Category: Phil Houseal

Rockets 2026 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Wednesday, May 6, Setup Recap and Thursday, May 7, Launch Day 1 Pregame

Southeast Texas Rockets started off Tuesday and Wednesday with travel and set up days in Smith Point. The team headed to Smith Point Tuesday and spent that evening and Wednesday morning setting up all stages and the pad. They had a strange anomally this year, as they completed everything that could be done before the last morning done by noon on Wednesday. They even got to come back to the Oyster Bayou Hunting Club where we stay these days, and have lunch and a nap.

That probably explains why Steve and I had just the opposite as we tried to get there today. We took the dog to daycare and loaded up his truck and proceeded to park vehicles in safe places only to discover that the truck had a serious antifreeze leak. At that point we pulled the four runner back out, loaded everything from the truck into it and started again. What was supposed to be 8:30 or 9:00 became 10:00. And with that came the front and a wicked storm. Luckily we skirted it as we drove, but some reports from Willow City, Sandy and Stonewall showed anywhere from pea to softball size hail, not a good thing.

After one rain out day in Central Texas that resulted in no launches on Friday and having to double up on what turned out to be a fabulous day of launching on Saturday with 39 rockets tested, we are hoping for no rain delays for this weekend. Rain is predicted for this weekend, so  delays are a strong possibility, but we are keeping a hopeful outlook on blue skies and rockets sailing high on all three days. And unfortunately mosquitoes are  a strong possibility as well.  So if you are coming to SETX Rockets 2026 bring your spray! Luckily a nice breeze will keep them at bay, so let’s hope we have that all over the launch site,  and not just at Trinity bay.

Kirk Moore and his crew were able to set up tents and mark the pad on Monday. SystemsGo Team members began arriving Tuesday and finishing set up for Stage 1, 2, 3, Mission Control and the Pad and do pad tests. Joyce Abby will again join us to be the “voice of rockets.” Honestly I can’t imagine rockets without her and her wealth of rocket history and knowledge.

The team is once again staying in Anahuac at Oyster Bayou Hunting Club.  It is much closer our launch site in Smith Point. It has a great rooms, nice owners, Gene Campbell and his wife, who even provide food, and a very cozy feel.

The team finished early at the site so they spent the evening at the club playing 42, having drinks, and eating red pork tacos, with home made chips and salso for dinner, all supplied by the owner, and cooked by their wonderful cook,  Amanda. This is indeed a wonderful treat for all of us. Usually it is a late night dinner where ever we can find open when we finish at the range.

The original schedule listed 12 schools and 50 rockets slated for testing this weekend in Smith Point.

Twenty-one rockets are scheduled for Thursday, as festivities begin.

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

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Spectators are welcomed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

Concessions are provided again this year. We have a new vendor from New Beginning’s Restaurant in Anahuac. Below is there menu for the weekend.

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

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch date begins Thursday. Livestream links and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org

Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches, Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9

  • Thursday, May 7, 2026
  • 6  are Schools participating Thursday at Smith Point
  • 21 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
    • Launch Site & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
      South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
    • Southeast Texas Map Links
      SETX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
      SETX Mission Control / Launch Site
    • Schools participating:  Hardin-Jefferson HS, Harleton HS, North Shore HS, Anahuac HS,  Brazoswood HS,  Kingwood Park HS, Hargrave HS, Ball HS, Friendswood HS, Dobie HS and Summer Creek HS
    • 50 expected rockets for testing
    • Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
    • New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data

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

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 toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
    Scan or Click
    Jotform Waiver QR Code    There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.

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

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2026 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2026, Saturday, May 2, Central Texas/Stonewall Final Day Launch Report

Rockets 2026, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, continued today. The original schedule listed 15 rockets for today tested by four schools. 25 rockets were hold overs from Thursday’s and Friday’s weather delays, so that upped our total for the day to 40. We were able to accomplish this so no contingency day tomorrow,

The team and volunteers started at 7:30 this morning and the pad was loaded and began launching at 7:47. The flow of rockets to the rails continued steadily throughout the day with the final rocket off the rail by 7:45 this evening. We had clear blue skies and a nice breeze all day which meant no weather delays. And the temperatures started in the 50’s and ended at 69.

