Category: Goddard

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, Friday, Site Set Up Complete and Rockets on the Rail WSMR

A6:15 breakfast and then a 7:15 a.m. call to move out for ABC-1 started the day for all SystemsGo team and schools. The mission, to accomplish all preparations for tomorrow’s launches. All personnel arrived at the site at 9:15 am and quickly began preparations.

George Burns and Ginger Burow set up the electronics trailer and the fill and fire system. This did not work as it was supposed to so they had to enlist Rebekah to call Randy Kuhlmann to trouble shoot us through the issue we were having. We know now where the problem is and will have it resolved for next year.

Steve Burow set up the pad, rails and wiring for the launch rails. Students from the Union Grove and Alamo Heights teams helped erect the rails while Brazoswood finished their rocket. A residual issue from a rail incident last year slowed this set up down and after a little trimming on the rail the issue was fixed and the rails ready for operation.

Rebekah Hyatt and Andrew Matthes coordinated all the final checks for the Brazoswood rocket and worked through their Flight Readiness Reviews. WSMR range personnel assisted the team and kept us on point to get the first two rockets on the rails before leaving the site this evening at shortly before 5:00 p.mn. this evening. Thanks to Gabe and his team from WSMR for keeping us moving.

Three graduates from Hamilton High School, Caleb Lengefeld, Kash Kneuper, and Taylor Long, now first year completed Texas Aggies, volunteered again to help on range. It was their second year to help as the Gas guys for the Goddard program. There were also three students from the FHS program that came to assist and see what Goddard is all about. For launches tomorrow they will all assist as needed at the pad and manhandle Nitrous and Gox bottles. All six said they were really enjoying seeing the program in action, helping with it and learning new things about how it works.

Schools Participating are Alamo Heights, Union Grove, and Brazoswood. and Union Grove and Alamo Heiths were fit with charges and loaded onto the rails for launch tomorrow morning. Brazoswood will load pyros in the morning and then load later as the third launch for the day.

Pop up dirt devils and sand storms were the challenge of the day. We often had to just duck our heads an wait for them to pass. They stole our covers off our heads and filled us and all we were working with in sand. We are hoping they will pass through before our T times on Saturday morning.

Breakfast will be a challenge in the morning as Denny’s has decided to no longer do 24 hour opening as of June 30. Instead Rebekah has decided to get what ever is available from Walmart for breakfast since we will be leaving the hotel at 5:15 in the morinig.

The caravan of 14 vehicles plus WSMR personnel vehicles left the test site by 5: headed in for the evening. Food and showers were top priorities upon returning to the hotels. The SystemsGo team had dinner at Chili’s and then Rebekah went to gather food for Breakfast, while the guys went to play 42 in the lobby and I worked on this.

Launch order for Saturday is as follows:

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

Saturday’s schedule is the following:

  • Saturday, June 24th
  • Launch Day (Three Rockets, barring any schedule changes by WSMR.)
  • Depart from Hotel by 5:15 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. arrival at Tula Gate for Security checks.
  • Depart Gate to ABC-1 6:30 a.m.
  • Projected launch schedule:
    • T1 8:00 a.m. –
    • T2
    • T3
    • All rockets launched by 2:00 p.m.
    • Break for Lunch 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Range Time Ends – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 25th
  • Contingency Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (To be determined.)
  • Monday, June 26th
  • 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 per WSMR necessities.

SystemsGo now has two launch rails and both will be in operation tomorrow. A rocket has been loaded onto each rail and then will be tested in sequence with only time out for safety. The launch team will be required to evacuate during each launch; and then return to swap out gas and electrical connections between the rails.

After the first two launches, WSMR personnel will attempt to locate and retrieve the rockets for the students while the other rocket is loaded onto the rail. Mission complete will be at 5:00 pm. and all personnel must leave the range. If all launches are on time then everyone will be asked to help tear down and pack up equipment before leaving. If this is not accomplished by range end time it would mean returning on Sunday to complete it. Sunday is our contingency day, but it is mostly for WSMR changes and our cleanup, not for rocket recycling.

WSMR personnel, including Test Center Commander, Colonel Shawanta Smart, and Range Operator, Lori Leyva, will be on site during the launches. These two individuals have been and are committed supporters of our program with WSMR. Please show them your utmost respect and appreciation.

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.

Sunday 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.

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.

Sorry no pictures today. We are not allowed cameras or cell phones on range.

