Category: Hill Country Happenings

Rockets 2021 North Texas Launch Tuesday and Wednesday Set Up

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the venue in North Texas at Jack County. They were busy transforming the Brown  and Thornton family ranches into a rocket ready launch site, check in stations for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking areas. After a few last minute tasks Thursday morning, all will be completed for the arrival of schools, students, and test vehicles for the Rockets 2021 launch line up.  Tomorrow, Thursday, is opening day for this Texas launch venue, as well as the Rockets 2021 season.

This year’s season is dedicated to former SystemsGo operative and friend, Dayni Alba. Dayni spent many years with the launch teams working the Fill and Fire box. This will the groups’ first season without her. A banner in her honor will fly at each launch this season. Ride the skies Dayni, you are loved and missed. IMG_0410 - Copy (2)

Excitement in anticipation for this event is high as the team worked hard for the return to rockets once again after a year off due to COVID. They are ready to accept all participants and their rockets promptly Thursday morning. The site will have six launch rails ready to keep everyone’s  #EyesOnTheSkies.

This is the event’s second 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 once again the sponsor for SystemsGo for this event.

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 will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available. No spectators are allowed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

Jacksboro is the first Texas launch for the Rockets 2021 season. It will be followed by launches in Central Texas/Stonewall, and Southeast Texas/Smith Point. SystemsGo New Mexico will launch, in Jal, New Mexico, the week after the Smith Point launch.

North Texas/Jack County, is hosting 8 schools, slated to test 30 rockets Thursday and Friday.

More launch details are generally available at  http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 22-Friday, April 23
  • New Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the shuttle parking area, approximately 3 miles east of the launch site on FM 2210. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2019 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC, Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, Northstar HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 30 expected rockets for testing
  • Watch the Livestream here: https://livestream.com/systemsgo/ntx-day1

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 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.

As for the rest of you, join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

If you follow this program and like to view the launches of Rockets 2021 watch for our Livestream links for the Central Texas/Fredericksburg launch site which will follow the next week after this launch. These launch from the Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas.  Two weeks from the launch in Jack County will be the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launches just south of Anahuac, Texas for schools in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Look for more details on these coming up.

Watch for that Livestream link here,  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 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

 

Rockets 2021 Blasts off Again at North Texas Launch Site, Launches Commence Next Week

The SystemsGo program begins next week in North Texas at Jack County for the Rockets 2021 launch line up.  This is the second operating year at this venue since the 2020 season was stonewalled by COVID. This is one of three Texas launch sites for the junior level rockets.   As the number of schools in the Texas program continues to increase, the need for another venue arose and so this venue was added in 2019 to deflect some of the load from the Central Texas and Southeast Texas launches. There are currently 48 schools participating in the three Texas launches, with a total this year of 142 rockets.

Totals are down just slightly for 2021 but considering this is following on the heels of a global pandemic, the number of schools that have managed the curriculum and completed their projects, is still remarkable. This achievement is a superior success for these students as they had to accomplish project completion while accommodating both in-person and online class schedules due to the past year’s COVID restrictions.  Rocket building is an in-person activity making this a difficult task while adhering to school, CDC and community guidelines that were put in place.

Here are how the Texas schools divide out for the three launches.

  • North Texas/Jack County– 8 schools – 30 rockets
  • Central Texas/Stonewall– 20 schools – 71 rockets
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point– 20 schools – 41 rockets

The program also boasts a launch event in Jal, New Mexico, which will follow the three Texas launches this year. It has its own launch crews and facility and will test in mid-May.

  • Jal, New Mexico — 8 schools – 16 rockets

Unfortunately, this year all sites are closed to public viewing of launches. Only the teams and their teachers will be allowed due to COVID restrictions.  However, SystemsGo has secured permission from all three Texas host counties of Jack, Gillespie, and Chambers to allow the complete rocket team to participate at the event, which is different from previously announced. While they regret no public participation this year, the safety and health of the students and staff must be a priority for the launches to commence. Hopefully, next year will see a return to public involvement.

If you had planned to attend any of these launches, please watch for a Livestream link to be posted on the SystemsGo web page closer to your event. This link will be available here:  www.sytemsgo.org . Students and teachers are also encouraged to video with their own devices and share those videos with friends and family.