At the end of launches today we had one rocket from Hardin-Jefferson that after 4 times on the rail and multiple different repairs, still had a vent issue and refused to fill properly. So Coach Fogo decided to field test it and then load it up and take it back to Anahuac to launch next weekent at Smith Point.

After the completion of this weekend’s launches the Texas Rocket Trail will move to Smith Point in Anahuac, down in the Houston area for the final leg of the season before the spring launches end for another year. Those launches begin Thursday, May 7.

Pictures from the day’s events are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered is priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, then it is even more memorable. If you are not on site, then shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online. Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream

New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedules, school names, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved. Your students’ futures will benefit.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2026 #EyesToTheSkies #EyestotheSkies!

Rockets 2026, Thursday, April 23rd North Texas Launch Site Prep Day

The SystemsGo team and volunteers began arriving at the site Tuesday. They spent Tuesday through today onsite in North Texas, near Jacksboro in Jack County,  transforming the Brown  and Thornton family ranches into a launch site,  once again for this year’s 2026 NTX launch. The crew spent a busy day assembling Mission Control,  Media, the Pad, Stages 1,2 and 3, setting fences and hanging signs.

Friday morning, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue, as schools, students, and test vehicles arrive for the Rockets 2026 flight line up. This season’s venue will be a Friday and Saturday launch event, with a weather contingency day of Sunday, only if needed.

2026 marks seven active years 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 Stage 3, Mission Control and launching.

This year’s event is sponsored by Herbert Easley Power Sports in Henriettta who supplied some of the ATV’s used by recovery, as well as Stroeher and Olfers, Inc of Fredericksburg for supplying one of the ATV’s.  Lastly, The Sid W. Richardson Foundation is the original founding sponsor for this SystemsGo event.

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/SystemsGoNews

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 irony and humor our group has. After all, placement is everything! It is actual a picture from previous years, but I just love it so it tends to stay. At the time we left for the evening not all the signs were finished, and this one was not hung yet. I am not sure if it was an oversite, or if someone decided to do something new. I guess we will know by tomorrow.

Unfortunately SystemsGo was unable to procure a vendor for concessions for this year’s launch event in Jacksboro. Therefore all schools are responsible for bringing food, snacks and drinks for their students, parents and volunteers. This is a remote location. The nearest town with available food is  30+ miles either direction, ie Mineral Wells and Jacksboro.

Restrooms and wash stations are 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 NOT be available on site this year. Teachers and Spectators are encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter. 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. Sunday is our built in weather contingency day should we need to delay launches. All rockets and students should proceed through Stages 1, 2, and 3 at their assigned times each day so that each vehicle can be completed and be ready for launch if possible. If delays happen the completed rockets will be stored in a trailer until the next available, safe launch spot either that day, or subsequent days as circumstances allow.

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 2026 season but the second launch in the SystemsGo launch line up for the 2026 Spring Rocket trail. SystemsGo New Mexico held the first launch, in Jal, New Mexico, Tuesday and 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 7 schools, slated to test 44 rockets  Friday and Saturday. Sunday is set as a contingency day in case of inclement weather. At this point no storms are predicted, but strong winds are a possibility. They can cause delays and inhibit finding and recovering rockets as they cause excessive drift.

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

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Friday, April 24-Saturday, April 25 (Contingency Day, Sunday, April 26.)
  • 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
    NTX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
    NTX Mission Control / Launch Site
  • Friday’s Schedule.
  • Schools participating:  BCTAL, Buinger HS, Hollenstein CTC,  Northstar HS, Gary HS, Petrolia, and Ranchview HS.
  • 23 rockets are scheduled for tomorrow.
  • 44  total rockets expected for testing over the weekend.
  • Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
  • 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. Note there is a big difference between projected and actual. Actual is quite often much later that projected, but miracles do happen. 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.
  • New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data

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 toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
    Scan or Click
    Jotform Waiver QR Code    There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.
  2. All information can be found https://www.systemsgo.org

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

If you cannot attend in person, join in the action to cheer on your students on the Livestream. The link is provided above and on the SystemsGo  home page. 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. You can also join in on the live chat next to the Live Stream feed on YouTube. The upcoming launches in Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point may also be followed and viewed on this same Livestream link.

