Category: Ideas

ROCKETS 2024 Season, Spring Launch Sequence Begins Tomorrow!!!!!

SystemsGo Rockets 2024 is in it’s final hours of prep before the first launch with T-0 set for early Tuesday morning in Jal, New Mexico. After launches on Tuesday and Wednesday in Jal, action will transition to the second venue in Jacksboro, TX for the Northeast Texas Launches on Friday and Saturday. 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 Friday and  Saturday of the second week in May, concluding the 2024 Spring Launch series.

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.)
    1. We encourage bringing your own 10×10 pop up for extra shelter from weather be it sun or rain.
  2. Hand washing stations and portable restrooms.
  3. 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.
  4. A Google map link directing you to the launch site and the individual Stages is 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 2024. 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 23-24
    • Phillips Hill Rd & County Rd 10, Jal NM 88252
  • North Texas/Jack County — April 26-27,  weather contingency day on the 28th
    • FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
  • Central Texas/Stonewall — May 2-4,  weather contingency day on May 5th
    • 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point — May 10-11,  weather contingency day May 12th
    • 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
  • WSMR – Late June, final dates TBD

Eleven schools will launch in Jal, and a total of 36 schools in the three Texas launches, which brings the grand total of schools to 47. A total of 169  rockets will be tested between the Texas and New Mexico launches for this 2024 Rocket season.

All Spring sites will be open to public viewing of launches. 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 #Rockets2024 #SystemsGoRoocketTrail #TXNMRockets2024

 

Rockets 2023-WSMR, Saturday Launch Day Report and Mission Complete with Accolades

Three schools tested rockets at White Sands Missile Range today. Brazoswood,  Alamo Heights and Union Grove comprised.

Our first T time was at 8:15 a.m. with Union Grove was the rail ready for launch. Ignition was a go, but unfortunately the nitrous valve did not function properly causing the rocket to burn up on the rail. The vehicle sat burning on the rail for around 30 minutes causing unrepairable damage to the rocket, as it melted through the aluminum body at the aft section. The motor bay broke away from the body, tilting forward, allowing the long body section to fall into it but still all remained on the rail. It had to be extinguished a couple of times and then left to cool until after the next rocket had launched.

Alamo Heights loaded onto the rail next. At 11:15 a.m. they achieved a successful launch in spite of their vent nozzle staying open allowing full vent during fill and launch. Their vehicle was supposed to be fitted with an internal vent flow that would have allowed it to regulate its own vent throughout the whole fill and launch correctly instead of SG having to manually vent, but he believed the students had forgotten to install it. Either way, they had a wonderful flight reaching an altitude of 23,000 AGL. This is one of their best flights in a long while.

Brazoswood was the final launch of the day at around 1:15 p.m.. This year’s launch was nothing short of amazing as well. They made 28,000 AGL, leaving a trail that could be followed in the sky for quite a while. High level winds made it to angel into the wind which caused a loss in some altitude. One of their students set tracking computers using satelites to find and follow the vehicle and mark it’s speed. His preliminary findings suggested the rocket came down under chute, and it actually did. This is a new first. There was one nose cone in 2019 that came down under chute but this accomplished all chutes deploying and all pieces recovered by WSMR today. Great job on that recovery system students.

At 3:30 p.m. WSMR called called everyone in for lunch as they cooked hamburgers and hotdogs for the teams and work crews. The SG teams stopped dismantling the launch pad and joined in for lunch, after which we continued our work, completing tear down and pack up by 4:00 p.m.

Test Center Commander, Colonel Smart, was originally scheduled to be onsite today, but a scheduling conflict made that impossible. However Lori Leyva and her crews were there supporting the launched and so before we left, Rebekah made presentations of certificates to Lori and also Chris Madsen, along with t-shirts and caps to them and all there crew members.

It was most definitely a beautiful launch set this year at WSMR. Great job schools!

Mission was called complete by WSMR at 4:50 p.m. today and all teams and schools pulled away from the site.

Our first stop this evening was for a shower to remove all the dirt devil dust it covered us in multiple times, followed by dinner at Si Senor’s Mexican Food, and a sunset trip to the White Sands Monument Dunes for a quick slide in the light of a red orange sky and the sun dropped quickly behind the horizon.

Tomorrow’s schedule will be a call to load and head home, starting on the road by 8:00 a.m.

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.

#Rockets2023 #TexasRocketTrail #EyesonTheSkies #Ridetheskies #ItisRocketScience #TexasToNewMexicoRocketTrail

Rockets 2023 Arrived in Alamogordo, Thursday for WSMR Launches on Saturday

The SystemsGo team left Fredericksburg at in two shifts, one at 6:00 a.m. and the second at 8:30 a.m. this morning headed to Alamogordo, for lodging for White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) rocket launches in New Mexico. Schools from Union Grove, Alamo Heights and Brazoswood also traveled to Alamogordo today to meet and begin preparations for launches this Saturday

The early crew, Rebekah Hyatt and George Burns, set up by 3:00 p.m.in the parking lot of the Quality Inn and Suites to preform pressure and FRR checks for Union Grove and Alamo Heights teams. At 8:45 p.m. the SystemsGo team walked to Applebee’s for dinner as the students from Alamo Heights were still evaluating their rocket and finishing configuration.