This first launch site is in the Jacksboro area, and while Stages 1 and 2 were at the Fire Department in nearby Perrin, in 2019, that location has been moved to accommodate COVID restrictions. This year these stages will be located on the property that was spectator parking in 2019. This location is approximately three miles east of the launch site and is where schools will take their teams and rockets FIRST. If you are traveling from Perrin, you will reach this site first. Look for the signs! Patience may be in order here, as changes to the prior system are accommodated and schools adjust to the parameters of the new location and COVID regulations. With that in mind, remember that masks are required and temperature checks will be administered on site.

Patience is a normal requirement with rockets, as they are test vehicles. They do not adhere to schedules well.  In fact, rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch.

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 a.m. Of course this 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.

As for the rest of you, join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

More information is always available at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 22-Friday, April 23
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the shuttle parking area, approximately 3 miles east of the launch site on FM 2210. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC,  Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, Northstar HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 30 expected rockets for testing

If you follow this program and like to view the launches of Rockets 2021 watch for our Livestream links for the Central Texas/Fredericksburg launch site which will follow the next week after this launch. These launch from the Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas.  Two weeks from the launch in Jack County will be the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launches just south of Anahuac, Texas for schools in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Look for more details on these coming up. 

Watch for that Livestream link here,  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 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

 

I Miss All Things Rockets!

I miss all things Rockets!
From travel to set up,
And set up to tear down;


There is not a memory I can call up,
That would make me frown.

I miss all things Rockets!
From the first vertical rail;


The first day’s engine roar;
Watching the first rocket sail,


To anticipating more.

I miss all things Rockets!
Listening for charges to pop,
Watching them float under chute,


Dancing on ethereal winds as they drop,
And searching for them like lost pirate loot.



I miss all things Rockets!
Pictures with the teams,


As their rocket loads the rail.
Hearing students scream,


As their vehicle begins to sail.

I miss all things Rockets!
Searching for a glint of light,
A high pitched whine you might here,
Or a flash of something bright,
Letting you know it is near.

I miss all things Rockets!
From a picture perfect flight


To a ballistic drop.

From racing to grab one in plain sight,
To searching by where you heard the pop.

I miss all things Rockets!
Whether watching the students,
Or listening to Joyce and Phil,


These are quite the events;
Even after years, I am a rocket junky still.

I miss all things Rockets!
From collecting rockets whole,


To picking up pieces;


Students’ smiles light my soul,
Each year the joy increases.

I miss all things Rockets!
It’s education in motion;
Learning with style;
Using hands on application,
Propelling the future all the while.

A Holy Week Correlation to the COVID-19 Pandemic and an Easter Challenge!

Jesus suffered and died because sin spread like a Pandemic across His world, leaving it in need of a cure – a Savior!

The Corona COVID-19 Virus has become a Pandemic spreading across our world leaving it once again scrambling for a cure, a vaccine, a definitive end as people are sick and some are dying. Jesus is still that cure. He will provide healing. Has His world turned to Him fervently in prayer? I haven’t seen it yet, not really, not like they ought to be doing.

When Jesus was arrested, the disciples hid, isolating themselves from the crowds in fear. Though they loved Jesus they lived in fear that they too would suffer his fate, just for being identified as having been close to Him. They prayed and worried.

We are isolating ourselves from each other, family, and friends in fear of catching the virus or spreading it to others unknowingly. We are worrying, but are we praying? Really praying?

Currently our faces are covered to help prevent the spread of the virus from us to others, even if we don’t seem to have it. Unfortunately these coverings do not prevent us from receiving the virus from the uncovered mouths or places where it lingers or floats.

The spreading of God’s word by us should be the same. Our faces may be covered, but it should not prevent the spreading of the Word or sharing of prayer. We have phones, computers, tablets, I pads and countless apps and abilities for texting, videoing, talking and sharing the Good News! It is Easter! We should be spreading the story faster than the virus is spreading. Cover the virus not the Word of God. The world needs it now and always.

What have you done to spread the word and share hope during these trying times?

The disciples and many of Jesus’ followers stayed in isolation after Jesus’ crucifixion, still fearing for their safety as well as feeling lost and confused about what to do without Jesus. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to Jesus’ tomb to do what was necessary and customary because these things were essential for a proper burial. They risked everything to do what was right and needed to be done.

Because they buried their fear and continued to do what was necessary and essential, they were the first to receive the Good News that Christ had risen. Along their way, they were the first to see Jesus the risen Lord!