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. We had a late dinner at Mesquite Pit, 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 X (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, #EyesToTheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2026 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

Rockets 2025 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Wednesday/Thursday May 7 & 8 Setup Recap and Friday Pregame – May 9

Southeast Texas Rockets started off Wednesday and Thursday with travel and set up days in Smith Point. After one partial rain out day in Central Texas that resulted in Friday’s launches being cut short with only half tested, and having to double up on what turned out to be a fabulous day of launching on Saturday, we are hoping for no rain delays for this weekend. After rain in the area last weekend, all through this week and predicted for this weekend delays are a strong possibility, but we are keeping a hopeful outlook on blue skies and rockets sailing high both days. And unfortunately mosquitoes are  a strong possibility as well.  So if you are coming to SETX Rockets 2025 bring your spray! Luckily a nice breeze has kept them at bay and not just Trinity.

Kirk Moore and his crew were able to set up tents and mark the pad on Monday. SystemsGo Team members began arriving Wednesday and finishing set up for Stage 1, 2, 3, Mission Control and the Pad and do pad tests.Bert Mikosh will be manning the operations for the media tent with help from students and other team members. Joyce Abby will again join us to be the “voice of rockets.”

The team is once again trying out new accommodations. This year we are actually staying in Anahuac at Oyster Bayou Hunting Club.  So we moved closer our launch site it Smith Point. It has a great rooms, nice owners who even provide food, and a very cozy feel.

The team finished early at the site so they spent the evening at the club playing 42, having drinks, eating raw oysters and then enjoying a pot roast dinnery all supplied by the owner. This is indeed a new treat for all of us. Usually it is a late night dinner where ever we can find open when we finish at the range.

The original schedule listed 12 schools and 42 rockets slated for testing this weekend in Smith Point. Fredericksburg High School is attempting a new rocket to launch here in Smith Point this weekend to test strain guages on their fins. Their test in Central Texas last weekend, resulted in a destructive crash so no data was collected so as seniors they are determined to do better.

Twenty-one rockets are scheduled for Friday, as festivities begin.

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

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Spectators are welcomed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

Concessions are provided again this year. We have a new vendor from New Beginning’s Restaurant in Anahuac. Below is there menu for the weekend.

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

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch date begins Friday. Livestream links and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Southeast Texas Launches

  • Friday, May 9, 2025
  • 8  are Schools participating Friday at Smith Point
  • 24 expected rockets for testing on Friday.

  • Screenshot
  •  A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org/events as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows:
  • Streaming Link May 9 SETX

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

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2025, Saturday, May 3, Central Texas/Stonewall Final Day Launch Report

Rockets 2025, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, continued today. The original schedule listed 11 rockets for today tested by two schools. 13 rockets were hold overs from yesterday’s weather delay, so that upped our total for the day to 24.

The team and volunteers started at 7:30 this morning and the pad was loaded and began launching at 8:29. The flow of rockets to the rails continued steadily throughout the day with the final rocket of the rail by 6:35 this evening. We had clear blue skies and a nice breeze all day which meant no weather delays.

At the event today, Executive Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt and Program Director, George Burns, presented the 2025 Gene Garrett Scholarship to a student from Fredericksburg High School, Emmitt Harper.

img_3681

Yesterday in this blog I wrote about a new school at the event this year from Mustang High School in Oklahoma. They were able to successfully test their rocket. It left the rail sailing high and well. However their chute didn’t depoly completely so it had a semi ballistic landing and their altimeter bay was lost leaving them unable to analyze their flight data. Non the less they are super excited about the successs that they had and look forward to next year. They plan to display their rocket pieces and use it to encourage future classes as well as additional schools in Oklahoma to consider being a part of the SystemsGo program. They all agreed they learned more from the program than they could have imagined. Their rocket’s lift off is the cover photo for today’s blog.

After the completion of this weekend’s launches the Texas Rocket Trail will move to Smith Point in Anahuac, down in the Houston area for the final leg of the season before the spring launches end for another year. Those launches begin Friday, May 8.

