with their students in the school buses from Stage 1 and 2. Other spectators will have provided parking, watch for signage marking that area and instructions on how you will be brought in  from there. We will not be shuttling spectators to the launch site this year.

Jacksboro is the first Texas launch for the Rockets 2023 season but the second launch in the SystemsGo launch line up for the spring rocket trail. SystemsGo New Mexico held the first launch, in Jal, New Mexico, Monday through Wednesday of this week. North Texas will be followed by launches in  Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point.

North Texas/Jack County, is hosting 9 schools, slated to test 41 rockets Thursday and Friday. Saturday is set as a contingency day in case of weather. Storms have been moving through the area and are slated to continue through the weekend, so watch for possible weather delays and schedule changes. Hopefully they will not be necessary, but the possibility looms.

Tomorrow’s basic launch details including schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 27-Friday, April 28 (Contingency Day, Saturday, April 29.)
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the bus parking area. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2023 Flight Schedules may be downloaded from the SystemsGo/Events page.

  • Schools participating:  Hollenstein CTC, Grapevine HS, Petrolia HS, Carroll HS, North Star HS

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 9:00 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

Here are a couple of things that SystemsGo requires for your attendance:

  1. Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree to SystemsGo Terms and Conditions 2023. There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site.
  2. Ticket Links can be found https://www.systemsgo.org/events/ listed under each individual venue.

Questions and concerns may be directed to info@systemsgo.org.

If you cannot attend in person, join in the action and cheer on your students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is beyond priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, that makes it mean so much more.  Shoot them a text, or iMessage letting them know you are watching online.

The Livestream is a perfect way to follow SystemsGo’s upcoming launches in Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point. Be sure to check the SystemsGo/Event page for the link to each event.

New this year you can follow along on the SystemsGo Recovery Portal to see the status of you or your students’ rocket. See whether the rocket is ready for launch, has launched, whether it has been recovered and the status of the vehicle at recovery, or if it was lost and unable to be recovered.

More event details will be available here in upcoming days. Daily reports featuring schedules, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

Our day is now done, and it is time for bed, because it will be early to rise tomorrow, with all #EyesToTheSkies. See you at the launch!

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, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

April 29, 2023, Rockets 2023 North Texas/Jacksboro Friday Launch Update Final Day Report

Friday, Day 2, the final day for North Texas Rockets 2023 launch series was mission complete by  this afternoon, by  with all rockets launched by 2:45p.m. Eighteen rockets from four different schools left the rails today. These schools included Buinger HS, University HS, BCTAL, and RL Turner HS.

Weather for Friday was partly cloudy for most of the day with a threat of severe storms by 3:00 p.m. High winds ushered in a front that was supposed to bring  rain, hail and severe storms.

First launches blasted off shortly after 11:03 this morning. This was  earlier than on Thursday. After the first volley, the pad kept the rockets flying in a fairly continuous  set each time the rails were full so that they could send all vehicles skyward before the storms could shut down flights. Out of 18 rockets launched, only 4  were unrecoverable, most of which were Transonics that just chose to disappear without a trace.

It was one of the fastest launch sequences I have ever participated in working. After the last rockets were recovered the Team tore down the whole site and packed it away in the storage units for NTX until next year, and then had some much needed pizza and down time. By the time this was all accomplished it was still after 10:00p.m.

In the morning the crew heads home and prepares to start the next sequence at the Central Texas/Stonewall launches this coming week.

Pictures are from today 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

North Texas was the second launch in the 2023 series, and is followed by launches in Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point. 

The launch dates, locations, and schools are always listed for your convenience at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

A live feed for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.

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 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

 

April 29, 2023, Thursday, Opening Day of Rockets 2023 in North Texas

Rockets 2023 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Five schools were slated to test a total of 20. Of those, two moved to the Central Texas Launch next week and 18 were tested today here in North Texas.

It was a long day. The final rockets did not reach Stage 3 until early evening. Morning launch start times are generally hopeful estimates, contingent on clearances from Stage 1 and 2. Today the cloud ceiling kept launches at bay as well. The day ran long with the final launches completing just within our allowed window of daylight.

Temperatures climbed slowly from 50s to 70s with strong, winds. Light jackets were comfortable until mid afternoon and then were quickly discarded. By late afternoon it was full sun with only spotty clouds, a total difference from the heavy cloud ceiling of the morning. After 5:00 p.m. temperatures started to drop again and the wind took it’s earlier chill back again.