Today as many follow instructions, staying home in isolation and practicing social distancing in order to quell the spread, many, called “Essential Services Workers” are required to work on the front lines to help the sick and to keep all necessary and essential things operating the best they can for the good of all. They are the first to see all the bad as well as the good that happens.

When the storm quells, they will be the first to know that it is real and feel the joy and relief as they spread the news! They will be the first to show true hope for others. They are called upon to put themselves out there for all of us. They need our support and prayer.

Jesus observed the Passover meal and dined with His disciples before His time of trial began, knowing full well what was happening. He took the time and sat around the table with those that had become his students and family.

Our lives had become a crazy, fast paced ordeal before this virus struck. Most families did not even see each other enough to spend an evening once a week at the dinner table together. Granted it may go back to that again when this ends. For now, though, you are isolated at home with your families. You are teaching them, playing with them, watching TV and movies with them, and sharing activities that you may not have done together for a long time. Hopefully, you are sitting with them to eat around the dinner table.


How many times did Jesus tell his disciples and followers, that he would suffer, die, be laid in a tomb, rise again in three days and then go to be seated to rule his kingdom? They never really got it until it was over.

Time with family no matter the circumstances is precious. They will remember this time spent. The question is how will they remember it? That is for you to decide.

Be a witness of God’s love to your families in this time, whether parent or child After all, it is the faith of children and its doubtless strength and belief that Jesus tells us all to aspire to have.

Now is the time! This Easter may not be the big event with your larger groups of family and friends that you had originally planned. Do something to make your family’s Easter special. Next make a video of your Easter fun. Share that video online and tag all your missing family and friends in it so they can see how your family celebrated Easter and the Risen Lord. Then encourage your friends and family to do something and post their fun. Then as this goes on you could turn this exercise into a family fun time weekly.

This is not the worst of times, but only a difficult and different time. Christ is still with us and He will lead us through this. The events that created these circumstances are not good but that does not mean we cannot make good out of the bad.

We will remember this Pandemic and that there was illness and death and fear. We will also remember that there was family, community, new opportunities, and new ways of worship that may have reached even more people. We will remember that for every bad aspect of this, there was also good. Remember those things and work to make more good come out of it.

After all, Christ has Died, Christ has Risen, and Christ will come again! That is what Easter is really all about! And we are Easter people!

“Happy Birthday! Happy Un-Birthday! Happy Day!”–Back into Blogging!

Happy Birthday! No, today is not my birthday; my birthday was actually back on Christmas Day! But I have this great friend that was at my surprise party for my birthday. He told me happy birthday numerous times that evening and vowed to tell me every time he saw me or thought of me from then on. Just because he can. That was back on December 21st and I hadn’t seen or heard from him since then.

Then out of nowhere, I get this singe text. “Happy Birthday!” It made me laugh and smile, and made my day, as I saw who it was from and remembered what he had said.

I have been after myself for some time, but really seriously since New Year’s to reinvent my blog and start writing again. My problem is inspiration and ideas just seem to elude me. At least when I am seriously trying to find then anyway.
When I can’t allocate time to them then there they are. I t is like they know I cannot address them due to the current situation. Usually by the time I can pursue them they have disappeared. Happily hiding in some corner of my brain laughing at me I am sure.

Write it down right away is the common advice. Well it’s hard to write in the shower. Or while you are driving or doing other activities that do not allow for writing at that particular moment. Chanting it until I can write it down can work in some situations, but usually not at work or public. People tend tilt their heads and look at you sideways a lot like your dog does when he is unsure. The difference is then these head tilting people call other people to come take you away.

As it has been for a while now, it seems I only have inspiration to write during rocket season. If it is not high flying, explosive projectiles, the teenagers that develop them, and the thrill of the hunt, I lose interest quickly and cannot find ideas.

I do find fascination and some inspiration in nature. I post pictures almost double daily on Facebook of things I see. It is just when I want to write something of interest it does not always come. Some days the picture inspiration does not come either. Hence why there are so many of the same windmill. By the way I love windmills!

I was pondering this as I listened to John Maxwell‘s Maxwell Minute for the day, entitled, “Fresh”. He was talking about surrounding yourself with people that encourage you to stay fresh. People that encourage your new ideas and do not allow you to grow stale. There in was my problem, I was growing stale. I have known this for a while. I even feared losing my craft all together.

Although, rockets are my most favorite thing to write about these days. They cannot support my writing needs all the time. And many of my ideas I was dismissing because I did not think other folks would have interest or they did not support my ideas. I was allowing myself to throw out every option and grow stale.