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

ROCKETS 2023 Season, Spring Launch Sequence Begins Next Week

SystemsGo Rockets 2023 is counting down to its first launch with T-0 set for early Monday morning in Jal, New Mexico. After launches on Monday and Tuesday in Jal, action will transition to the second venue in Jacksboro, TX for the Northeast Texas Launches on Thursday and Friday. Central Texas Launches are third on the docket and will open in Stonewall the first week in May on Thursday through Saturday, and Smith Point will host the Southeast Texas Launches on Thursday through Saturday of the second week in May, concluding the 2023 Spring Launch series the Tsiolkovsky and Oberth levels. The fifth and final launch for the Season is the Goddard level at White Sands Missile Range, in New Mexico.

Necessities and logistics for all  Texas and New Mexico launch venues have been established. Travel  and accommodation plans are also lined out, and the Team is ready.

Things that will be available onsite this year:

  1. Concessions  (menus may be limited.)
  2. 1 Large Spectator Tent (NTX and CTX only.)
    1. We encourage bringing your own 10×10 pop up for extra shelter from weather be it sun or rain.
  3. Hand washing stations and portable restrooms.
  4. A Livestream link from all Texas launches. Available online at https://www.systemsgo.org/events/ The correct link will be listed under each venue information section.
  5. A Google map link directing you to the launch site and the individual Stages available at https://www.systemsgo.org/events/

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.

Dates for all events except White Sands Missile Range are as follows:

  • Jal, New Mexico  — April 24-26
    • Phillips Hill Rd & County Rd 10, Jal NM 88252
  • North Texas/Jack County — April 27-28,  weather contingency day on the 29th
    • FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
  • Central Texas/Stonewall — May 4-6,  weather contingency day on May 7th
    • 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point — May 11-13,  weather contingency day May 14th
    • 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
  • WSMR – Late June, final dates TBD

With 13 schools launching in Jal, and a total of 38 schools in the three Texas launches, which brings the grand total of schools to 51. Add testing 145 rockets at the Texas launches to Jal’s 28 and 142 rockets will #RideTheSkies for this 2023 Rocket season.

Later in the summer, four Texas schools are currently on the roster to attempt a possible 4 rockets at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, completing the fifth launch and finalizing the season.

All sites will be open to public viewing of launches except White Sands Missile Range. However, if you plan to attend any of these launches, please register for your attendance ticket ahead of time. You must also agree to the waiver acknowledging that you are entering a test site on an unimproved ranchland, launching area with student designed and built, previously untested, experimental rockets.

The sites will be open for admittance to the general public at 8:00 a.m. and launches will commence as soon as the first rockets complete all Stages and are cleared for launch.  Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Come join in the action and cheer on these students. Admission is free, but the look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is far from priceless.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 check stations will start admitting students and teachers at 6:00 a.m.

Stay tuned for more updates as events get closer. More changes may be announced as plans and arrangements are completely finalized. Rockets will #RideTheSkies in just under two weeks.  Welcome back to the SystemsGo Rocket Trail, we will see you at lift off!

Event details will continue to be available here.

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 supremely enhanced.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRoocketTrail #TXNMRockets2023

 

Rockets 2022-SystemsGo at WSMR Sets a New Altitude Record with Brazoswood High School!!!

Two  rockets were up for testing at White  Sands Missile Range today. Fredericksburg and Brazoswood compromised the schedule. It was another early morning with meet time at the WSMR Rt 21 gate at 5:00 am.

A mishap while driving through the range created the first delay for our day. The Fredericksburg truck and trailer had an unfortunate meeting with an Oryx antelope while traveling  along with the convoy headed over to ABC -1. Luckily the damage to the truck was very minimal, mostly a couple of cracks in the left front bumper, but the Oryx did not fair as well. WSMR personnel stayed with the vehicle and the animal until authorities arrived to retrieve the animal and document the incident.

The rest of the group traveled on to the site and readied Brazoswood for launch. The accident and another unforeseen range event created an hour delay on our first T time for the day. Once all personnel were on site and the launch sequence started the day changed for the better.

Brazoswood was first up and had been loaded onto the rail the evening before, so it was just a matter of connecting the systems and doing prechecks. At 9:05 they launched and became the brand new WSMR SystemsGo altitude record holders. At first the rocket seemed a little slow in ascent, but then it literally screamed into the sky, sailing higher and higher. It eventually it left a contrail behind it which made it much easier to track. It was confirmed at an altitude of 49,523 MSL before nosing over and beginning it’s decent.  The range has a sea level of 4,000 feet which is deducted from the total altitude to figure the actual altitude, setting it at 45,523 feet, which is still the record for the program.