Pictures from the day’s events are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

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

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedules, school names, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved. Your students’ futures will benefit.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2025, Friday, May 2, Central Texas/Stonewall Weather Delayed Launch Report

Rockets 2025, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, continued today. The original schedule listed 23 rockets for today. A combination of issues on the pad and rain later in the day slowed progress. Early on it was rockets returning to Mission Control to trouble shoot issues. But by 4:00 this afternoon rain was moving in causing first a few short delays, and then later a permanent shut down of launches. Some schools are returning to watch them launch, while others elected to leave and watch their launches on Livestream.

One school returning tomorrow, Mustang High School from Oklahoma.This is their first year, and the class is still a pilot program at the school but is fast gaining support and recognition. They hope their rocket flies well and they get it back so it can be used to encourage the program at their school. The team and teacher, Gary Knowles, were all energetic and excited about their project. They pruposely booked an extra night just to be sure they would get the opportunity to see their vehicle fly.

Below the group works through their FRR at Stage 1 hoping to clear by the end of the day. They were down 3 pertinent team member so they lead engineer was taking on the role of trouble shooting each point on the paperwork. Their teacher, Gary Knowles, said he was doing an amazing job of thinking things through, but that he definitely had a different style of reasoning than the leads on some areas of the project. He was very proud to see how well they were all pulling together to get things accomplished.

This year, this class was a pilot program for the school and even shared class space and time with the Aviation class. He believes it has proven itself and will get a dedicated hour for class and space all it’s own. He says he is really behind the program and what it teaches, and his students agree. Good luck tomorrow, Mustangs!

After the completion of this weekend’s launches tomorrow, the Texas Rocket Trail will move to Smith Point in Anahuac, down in the Houston area for the final leg of the season before the spring launches end for another year.

Pictures from the day’s events are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

Tomorrow’s launches will continue at the Sammy Segner Ranch on Double Horn Road with Stages 1 and 2 will be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Spectators are welcomed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

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

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Roosevelt HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West, Harleton HS, London HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, Canon City HS, Brazoswood HS, Future Ready Complex, Mustang HS
  • 11 rockets are slated for testing on Saturday, with an additional 13 from Friday.
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided here:
  • CTX Stream May 3
  • And will be available at www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day.

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 7:30 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 7:30 a.m.

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedules, school names, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved. Your students’ futures will benefit.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2025, Thursday, May 1, Central Texas/Stonewall Launch Report

Rockets 2025, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, began today. The original schedule listed 20 rockets for today launched by 6 schools. Of those, 19 were successfully tested today. All were good flights, some lacked deployment of chutes. Quite a few were successfully recovered, though some will need to be searched for tomorrow while retrieving new launches.

The site took on a new look this year as they moved the pad 90 degrees to face east andthe MC to face west toward it. This was oriented to attempt to keep more of the rockets on the Segner and Weinheimer ranches for easier and faster recovery. It also helped with the evening sun in Mission Control and the Media tents.

All rockets were tested by 6:40 and the site secured for the evening as storms are predicted for over night in the area. Eleven team members congregated at Campo Azul for dinner after launches and then headed home for much needed rest before staring tomorrow’s session.

The concesstion trailer is for this year’s CTX Rocket event is run by Toothless BBQ from Stonewall, Texas.

Their main menu included turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, sausage on a stick, and loaded mac-n-cheese.

Tomorrow 23 rockets are on the schedule, built by 8 different schools.

Pictures from the day’s events are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:

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

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

Tomorrow’s launches will continue at the Sammy Segner Ranch on Double Horn Road with Stages 1 and 2 will be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.

Restrooms and wash stations will be available at the launch site. They are provided again this year by Duane Neffendorf and Hill Country Pump Service.

Some of this year’s sponsors at CTX Rockets are Adam R. Scripps, Vogel Tractors and AMSAT Amateur Radio In Space.

Spectators are welcomed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

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

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Friday, May 2, 2025
  • Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
  • Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
  • Central Texas-Stonewall 2025 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Roosevelt HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, Canon City HS, Brazoswood HS, Future Ready Complex, Mustang HS
  • 11 more rockets are slated for testing on Saturday.
  • A Livestream for each launch is provided here:
  • CTX Stream May 2
  • And will be available at www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day.