So as I thought about this. I was determined to find something to write about and begin finding fun in my favorite talent and craft again. Writing and pictures have always been who I am. The problem was I still did not have a writing prompt or idea to get me started.

Then the text arrived. “Happy Birthday!”

My first thought was who saw my pictures on Facebook and is sending late congratulations? My second at seeing the name only at a glance at first was what is my son up to with this? Then I realized I had not read the whole name and it was not my son. The light went on and I started laughing and responded in kind.

Another John Maxwell tidbit is to find value in others by just being nice to them. Say hello, hold the door, smile, compliment them and through these things both of you find value and feel better. My friend had just helped me find value in myself and what I was trying to do, whether he had intended to or not. As for him, my whole family has found much value in him and his friendship for years. He is a blessing and an inspiration. That being said, I now had an idea.

This day was not my birthday, but suddenly it was a Happy Day! Either way it was still my Un-Birthday as the Mad Hatter from Alice and Wonderland says. And guess what, I have 364 of those so why not enjoy and celebrate them!

Then I thought about Frosty the Snowman, and every time someone puts the magician’s hat back on his head and he comes back to life he says, “Happy Birthday!” After all every time you wake up, it is a “birth” into a new day. So now, I am back to having 364 new “birth days!” Thank the Lord you only have to count 1 day for each of those, and no I am not counting them in total. Years are enough, if you want to feel old, which I do not, then count days of life in total! Yikes!

The point is each day is new! A new day! A new opportunity! And yes, chances for new ideas, new actions, new freedom, new inspirations, new experiences, new attitudes, new friends, new fun with old friends and family, and new life!

So, no, today is not my birthday! It is my Un-Birthday, a “birth” to a new day, and a Happy Day if I so choose to believe it and continue to follow my dreams, no matter how large or small. Because it doesn’t have to be big million dollar ideas, but all of those started somewhere, probably with a small idea.

So who knows what ridiculousness I might put out here for you to read, Ii will just have to run with whatever ideas come my way. I am a little bit silly, goofy, crazy and impulsive at times so just go with it if you will.

Remember that you probably have a gift or talent you may not be fostering at the moment. Don’t you think it might be time to start? Do not let your dreams die! Follow them even if you have to start them much smaller than you think they deserve. Something is better than nothing, and something can grow! Nothing just becomes stale.

I have come full circle in this little thought game. This is how I am starting fresh! What will you do?

“Happy Birthday!”

P.S. This is actually the second writing of this article. The first one was eaten in its entirety by technology! I told it to SAVE and it said, “Cannot perform this task at this time please refresh page!” And it made all my work go away.

The first piece was off the cuff and perfect (at least to my thinking). Recreations are never as perfect as the originals. Sometimes they are better, sometimes they fall way short. If you are lucky, then they are different but just as good. I think this one turned out well. I just wish it could have been the first one. Who knows, by the time I would have edited it, maybe it would be this one.

Biggest lesson is never trust technology and always have either a second version on another platform, or my old trusted, never disappears unless you personally destroy it, paper copy!

Friday’s Launch, an Ode to Rough Beginnings for Launch Day 1 at WSMR, Rockets 2019

Today was the perfect example of rough beginnings and a reminder that these are experimental vehicles, no matter how well the research, planning, development and projections are done.

Launches were to commence at 10:00 this morning. Union Grove High School was first up on the rail, but a leak was detected and they were bumped in order to fix the issue and keep the launches running as close to schedule as possible.

Next on the rail was Alamo Heights High School. There were several holds and the launch was delayed until after 11:22. The rocket was having an issue getting completely fueled which was slowing the launch.

Also Someone moved the cones at one of the barricades where the roads were shut down for the launch and proceeded to drive through. WSMR officials had to go secure the barricades and clear that section of the projected area again. This also delayed the launch.

During the delays, WSMR officials welcomed the parents and did a mini briefing for them in the Range Control auditorium, in lieu of the usual T-1 Briefing. During this time Alamo Heights students also gave their Student Rocket Presentations encompassing the details about and expectations of their vehicles.

Around 11:30 the decision was made that the rocket was as full as it was going to be able to achieve and therefore it was time to launch.

Before the launch I spoke with several of Alamo Heights students. According to them the vehicles name is Rocket with the R backwards like a Russian R. It is 20′ long with a diameter of 10″, weighing in at just over 600 lbs fully fueled. The payload was a Yeti cup with a Petri dish of penicillin and mold from a wallet. They intended to study the effects of radiation on both to see how it effected growth of the mold and if the penicillin became more potent.

