Category: North Texas

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, Wednesday North Texas Launch Site Transformation Day

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

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

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

Pictures from the progress of the launches at this site are shared on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

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

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

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

A spectator tent will be available as SystemsGo welcomes spectators. Teachers and Spectators are still encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter, as there is only one large spectator tent available. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

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

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

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

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

North Texas/Jack County:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

 

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

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

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

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

Recovery had a good day. Eighteen rockets were launched, and though exact numbers are not in yet, preliminary estimates are that only 4 were unrecovered. Once again this year we only have three recovery teams. Recoveries for the day, were spread fairly evenly among the teams and what Pad recovered in their area. The last launch of the day, took aim at me, as it came down directly over me, where I had stopped to watch the count down. I was returning to my spot after a short break but ran out of time. Captain Garret always told us that if we saw one coming straight for us, step to the side. I definitely put that into practice today, except I did not step, I ran, keeping a wary eye on the falling rocket. I was able to remove myself a safe distance and watch as it hit the ground. My husband found great humor in my hasty retreat. It was reported that he could be heard laughing all the way to the Pad. It was an easy recovery for me!

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

Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain and possible storms starting around 3:00 p.m. This could present a problem with completing all the launches for tomorrow. Hopefully this will not be the case, and we will not have to run into our contingency day on Saturday.

Pictures from the progress at the site to this point are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations are available at the launch site as is a spectator tent. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents (10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group . Concessions are available provided by Brazos Volunteer Fire Department.

Please be courteous and clean up after yourselves and the members of your group. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

The launch dates, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Friday, April 28
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Look for the signs, for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2023 Flight Schedule shown below.
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Birdville HS, University HS, RL Turner HS
  • 21 rockets expected for testing.
  • Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org for each day.

If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2023 Day 2 in Jacksboro.

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

ROCKETS 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

 

April 29, 2022, Rockets 2022 North Texas/Jacksboro Friday Launch

Friday, Day 2, and the final day for North Texas Rockets 2022 launch series was mission complete by 3:54 this afternoon, with all rockets launched. 18 rockets from five different schools left the rails today. These schools included Buinger HS, Petrolia HS, University HS, Birdville HS, and RL Turner HS.

Recovery dropped from three teams to two today, but they still managed to recovery 15 of today’s 19 launches. Team 2 also picked up Rocket # 52 from Thursday’s launches. Only five of the weekend’s 41 test vehicles were not recovered. Rocket #62 left the rail twice with it’s first test ending just past the rail. Students retrieved it still whole and intact and repaired it for a second test, at which point flew quite well and landed several pastures to the NE where it was recovered.

Weather for Friday was partly cloudy in the morning and mostly clear by afternoon with highs in the 80’s looks good. High winds still kept most of the rockets flying to the northern end of the range with many landing right around Team 2 again. 

First launches blasted off about 10:30 this morning. This was considerably earlier than on Thursday. That might be a group record, 19 rockets in just under 5.5 hours. 

Today’s Livestream link will open for a few days to view if you did not catch it live. You can find that link at SystemsGo on the Events page. Phil had interviews with dignitaries from a school in Abu Dhabi who are considering bring the SystemsGo program to their school in the United Arab Emirates. Representatives from a group in Jacksboro, called, Back to Space, were on site today as well. They are building and immersive destination experience designed to help further interest in space and the moon, called The Lunar Landscape Experience. To find out what it is all about, go to their website at backtospace.com .

Afterward launch complete the SystemsGo team and volunteers dismantled the site, sending bunkers and other equipment to storage for next year’s launch season, loading necessary items to leave for Colorado tomorrow for their launch at Pinon Canyon, and ending the rest of the group back to Fredericksburg.

Following the Colorado launch, the team will be heading to launch in Smith Point for the SETX Rockets. The following week they will all return for the Central Texas launches in Stonewall.

After a two year hiatus due to COVID, Captain Gene Garrett and wife Beth, were in from their new home in North Carolina. They joined the team for the NTX rocket launch and then will also help at the SETX launches before heading back East again. It was sure nice to have them here again.

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

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

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

North Texas was the second launch in the 2022 series, and is followed by launches in Pinon Canyon, CO, Southeast Texas/Smith Point, and Central Texas/Stonewall. The rest of the schedule is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

 

 

April 28, 2022, Thursday, Opening Day of Rockets 2022 in North Texas

Rockets 2022 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Four schools were slated to test a total of 21 rockets, originally, but ended the day with 22 rockets launched. Carroll HS aborted one and Henrietta HS brought their two today instead of tomorrow, creating the difference in the schedule.

It was a long day, as intermissions were also long with a lot of down time early on. The first launch was at 1:15 instead of 9:00 as projected. Morning launch start times are generally hopeful estimates, contingent on clearances from Stage 1 and 2. Today the cloud ceiling kept launches at bay as well. The day ran long with the final launches completing just within our allowed window of daylight.

Temperatures climbed slowly from 60s to 80s with strong, winds. Light jackets were comfortable until mid afternoon and then were quickly discarded. By late afternoon it was full sun with only spotty clouds, a total difference from the heavy cloud ceiling of the morning.