Recovery had a good day. Eighteen rockets were launched, 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 fairly evenly among the teams and what Pad recovered in their area. The last launch of the day, took aim at me, as it came down directly over me, where I had stopped to watch the count down. I was returning to my spot after a short break but ran out of time. Captain Garret always told us that if we saw one coming straight for us, step to the side. I definitely put that into practice today, except I did not step, I ran, keeping a wary eye on the falling rocket. I was able to remove myself a safe distance and watch as it hit the ground. My husband found great humor in my hasty retreat. It was reported that he could be heard laughing all the way to the Pad. It was an easy recovery for me!

Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 4 schools and 21 rockets.

Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain and possible storms starting around 3:00 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 Saturday.

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 as is a spectator tent. 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 . Concessions are available provided by Brazos Volunteer Fire Department.

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:

  • Friday, April 28
  • 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: Buinger CTE Academy, Birdville HS, University HS, RL Turner HS
  • 21 rockets expected for testing.
  • Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org for each day.

If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2023 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 #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

Rockets 2022 Arrived at White Sands Missile Range Today, T-1 Site Set Up and FRR’s on Tap for Friday

The SystemsGo team left Fredericksburg in two shifts. One at 4:00 pm. Wednesday afternoon, and the second, Thursday morning, at 7:40 am. headed to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The last group arrived at the El Paso, South Gate, of the base about 3:15 pm.

The early crew, Scott Netherland and Rebekah Hyatt, and George Burns, met with, Colonel Smart, Test Center Commander at 9:00 am Thursday morning for finalization of schedules, other information for the launches this weekend, and continued support for the program. The meeting went very favorably. Saturday and Sunday will continue to be our testing days as originally scheduled.

Schools and their personnel as well as student teams also traveled in today. The SystemsGo team met at the base hotel and grilled burgers and Bratts for supper and enjoyed some much needed down time and visiting before turning in early for the evening.

Fredericksburg High School’s group and Alamo Height’s group were just coming in to do some grilling of their own for supper as the SG team was retiring. It was a nice peaceful evening, with a few roaming thunderstorms in the area, which made for a cool breeze. Sure wish we could send some of those pop up heat storms to the Hill Country in Texas where we all know we need the rain.

Departure time from WSMR Route 21 is 7:00 am for all. Those staying on base will leave the hotel parking lot by 6:40 am. We will all proceed to ABC -1 launch site together via a range escort.

Portable restrooms are available at the site. Limited electricity is available. Each school is responsible for acquiring food and drinks for their group for all meals and snacks each day. Be sure you have plenty of water. Heat and dehydration are serious issues on the range in this desert heat.

All documentation should have been completed and turned in to Rebekah Hyatt, Thursday evening upon arrival. Those staying in Los Cruces will need to provide all necessary paperwork when we meet in the morning.

  • UXO briefing registry
  • WSMR waiver
  • SystemsGo waiver

All schools are traveling together to the range. Stage 2 and pressure checks will take place on site. Union Grove and Fredericksburg are first up unless they cannot complete on time. We will load the first two rockets on the rails before we leave the range, Friday evening. We must leave the range before 5:00 pm.

  • Friday, June 24th
    1. Site Set up ABC-1 8:00- 8:30 a.m.
      1. Depart for site from WSMR Rout 21 gate by 7:00 a.m.
    2. Leave the site with Fredericksburg and Union Grove on the rails by 5:00 pm.

Friday will be a busy day in preparation for Saturday’s launches. Look for Friday’s update for Saturday’s schedule of launches.

Good luck to all schools on your rocket tests.

Event details will continue to be available here. I will provide more information each day as to how the schedule and other event details will progress for the upcoming day and how launches went for the schools testing that previous day, if applicable. Pictures are not allowed on the range, but some pictures of teams getting ready to leave for the range with their vehicles might be available. If anything is available, I will post it for your viewing pleasure.

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.

#Rockets2022 #SystemsGo #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail #WSMRRocket #Launch2022 #EyesOnTheSkies #Laundher01

White Sands Missile Range Hosts SystemsGo’s 2022 Goddard Level Rockets in 5 Days

White Sands Missile Range has been hosting the SystemsGo Rocket Program for over 20 years, and the tradition continues for the 2022 season. Changes have been made over the years, including moving from the original launch site which was West Center 50 (WC50) to alternate range ABC1. This change came about after the COVID shut down of 2020.  Back logged government contracts took precedence for the larger range, necessitating the program’s relocation for continued support at the base.