Their recovery system was a mortar barrel system with 3 charges with a reefing system. The first charge released the nose cone, the second knocks the piston out of the barrel, deploying the third that releases the reefing lines. The vehicle also had a 3D printed nozzle which threaded into the  fuel grain which was poured directly into the tube with threading at each end to hold it in.

The vehicles projected height was 56,000′. Unfortunately it did not achieve that today. Instead it ignited and traveled up about 20′ above the rail, turned on its side and crashed to the ground just behind the two launch trailers, where it continued to burn until the engine and fuel grain completely burned out.

This made the area unapproachable for quite some time, until all flames could be put out and the rocket cooled enough to be safe to move and asses damages in the area. Unfortunately, this caused the cancellation of all other launches for the day.

SystemsGo and WSMR personnel stayed at the site to clean up, and assess and repair equipment in order to continue launches tomorrow.

There will be many things for students to evaluate and learn as to why this incident occurred, and how to prevent it in the future. SystemsGo may have some suggestions and evaluations of their own.

Currently the rocket has been recovered and SystemsGo is at the range replacing hydraulic lines on the launch trailer that were melted and working to get the switching running again.

Tomorrow will be another 10:00 am launch start. This will mean that personnel going to WC50 will be leaving for the range at 6:00 am.

Those going to watch the launches from Range Control will be heading out at 8:00 a.m. to meet our rep in the gravel lot outside the main gate by 9:00 a.m.

Tomorrow’s launch schedule is as follows:

  • 10:00 a.m. Union Grove High School
  • 12:00 a.m. Anahuac High School
  • 14:00 p.m. Marble Falls High School
  • 16:00 p.m. Brazoswood High School

If it is a perfect day and all goes well with no exceptions with each launch, then only Fredericksburg High School’s and Booker T Washington High School’s two rockets would be left for Sunday.

Realistically, this is a very tight launch sequence with little to no room for errors. As we saw today, 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 tomorrow, then they will carry over into Sunday time slots as allowed by WSMR.

Sunday is a contingency day if needed in which four more vehicles could launch, otherwise we will travel home that day.

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

Thursday Rockets 2019 Headed to White Sands-Day 1 Set up-Report and Friday Early Information

The SystemsGo team left Fredericksburg at 5:30 this morning headed to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. They arrived in Alamogordo at about 1:30 and headed straight to West Center 50 to set up the range. It was a successful day for the team as they were able to set up the rail and test equipment, leaving only minor things to be finished Friday morning.

They left the range around 6:40 and headed in to supper at Si Senor Mexican Restaurant. Afterwards the team split sending some to gather supplies for tomorrow while others went to meet schools still needing to complete their FRR checks.

The current schedule has launches beginning by 10:00 tomorrow morning.

Here is a quick recap from Rebekah Hyatt’s Friday emails:

Friday: All essential personnel from all schools meet in the Quality Inn parking lot at 6:15 and caravan to the  Tula Gate arriving by 7 AM. Look for the white van with SystemsGo on the side. There will be a safety briefing on site at WC50 at 7:30 so please be prompt.
Once your rocket is on range and ready to go to the rail and you are NOT one of the first 4 to launch,  you will be allowed to leave the range when we evacuate for the first launch. If you are one of the first 4 to launch, you will be evacuated and brought back after  launch.
We have 3 launch times for Friday beginning at 10 AM with 2 hour intervals. All spectators must be at the main gate no later than 8:30 AM. Ginger Burow and Anna Cardon will be waiting in the dirt area to the right just ahead of the gates. We will need a vehicle count from each school which should be provided to Ginger prior to arriving at the gate. They only allow the total count we supply through the gate.
After being led through we will follow to the base theater for a 9:15 briefing by military officials. It should be short and then the group will proceed to Range Control ahead of a 10:00 first T time. This is a tight schedule so please do not be late to the gate. Please have your ID with you and be advised that no electronics of any kind including fitbits are allowed inside Range Control.
Below is the current schedule of launches:
Note that is as long as all rockets are completely ready.
  • Friday:
    1. Union Grove High School
    2. Alamo Heights High School
    3. Booker T Washington High School (Rocket 1)
    4. Anahuac High School (if the time allows for a fourth launch)
      1. Brazoswood High School (1st to move up in the event Anahuac is not ready)
  • Saturday: If only 3 are tested on Friday
    1. Anahuac High School
    2. Marble Falls High School (will launch Saturday no matter how the schedule moves.)
    3. Brazoswood High School
    4. Fredericksburg High School
    5. Booker T Washington (Rocket 2)

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 that day and how launches went for the schools testing the previous 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.