The chute did not deploy so it became a lawn dart about 4 kilometers down range. Chris Gardner took a couple of our support crew and they  went to dig it out. It was found and returned to the team.

The previous record held by Fredericksburg was 36,500 feet. This puts Brazoswood in the lead for  best launch and highest altitude. The program just dropped it’s height ceiling to 50,000 feet last year to accommodate changes in the range site we use at WSMR. The old ceiling was 100,000 feet which no one had even gotten close to reaching. Ironically Brazoswood almost broke the new ceiling with this launch.

Fredericksburg was the second launch of the day, and it was the second attempt for them to launch on this trip. At their first attempt yesterday, both the ignition and injection failed. After trouble shooting the problem and correcting it over night, they loaded up for a second chance. This time the rocket did leave the rail, but did not get much altitude before nosing over and returning to the ground about 25 yards behind the pad, where the impact popped off the nose cone and the engine compartment. The body of the vehicle continued north across the range for about 230 yards where it came to rest intact. All pieces were easily recovered and returned to the students. The students were excited that it left the rail and they were taking it home.

Fredericksburg and Brazoswood students helped pack up the pad site. After completion, Scott and Rebekah congratulated the two remaining teams on their successes and then introduced and spoke about the WSMR support team, explaining to the students all this group does so that all the students can get access to the range to test their rockets. Scott presented each team member with a SytemsGo cap as an appreciation for all their help and support.

At this point WSMR had released our airspace after Fredericksburg’s launch and now they called “mission complete” for the final time for Rockets 2022 at White Sands Missile Range.

Thanks to White Sands Missile Range for once again allowing this program to be tested on the range.

The schools and SystemsGo team members all headed back to the hotel for the evening. Fredericksburg’s group headed to eat and then slide at the White Sands Monument National Park. The eight SystemsGo team members grilled supper in the hotel court yard, played corn hole, 42 dominoes, debriefed, and just relaxed for the evening.

Tomorrow the SystemsGo team will be traveling home again. A much needed break for most is in the schedule. Afterwards, Scott Netherland, will be retiring from his post as Executive Director, and Rebekah Hyatt, will move into that role, and George Burns, will officially take on her current role as Program Director.

Rockets 2022 is officially at an end. We will see you again next year for the Texas Rocket Trail 2023. In the upcoming year watch for interesting high lights from the program. New things are happening all the time including the adding of new schools, states and countries in the 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 greatly benefited.

#Rockets2021 #TexasRocketTrail #EyesonTheSkies #Ridetheskies #ItisRocketScience

Rockets 2022, Friday, Site Set Up Complete and Rockets on the Rail

A 7:00 a.m. call to move out for ABC-1 started the day for all SystemsGo team and schools. The mission, to accomplish all preparations for tomorrow’s launches. All personnel arrived at the site at 8:15 am and quickly began preparations.

Scott Netherland, George Burns and Ginger Burow set up the electronics trailer and the fill and fire system. Steve Burow set up the pad, rails and wiring for the launch rails. Students from the teams helped erect the rails before finishing work on their vehicles.

Rebekah Hyatt and Andrew Matthes coordinated all the final checks for each of the rockets, while students worked through their Flight Readiness Reviews. WSMR range personnel assisted the team.

Three graduates from Hamilton High School, Caleb Lengefeld, Kash Kneuper, and Taylor Long, volunteered to help on range. It was their first time to see what the Goddard program was really like. They were students of the program but did not get to do Goddard due to financial constraints at their school. They helped set up the pad, load the gas tank truck, and helped with pressure checks during the FRR’s for each rocket. For launches tomorrow they will assist as needed at the pad and manhandle Nitrous and Gox bottles. All three said they were really enjoying seeing the program in action, helping with it and learning new things about how it works.

Schools Participating are Alamo Heights, Union Grove, Fredericksburg, and Brazoswood. Fredericksburg and Union Grove were fit with charges and loaded onto the rails for launch tomorrow morning. Brazoswood and Alamo Heights will load pyros in the morning.

Pop up showers passed around the site to the south throughout the day, occasionally dropping spotty drizzle. Mostly they just kept the temperatures out of the 100’s and produced a cool breeze which was most appreciated. WSMR personnel reported that there could be a delay due to storms in the morning. We are hoping they will pass through before our T times.

The caravan of 17 vehicles plus WSMR personnel vehicles left the test site by 5:15 headed in for the evening. Food and showers were top priorities upon returning to the hotels.