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.

After the completion of this weekend’s launches, Saturday, the Texas Rocket Trail will move to Smith Point in Anahuac, down in the Houston area for the final leg of the season before the spring launches end for another year.

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedules, school names, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved. Your students’ futures will benefit.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

April 25, 2025, Rockets 2025 North Texas/Jacksboro Friday’s Final Launch Day Update

Friday, Day 2, the final day for North Texas Rockets 2025 launch series was mission complete by  this evening,  with all rockets launched by 6:57p.m. Twenty rockets from five different schools left the rails today. These schools included University HS, RL Turner HS, BCTAL, Buinger HS and one hold over from yesterday, from Hollenstein HS.

Weather for Friday was good with only partly cloudy for most of the day, but with a high ceiling. A threat of severe storms loomed in the area through the day, but never developed near the range.  

First launches blasted off shortly at 10:53 a.m. this morning.  After the first volley of three, the pad kept the rockets flying in a fairly continuous  set each time the rails were full .

Out of 20 rockets launched, only 6  were not recovered. Some flights were beautiful, and opened and came down under chute. Others went up and spiraled before blowing apart and landing scattered over the range. This made it a bit challenging for recovery teams to locate, but they did an amazing job. 

After Mission Complete the Team left the site to go find a decent dinner tonight at JR’s Chop House B & B  and the Butterfield Inn to crash for the night. Except me, I did not crash yet. I am still writing this article and will still post pictures to Facebook when I am done with this.

In the morning the crew will meat for breakfast at 7:00amat the Village Kitchen and then head back to the ranch to tear down the whole site and pack it away in the  cargo trailer for NTX until next year. After that we will all head home to prepare for the next sequence at the Central Texas/Stonewall launches this coming week,  May 1st through the 3rd. A contingency day is built into Sunday, May 4th if needed.

It has been a really long day, and traveling makes me tired so I best get my pictures posted so that I can get some much needed sleep as I am fighting staying awake to write this tonight. The rest of the SystemsGo team is alreay fast asleep. It is well deserved. They all worked really hard to make this a great event for the students and they will do it again soon, twice more.

Please also forgive me if there are any errors or editing faux pas in this article tonight. I have no one to preread or edit and my internal editor keeps falling asleep at the key board! I might have to fire her, or at the very least send her to bed soon!

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 2025 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#Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

 

 

Rockets 2025, Wednesday, April 23rd North Texas Launch Site Prep 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,  once again for this year’s 2025 NTX launch.  Thursday morning, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue, as schools, students, and test vehicles arrive for the Rockets 2025 flight line up.

This is the event’s sixth 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 Stage 3, Mission Control and launching.

This year’s event is sponsored by Herbert Easley Power Sports in Henriettta who supplied some of the ATV’s used by recovery, as well as Stroeher and Olfers, Inc of Fredericksburg for supplying the rest of the ATV’s. Bert Mikosh of Credence IO Technologies was instrumental in installing Starlink WIFI  to support our technology and communications. Summit Engineering Consulting is a new sponsor for this year. Lastly, The Sid W. Richardson Foundation is the original founding sponsor for SystemsGo for this event.

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/SystemsGoNews

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 irony and humor our group has. After all, placement is everything!

Concessions for this year’s launch event in Jacksboro, are provided by Jack County STOMP Organization .

Their menu is included below.

They are a community outreach group that provides drug awareness and prevention for children. They will have information about the organization available on site during the event for anyone interested.

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 NOT be available on site this year. Teachers and Spectators are encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter. 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. Sunday is our built in weather contingency day should we need to delay launches. All rockets and students should proceed through Stages 1, 2, and 3 at their assigned times each day so that each vehicle can be completed and be ready for launch if possible. If delays happen the completed rockets will be stored in a trailer until the next available, safe launch spot becomes available, either that day, or subsequent days as circumstances allow.