 

Goddard Level Rockets Ride The Skies in 17 Days Redbird #20 Among Them

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 are set to launch June 21-23. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in this level of the SystemsGo program.

Redbird #20 is scheduled for testing at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Sunday, June 23. This marks the last big event for Rockets 2019 and the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket Program.

As of today, May 31, when I was able to get a report on the rocket’s status, from team member, Dawsen Harkins, was in good standing. He reported that as of May 30, the nosecone had been assembled and covered with its first layer of fiberglass.

In this photo the nose cone ring is being secured in place, and centered by skewers for fiberglassing.

Although, the tank required 2 trips to SRM to have leaks rewelded, it has now completed its pressure testing successfully. It will be returning to SRM again to have the hatches and holes cut in.

New for this year is a piston valve system. This has also performed well when tested.

This year’s rocket is supporting three payloads. The first came from Harvard University, courtesy of former FHS student, Joseph Sanchez, who attends school there. It is a CubeSat with a pneumatically deployed solar panel.

They second one was created by Keith Jenkins, the FHS IT guy. It is a small electronics bay.

The third the team provided. It is a GoPro camera. It will be positioned behind an acrylic window in the hatch, so that it can look out and video the vehicle’s flight.

According to Harkins, “All components bays have been made and 3D printed and fit perfectly in the rocket.”

The fuel grain is also on the task list. They have assembled the mold for pouring it. One part of the mixture for the fuel grain is still not in but they will be mixing and pouring it as soon as this arrives.

As of this report, supplied last Friday, the following list of things is left and then they are FRR complete.

  1. Complete the fiberglassing of the nose cone.
  2. Make the fuel grain and assemble the motor system.
  3. Assemble the recovery system.
  4. Weld fins to body.
  5. Cut hatches and have holes drilled in the body tube.
  6. Fix minor little things for flight.

The current list of students from this team attending the WSMR launch is as follows:

Rodolfo Avila, Cody Blohm, Gloria Burns, Alexander Casteneda, Lucio Castro Vazquez, Clayton Ellebracht, Jose Escalante, Jabin Gipson, Dawsen Harkins, Cooper McDonald, Eduardo Memije, Bradley Plaza, Joshua Reese-Hadley,  Nicholas Rodriguez, Robert Sanchez, Deja Turkett, Gabriel Voorhees, Carl Wilger, and Robert Zowie.

Currently there is not a team picture available, but here is Nick Rodriguez, Deja Turkett and Dawsen Harkins taking a work break on the stairs at FHS.

Launches are scheduled for June 21st and June 23rd. The team will travel out to WSMR on Wednesday, June 20th, and back home again on the 24th.

There are 7 schools scheduled to launch 8 rockets. These schools include:

  • Alamo Heights
  • Anahuac
  • Booker T. Washington
  • Brazoswood
  • Fredericksburg
  • Marble Falls
  • Union Grove

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 2oth
    1. Travel Day
  • Friday, June 21st
    1. Mrorning-T-1/Site Set up WC-50; Afternoon-Launch Union Grove & Alamo Heights ( or whichever rockets are ready)
  • Saturday, June 22rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Four Rockets-Booker T., Anahuac, Marble Falls, & Brazoswood)
  • Sunday, June 23rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Two Rockets-Fredericksburg & Booker T Washington)
  • Monday, June 24th
    1. Travel Day (Could travel home on the 23rd if operations are complete in time.)

This article is for the 2018/2019 school year to update the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket program. This school is a participant of the SystemsGo STEM program. This series of articles is intended to support and encourage students in the program as they share their working status and accomplishments throughout the year in the program. These publications will be available for tags and re-posting.

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.

#Rockets2018 #SystemsGo #FredricksburgSTEMAcademy #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail

 

Rockets 2019 and the Texas Rocket Trail Ended Yesterday at Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launch Site

The Texas Rocket Trail edition of Rockets 2019 came to a close yesterday with a good launch day, finally! It has been a rough weekend as Thursday launches were successful closing just as storms were rolling into the area.  Friday’s were completely cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday.  Saturday only tested 2 rockets before lightning and storms forced the shut down of the site again, and those schools were asked to move theirs to Sunday as well.