Launch order for Saturday is as follows:

  • Union Grove
  • Fredericksburg
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

Saturday’s schedule is the following:

  • Saturday, June 25th
    1. Launch Day (All Four Rockets, if possible, at 2-hour intervals.)
    2. Depart from WSMR Rt 21 gate by 5:00 a.m. for 6:30 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 am. -Union Grove
      • T2 10:00 am. -Fredericksburg
      • T3 12:00 pm. -Alamo Heights
      • T4 2:00 pm. – Brazoswood
      • 5:00 pm. – Range Time Ends

SystemsGo now has two launch rails and both will be in operation tomorrow. A rocket will be loaded onto each rail and then tested in sequence with only time out for safety. The launch team will be required to evacuate during each launch; and then return to swap out gas and electrical connections between the rails.

Launches are to commence at 8:00 am. Saturday morning. All SystemsGo personnel and schools will be headed out to the range at 5:00 am.

After the first two launches, WSMR personnel will attempt to locate and retrieve the rockets for the students while the other two rockets are loaded onto the rails. Mission complete will be at 5:00 pm. and all personnel must leave the range. If all four launch on time then everyone will be asked to help tear down and pack up equipment before leaving. If this is not accomplished by range end time it would mean returning on Sunday to complete it.

Realistically, this is a very tight launch sequence with little to no room for errors. As we know, errors can and do occasionally happen and can cause severe delays in the launch schedule and hinder time availability.

If we do not get all four launches done tomorrow, we do have Sunday as a contingency day with a similar time schedule as Saturday’s as allowed by WSMR. It is preferable to not have to use Sunday for more than clean up if at all.

Best of luck to all schools so that they may have a successful launch tomorrow.

Event details will continue to be available here. I will provide more information each morning as to how the schedule and other event details will progress for that day and how launches went for the schools testing that day. 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 #WSMRRocketLaunch2022

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

Rockets 2022-WSMR, Saturday Launch Day Report

Three of four schools tested rockets at White Sands Missile Range today. Fredericksburg, Alamo Heights and Union Grove comprised that list.  The fourth school, Brazoswood will be first up tomorrow morning.

An one hour delay, five minutes before our first T time began a series of events today, that left our clock too short to complete our mission today. Union Grove was on the rail ready for launch when the range called the delay. After it’s completion, the crew evacuated and launched the UG rocket.

Union Grove High School proved to be the big winner of the day, because they were the only school to leave the rail. They climbed to 15,400’ before rolling over and returning to the range ballistic. It was a beautiful flight. WSMR personnel did recover it. After digging it out they brought it back to the site in one large piece and several smaller. It was a good day for Union Grove! It was a good start to the day with the first launch as a successful lift off. Congratulations on another good launch.

Fredericksburg was the second launch. They were on the old rail and ready for launch when the hydraulic ram on the rail failed. Fredericksburg had to be off loaded to the newer rail while team members trouble shot the issues with the old rail. unfortunately the old rail was not available for further launches today, and may not be this round.

Fredericksburg went for fill after relocating, but developed a permanent venting. The team decided to go for launch as it was. Launch sequence was initiated and the vehicle failed to lift off. Pad reported that it had only minor ignition and no injection. The rocket was removed from the rail and given back to the students for trouble shooting to see if they think they could repair it and go for a second T time.

Alamo Heights loaded onto the rail next. At 3:36 they attempted their launch. Their vehicle also failed to leave the rail. Initially pad reported ignition, injection or any burn or smoke. Several minutes later, as the bunker crew was evaluating the possibility resetting and attempting a second launch, the nitrous lines failed and blew apart leaving the vehicle inoperable.

At this point WSMR called complete and released our airspace for the day. Alamo Heights was removed from the rail for evaluation. They determined later that they could not repair and relaunch the rocket.

Brazoswood was supposed to be the final launch of the day. This year’s launch is also only the second time this school has been to WSMR. Instead of closing out the day, they will open launches on Sunday, as we continue into our contingency window.

Test Center Commander, Colonel Smart, from White Sands Missile Range, visited the launch site today.

Mission was called complete by WSMR at 5:16 p.m. today as the team and schools pulled away from the site.

The convoy slowed briefly along the route home to see several groups of Oryxes grazing on the range, as well as a double rainbow spreading across the sky in front of the line of cars retreating back to civilization.