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, except lunch on launch day will be provided by WSMR.

All documentation was completed and turned in to Rebekah Hyatt, Thursday evening upon arrival.

  • UXO, Wildlife, and Driving in WSMR briefing registry
  • WSMR waiver
  • SystemsGo waiver
  • Medical Release Forms

Be prepared to show ID’s at the security check at the gate in the morning.

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

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, June 23rd
    1. Depart for site from hotel by 7:15 a.m.
    2. Meet at Tula Gate for Security Checks at 8:00 a.m.
    3. Alamo Heights and Union Grove will be in our caravan from the hotel. Brazoswood will meet us at the Tula Gate.
    4. Travel to ABC-1 at 9:00 a.m.
    5. Site Set up at ABC-1 upon arrival.
    6. Complete all rockets.
    7. Leave the site with Union Grove and Alamo Heights on the rails and Brazoswood completed and ready to load the rail by 5:00 p.m.
  • 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.

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

What Do Writers Write, When They Haven’t A Clue?

What do writers write about when they have no clue what to write about? What words hit the page, when there is no event to cover, public interest or personal thing that lends itself to writing a story? That is exactly what this story is going to investigate.

Of course, I say Writers, loosely. Mostly this applies to one lost writer I know.

I sit at my computer, brainstorming over ideas of nothing. The little voice in my head rehearses that writer’s mantra of “Writer’s Write,” so write something. Write anything! Certainly, there must be something of interest for me to put words on paper.

My writer friend, Phil, who seems to never lack for something to write about, of course, that is pretty much all he does these days. I still have a “real” job as my husband would tell me. If it were up to me that would be my only “real” job, but finances just do not follow inline for me. Anyway, he asks me every time I see him, “So what have you been writing lately? I haven’t seen any posts from you.”

I need more rocket events; I always write about them when they are in season. Unfortunately, Rocket Season just ended for the spring. Only the big boys that we take to White Sands are left to be tested at the end of June. I have been doing pregame on that event, but I cannot launch those yet. Pun definitely intended. I love Rockets, and I had to get it in there somewhere. But as is the usual schedule of events, after June, I have no more rockets and sadly my enthusiasm seems to wane. So, in answer to his question, “Not a whole lot. Some poetry here and there. A fictional story once in a while. Oh, I did a devotion for our Lenten book at church. Does that count?”

I told him, I would love to travel and write about where I travel. He asks, “ Why aren’t you doing it?” Same answer, “Time, money, PTO, did I mention money.” Yup it’s a rut!

Now here I am, trying to at the very least write something. And here is the best part. I love having spell check and an editor, but can’t it just leave me alone until I want it’s help? I don’t even know what I am writing about! What do I care if it is correct at this point?

I am sitting here trying to figure out where to go from here, tapping inertly on my keyboard. When a story I saw in the Daily Update of the Fredericksburg Standard comes to mind, and I wonder why, now? Here is the answer, and it is something to write about, however briefly.

The band is reviving the Cake Walk this Thursday, at the Farmer’s Market at Market Platz. Actually, it is TODAY! They have asked for percussion alumni to come play the old traditional cowbell cadence. As I ponder for ideas, I realize my inert drumming is that very cadence. Not surprising, since old Bandies tend to revert back to what they know.

The Band Cake Walk hasn’t happened since the 1990’s so I am told, but I was a very young child when I really remember attending the event. I do remember making a pink carousel cake with Peeps animals for horses. I was very proud of it at the time. It was the only decorated one I recall taking to donate and be judged. No, if memory serves me, it did not place.

At the time I recall it used to take place right where Adlesverein Halle is on Market Platz. That corner was a community baseball field at the time. I do remember having fun as a child. By high school it had lost it’s luster. I was a teenager, and both my mother and grandmother made wedding and all occasion cakes for the public and I was forced to help. I hated it. Little did I know I would spend 13 years setting up and delivering cakes for Sophie’s Choice Bakery later in life. My Oma would have been thrilled. She always told me, what you throw away the farthest is what you pick up first. Well, it wasn’t first, but I did pick it up and actually enjoyed it then.

I do intend to attend tonight’s event. I am curious, and nostalgic. I want to hear the cadence. As for the cake walk itself, I will watch, past that I have not decided, only time will tell.

Most of what I have found to note on paper today, probably won’t be of interest to folks not from old Fritztown, but you know what? That is ok. Heck it might not even be entertaining to them. But you know what? There are words on paper. Honestly, that was my goal.

So, I still don’t really know what to write about, but I did have fun rambling around. I hope you enjoyed it. Perhaps I will try to do it more often. You know, make it a thing, titled, “What Do Writers Write About, When They Haven’t a Clue?”

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