Throughout the weekend, the site sustained flooding and damage multiple times. Luckily nothing beyond repair, although it did delay start times on subsequent days. Live streaming was lost on Saturday, but was restored for Sunday’s launch.

Along with weather, flooding and other damages in the area, they also had to contend with a horrid smell from the collision of two barges and a  ship in the channel. Authorities were monitoring water and air qualities due to the nature of the chemicals the barges were carrying, that released at the collision.

Some of the recovery teams reported a run in with snakes, but escaped unscathed. Not sure about the snakes.

With all this going on and more, the team and volunteers still managed to launch 43 rockets for the weekend, 28 of which were Sunday. 32 of those were successfully recovered, another 5 were lost to the Bay. Considering they only had 2 recovery teams on Thursday and 3 on Sunday that is still an amazing recovery rate.

There were originally 57 rockets scheduled for testing at Smith Point but several cancelled due to the weather concerns which is why only 43 were actually launched. No word on what the fate of the rockets that were not tested will be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them return next rocket season.

This was a site of hope for all involved on Sunday, after all the weather issues. The pad finally boasted a full volley with all rails loaded and ready.

Many thanks to Erin Arkinson for supplying me with information and pictures for the weekend. I never accomplished the Livestream, even when it was up, due to technical difficulties on my own system.

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ . Links for the Livestream and pictures are also listed below.

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

In late June, eight Texas schools’ senior/graduate teams are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The current roster lists a possible 10 rockets to be attempted at the range. This will complete the fifth launch and finalize the season.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during that event if information is available. There will not be live streaming since this is a military base.

Please watch the SystemsGo website, SystemsGo Facebook page,  SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on these events.

www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved, the future of your students will be greatly benefited.

Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019

 

 

 

Another Stormy Day Shuts Down Rockets 2019 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Saturday

Things have not gone well down in Smith Point this weekend! Weather has been completely uncooperative causing the cancellation of Friday’s launches in total and only allowing two off the rail on Saturday.

Lightning became a major issue Saturday creating safety hazards that only allowed evacuation of the site as the rule for the day. There were 28 rockets scheduled to launch but only two did. Fortunately the rest had made it through stages 1 and 2 and are rail ready for tomorrow, Sunday.

Friday’s Rockets, numbering 18 were already rescheduled for launch on Sunday. They will still have to clear stages 1 and 2. This makes a wild total of 44 rockets to launch Sunday weather permitting!

According to posts from SystemsGo ‘s Facebook page, the new plan for Sunday is as follows. Saturday’s volleys will load the rails and launch while Friday’s are passing through stages 1 and 2. Sounds like it’s going to be an early morning, and a long day! This will be a record breaking day if all 44 vehicles ride the skies.

Recovery I hope your rides are fueled and you have your water resistant track shoes on. You’re going to be busy!  And you guys at the Pad, God bless you! You’re going to need it! Stage 3 and Mission Control, think fast it’s going to be a fun filled crazy day. Good luck to everyone, students and schools too!

Power was restored to the site late today according to SystemsGo but Livestream is still highly unlikely Sunday. They won’t know for sure until they start up  in the morning. They will try to record launches for later posting.

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch dates, locations, map links, ticket links, and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

  • Sunday , May 12
  • Launch & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
    South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
  • Event Tickets
  • Southeast Texas-Smith Point 2019 Flight Schedule
  • Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/GE2tXoy3bgE2
  • Schools participating: Gary HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Harleton HS, Northstar HS, SF Austin HS, Anahuac HS, Booker T Washington HS, Liberty HS, Pasadena Memorial HS, South Houston HS, Brazsoport HS, Brazoswood HS, Channelview HS, Kingwood Park HS, Milby HS, New Diana HS
  • 57 expected rockets for testing
  • A live feed for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.

The site will be open for admittance at 8:00 a.m. and launches will commence at 8:30 a.m.  Of course 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.

If you plan to attend any of these launches please register for your attendance ticket ahead of time or obtain them at the gate. These are free but required for admittance to each site as they also include a waiver for access to the site. Reserving them ahead at the website is preferred to obtaining them at the gate because the latter slows entrance to the site and may result in you missing the viewing of your intended launch.

If you follow this program and like viewing the launches, this is the last one available to view for Rockets 2019.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the event 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 greatly benefited.

Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019