Tomorrow’s schedule will be much like today’s. A Very early start in order to meet our 8:00 am. T times. Breakfast bags provided by the hotel will be ready for pickup by 4:30. The convoy will meet at WSMR Rt 21 by 5:00 am.

  • Sunday, June 26th
    1. Contingency Launch Day (Two Rockets, if possible, at 2-hour intervals.)
    2. Depart from WSMR Rt 21 gate by 5:00 a.m. for 6:30 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 am. -Brazoswood
      • T2 10:00 am. -Fredericksburg
      • T3 12:00 pm. – Open
      • 3:30 pm. – Range Time Ends

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 #TexasRocketTrail #EyesonTheSkies #Ridetheskies #ItisRocketScience

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

ROCKETS 2022, Riding the Skies From Five Spring Launch Locations

SystemsGo Rockets 2022 is already in full swing. Launches begin in less than two weeks. Necessities and logistics for all  Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado launch venues have been established. Travel plans were also lined out.

Colorado is a new addition for this year. Last year, Canon City, came to Stonewall as a new school, launching for their first time. This year SystemsGo is launching in Colorado at a new venue –  Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Canon City is still the only school launching but other schools will come to see it in action as they evaluate joining the program.

Things are returning to normal for the spring launches:

1. There will be onsite concessions again this year at each location.

2. We will have a spectator tent at the NTX and CTX events available to viewing public. We do still encourage schools to bring their own extra shelters (10×10) and to be courteous to all participants  respecting those still practicing social distancing since there is still some COVID activity.

3. Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree to SystemsGo Terms and Conditions 2022. There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. Ticket Links can be found https://www.systemsgo.org/events/ listed under each individual venue.

4. Face coverings are not required, but optional. 

5. There will also be handwashing stations and portable restrooms available.

6. Google Map links to each location are also available and listed under the venue at https://www.systemsgo.org/events/

7. A livestream link will be announced on this same information page under the individual event’s section closer to time.

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

Dates for all events except White Sands Missile Range are as follows:

  • Jal, New Mexico  — April 26-28, weather contingency day on the 29th
    • Phillips Hill Rd & County Rd 10, Jal NM 88252
  • North Texas/Jack County — April 28-29,  weather contingency day on the 30th
    • FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
  • U.S. Army Fort Carson Colorado, Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site — May 2
    • 36086 U.S Highway 350, Model, Colorado 81059
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point — May 5-7,  weather contingency day May 8
    • 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
  • Central Texas/Stonewall — May 12-14,  weather contingency day on May 15th
    • 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • WSMR – Late June, final dates TBD

Current schedules for launches show about 165 vehicles expected for launch at the spring launch sites.

Excitement is building and plans are under way. Stay tuned for more updates as events get closer. More changes may be announced as plans and arrangements are completely finalized. Rockets will #RideTheSkies in just under two weeks.  Welcome back to the SystemsGo Rocket Trail, we will see you at lift off!

Event details will continue to be available here.

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 #SystemsGoRoocketTrail #TXNMCORockets2022

The Countdown Has Begun for ROCKETS 2022!

SystemsGo staff  met last week Wednesday evening, to line out details for the upcoming Rockets 2022 launches.  Rebekah Hyatt, Program Director; Scott Netherland, Executive Director; George Burns, Jr., Assistant Program Director; Doug Kimbrell, Board President; and Phil Houseal, Communications Director; with Kirk Moore, Regional Director for Southeast Texas;  and Doug Underwood, Regional Director for North Texas joining on video. Also in attendance were volunteers, Steve Burow and Ginger Burow.

Necessities and logistics for all  Texas launch locations were discussed. Venues for lodging, and all needed equipment for each launch site were decided and individuals lined out to secure them . Travel plans were also lined out.

Dates for all events except White Sands Missile Range are as follows:

  • April 26-28, 2022-Jal, New Mexico
  • April 28-29, 2022-North Texas/Jack County
  • May 2, 2022 Pinon-Canyon, Colorado
  • May 5-7, 2022-Southeast Texas/Smith Point
  • May 12-14, 2022-Central Texas/Stonewall

Current schedules are still populating, so final vehicle totals are not yet available, but  the lineup is building for the spring launches. A call for volunteers has gone out. If you are interested in helping at one of the launches email SystemsGo at info@systemsgo.org .

Excitement is building and plans are under way. More updates will be posted as events get closer. Watch for changes that may be announced as plans and arrangements are completely finalized. Rockets will #RideTheSkies in about two months. Rockets are back on the radar and nearly ready to fly.

Event details will continue to be available here.

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