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 2025 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, Tuesday and 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 8 schools, slated to test 40 rockets  Thursday and Friday. Saturday is set as a contingency day in case of inclement weather. Storms are possible in the area with the highest possibilities being Thursday and Saturday. Due to this 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 24-Friday, April 25 (Contingency Day, Saturday, April 26.)
  • 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 2025 Flight Schedules may be downloaded from the SystemsGo/Events page.
  • Thursday, April 24, 2025
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Mach 1.0/1.25
    Hollenstein CTCRick Griffith 11
    Northstar SchoolByron Appelt 2
    PetroliaLance Lyles 4 1
    Gary HSS.Kennedy/K. Philley 3
    Schools Launching
    4
    Totals 9 12
    Total Rockets 21
  • Schools participating:  Hollenstein CTC,  Northstar HS, Gary HS, Petrolia
  • 40  expected rockets for testing.
  • Watch the Livestream here: NTX Stream Link DAY 1/April 24:
  • 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 2025. There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site.
  2. All information 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 link is provided above and on the SystemsGo/Event page. 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. You can also join in on the live chat on the Vimeo Live Stream.

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.

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. We had a late dinner at Dairy Queen, 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 X (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, #EyesToTheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2025 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

 

Rockets 2024 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Wednesday/Thursday Setup Recap and Friday Pregame – May 9

Southeast Texas Rockets started off Wednesday and Thursday with travel and set up days in Smith Point. After cloudy and rainy days in Central Texas that resulted in the rockets being tested without students on Monday and Tuesday, we are hoping for better weather this weekend.

Rain has inundated the area last week, and the site here in Smith Point already has more than it’s share of water standing around. Flood waters were present in all rivers and water ways on the trip down to Smith Point. The weather forecast was looking pretty good for the weekend at the beginning of the week, but warnings were already being issued for the state from the hill country through the east coast by this afternoon.  Light drizzle was falling at our courts in Oak Island by 8:00 this evening. We are still hopefull that tomorrow and the weekend will allow all rockets to fly before andy serious weather insues.

Kirk Moore and his crew were able to set up tents and mark the pad on Monday. SystemsGo Team members began arriving Wednesday and finishing set up for Stage 1, 2, 3, Mission Control and the Pad. They were unable to test the pad so that will be done in the morning. Communications will be established tomorrow as well. Phil Houseal is unable to come to this launch so Bert Mikosh will be manning the operations with help from students and other team members.

The drawbacks at the site so far have been standing water, alligators and mostly mosquitos! Bring the OFF, you will need it. Bring rubber boots, you will need them as well.

The team is once again trying out new accommodations here in Anahuac, as the Oak Island Resort and Hurricane Tita’s Bar and Grill closed down. So we moved farther down the water way closer to Trinity Bay into Oak Island Lodge. Community bathrooms for the group are a new experience, but we will survive. It has a great view of the water though the moquitos are swarming here as well.

We tried a new place this year for supper as a group. Tony’s Bar-Be-Que was pretty good. Some had BBQ, others had fish, shrimp, alligator bites, zucchini fries, fried pickles, fries, and stuffed jalepenos.

The original schedule listed 10 schools and 37 rockets slated for testing this weekend in Smith Point. Due to weather issues in other sites there may be some additions/subtractions to the schedule as some may travel here to attempt launching. There may also be schools that add or drop the number they are testing that were already listed as part of the schedule. Due to this, the schedules posted here are now an estimate as changes are not always published.

Twenty +/- rockets are scheduled for Friday, as festivities begin.

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

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Spectators are welcomed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

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

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch date begins Friday. Livestream links and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Southeast Texas Launches

  • Friday, May 10, 2024
  • 5 are Schools participating Friday at Smith Point
  • 20 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
  • Friday, May 10, 2024
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    American Community School Kevin Collins 2
    Brazoswood HS             Chris McLeod 4
    Friendswood HS               Jim Foreman 4
    Harden Jefferson            Mike Fogo 2 2
    Kingwood Park               Glenn Taylor 4 2
    Schools Launching                      5
    Totals 16 4
    Total Rockets                          20
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org/events as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows:
  • Streaming Link May 10 SETX

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

More details will be available here each day. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies2024 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2024 #EyesToTheSkies