The move to the smaller range also required the altitude cap for the rockets to be adjusted. The smaller site meant less than the 20-mile radius the program previously had available for these test vehicles to travel and stay within their parameters. The original height cap was 100,000 feet. The new cap instituted last year is 50,000 feet. ABC-1 does not have a large bunker, so only essential launch personnel stay on site, and the SG staff evacuate out five miles for launches. Students and teachers are taken to a secure location known as Tula G, which is further down range where they watch the launches on screen inside a designated facility. Due to this change, parents are no longer allowed to come. In years past parents watched from the theater at Mission Control. Unfortunately, volunteer staffing of base personnel for this is no longer available.

Stage 1 and 2 will take place on the range this year. In years past with the exception of last year, this was normal progression. Last year the Alamogordo High School hosted this part of the event. Stage 1 and 2 will take place while the SG team sets up the pad, launch rails, fill and fire system and electronics trailers. Rockets need to be complete by the end of the day on Friday as there will be very little latitude between T times to complete work on the vehicles. We are to be Mission Complete by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Sunday is a contingency day, but preferably it should not be no more than a site clean up day if needed that morning . Provided that we accomplish this early the remainder of the day’s activities will be decided at that time.

Due to higher prices for accommodations, the SG team and schools will stay at a hotel on the base.  Since we will be approaching from the Las Cruces side of the range instead of Tula Rosa, travel time will increase as speeds are slower, most are two lane roads, and range police are strict. Please check with your teachers if you need information about our accommodations, as I do not think it is appropriate to post it here since it is not outside the base. For those who are still staying off base, be sure to keep up with schedules and times as they group will need to move together with an escort through the base.

Launches are scheduled for June 25th with a contingency/cleanup day for June 26th. The team will travel out to WSMR on Wednesday, June 23rd, and back home again on the 27th.

There are four schools scheduled to launch four rockets. These include:

  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood
  • Fredericksburg
  • Union Grove

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 23rd
    1. Travel Day
  • Friday, June 24th
    1. Site Set up ABC-1 8:00- 8:30 a.m.
    2. Depart for site from Main gate by 7:00 a.m. start time.
    3. Leave the site with Fredericksburg and Union Grove on the rails.
  • Saturday, June 25th
    1. Launch Day (All Four Rockets, if possible, at 2-hour intervals.)
    2. Depart from Main gate by 5:00 a.m. for 6:30 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 a.m. -Union Grove
      • T2 10:00 a.m. -Fredericksburg
      • T3 12:00 p.m. -Alamo Heights
      • T4 2:00 p.m. – Brazoswood
      • 5:00 p.m. – Range Time Ends
  • Sunday, June 26th
    1. Contingency Launch Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (What happens depends with launches Saturday.)
  • Monday, June 27th
    1. Travel Day

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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 benefited.

#Rockets2022 #SystemsGo #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail #EyesOnTheSkies

Texas Rocket Trail Ended Today, May 14, 2022

The Texas Rocket Trail ended today as the last five rockets left the rails here in Stonewall today. Only tree schools tested today, Alamo Heights, Hamilton, and London High Schools. Originally, they each had 2 rockets, but Hamilton only brought one.

The schedule may have been light, but as in the norm the last one up had issues that delayed completion by about two and half hours. The vehicle had a few minor glitches to correct, and the 98-degree heat caused issues with the Nitrous and the filling of the rocket. Ice and water corrected the cooling issue while a few good technicians corrected the rocket.

This final launch was completed at 3:40. The team had the site torn down and packed up by 5:45. Then we had a small R and R session and by 6:30 everyone was headed home for the evening, and the season.

The Central Texas/Stonewall launch Livestreams, as well as the Livestreams from the rest of the Texas Rocket Trail events can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ . They are available to view for several weeks.

Pictures from today’s launch 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

The senior groups are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico possibly in late June.  These are not available for public viewing or Livestream due to being tested on a military facility, but blog and SystemsGo updates will be posted online as available during that week. These will end the launch sequence and finalize the Rockets 2022 season.

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 #Rockets2022 #EyesontheSkies