Recovery had a good day with 20 out of 22 vehicles recovered. This is a great tally too, especially when you consider we only have three teams this year. Team 2 had the majority of the recoveries for the day, but the winds played a huge roll in this record, dumping most of them within 200 yards of their spot. One landed directly next to their Gator, bouncing off the front fender. Captain always told us that if we see one coming straight for us, step to the side. Definitely put that into practice today.

Their was a small number of perfect flights today, but all except one, left the rails. Many were short flights that quickly went off projection coming down again shortly. It was definitely an entertaining day of launches. One blew the engine out of the bottom and hung up on the rail instead of lifting off.

Early tomorrow morning, recovery will try to locate the two still in the field.

Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 6 schools and 23 rockets. Since Henrietta HS launched today, that adjusts tomorrow’s schedule to 5 schools and 21 rockets.

Tomorrow’s weather predicts to be almost the same as today. Temperatures will start in the 70’s headed to the mid 80’s with partly cloudy conditions until late afternoon again. Hopefully the winds won’t be quite as strong, and the ceiling less thick.

Recovery will be down one team from today, as Tyler Olson will not be able to help again. Hopefully a new team will show to take his place.

Pictures are 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. A spectator tent will be available. Spectators are allowed this year. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents(10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group since there are no concessions onsite this year.  Please be courteous and clean up after yourselves and the members of your group. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

The launch dates, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Friday, April 29
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Look for the signs, for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2022 Flight Schedule (Original schedule before Henrietta HS switched to today. Currently I do not have a revised schedule, but at this point the only change I am aware of is no HHS for Friday.)
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Birdville HS, University HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 21 rockets expected for testing.
  • Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org  for each day.

If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2022 Day 2 in Jacksboro.

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2022 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

Rockets 2022 Rides the Skies Again at the North Texas Launch Site in Jacksboro, Launches Commence Thursday

The SystemsGo program continues this week in North Texas at Jack County for the Rockets 2022 launch line up.  This is the third operating year at this venue. Jacksboro is the first of three Texas launch sites for the junior level rockets. 

There are currently 42 schools participating in the three Texas launches, with a total this year of 127 rockets. New Mexico and Colorado have joined the lineup of junior level rocket adding another 13 schools and 34 rockets bringing the 2022 lineup totals to 65 schools and 161 rockets. Schools and numbers are steadily climbing gain after pandemic shutdowns in 2020. It is all a very welcomed sight.

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

  • North Texas/Jack County– 10 schools – 44 rockets
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point– 13 schools – 34 rockets
  • Central Texas/Stonewall– 19 schools – 49 rockets

The program also boasts a launch event in Jal, New Mexico, which preceded the three Texas launches this year.  And new this year is Pinon Canyon, CO which will be on May 2. 

  • Jal, New Mexico — 12 schools – 30 rockets
  • Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, CO — 1 school – 4 rockets

Fortunately, this year all sites are again opened to public viewing of launches.

If you plan to attend any of these launches, please be sure to register online for tickets and agree to the SystemsGo Terms and Conditions, which are available at the SytemsGo Events Page.

If you cannot attend in person a Livestream link to the event will be posted on the SystemsGo web page closer to the launch start. The 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, family and social media.

This is the event’s third 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.

More precise information on locations, mapping and parking will be in a subsequent update.

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 9:00 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.

Whether you come in person or watch online, 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/ .

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 #Rockets2022 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail #RideTheSkies

North Texas Launch Site Rockets 2022 Wednesday Set Up

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Wednesday traveling to the site in North Texas, near Jacksboro in Jack County, and then transforming the Brown  and Thornton family ranches into a launch site, Stages 1 and 2 check in stations, and Event parking areas once again for this year’s 2022 NTX launch. Most preparations were completed today. Only a few last minute tasks are left for Thursday morning, and then all will be completed for the arrival of schools, students, and test vehicles for the Rockets 2022 launch line up.  Tomorrow, Thursday, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue.

Six launch rails are ready to keep everyone’s  #EyesOnTheSkies, as participants test their vehicles, to either send a payload a mile in the sky or break the speed of sound.

This is the event’s third 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.

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

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation is once again the sponsor for SystemsGo for this event.

Pictures from the progress of the launches at the site will be 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. Concession vendors unfortunately could not be secured for this launch site, so everyone is encouraged to bring food for their groups. A spectator tent will be available as SystemsGo welcomes spectators back again this year. Teachers and Spectators are still encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter, as there is only one large spectator tent available. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

Jacksboro is the first Texas launch for the Rockets 2022 season but the second launch in the SystemsGo launch line up for the spring rocket trail. It will be followed by launches in U.S. Army Fort Carson Colorado/Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site,  Southeast Texas/Smith Point and Central Texas/Stonewall . SystemsGo New Mexico held the first launch, in Jal, New Mexico, earlier this week.

North Texas/Jack County, is hosting 10 schools, slated to test 44 rockets Thursday and Friday.

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

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 28-Friday, April 29
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the bus parking area. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2022 Flight Schedule

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  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC, Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, University HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS, New Diana HS, Carroll HS
  • 21 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 9:00 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

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

If you follow this program and like to view the launches of Rockets 2022 watch for our Livestream links for the other two Texas launches. Next is the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch just south of Anahuac, Texas for schools in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. This launch  will follow the next week after this  North Texas launch. Two weeks from the launch in Jack County will be the Central Texas/Stonewall launch,  at the Sammy Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas.  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 #Rockets2022 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

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