Category: Rockets

2023 Marks 25 Years White Sands Missile Range Hosts Student Rockets

2023 is a year of milestones for the Fredericksburg based STEM rocket program beginning with White Sands Missile Range hosting the SystemsGo Rocket Program again for its season end launches. This event marks the 25th year the STEM based program has brought high school seniors to the Army Base to test the program’s highest-level rockets, known as Goddard. It would have marked 25 consecutive years, but COVID took out 2020 putting the numbers behind by a year. The program took its first rocket from Fredericksburg High School to WSMR in 1999. The nonprofit organization supporting this STEM program in schools officially began in June of 2003, making this 2023 season its 20th Anniversary as well. This year three schools will be traveling to New Mexico to test their rockets at White Sands Missile Range, they include: Alamo Heights HS, Brazoswood HS and Union Grove HS.

June 23rd through June 25th are the dates for this year’s WSMR launch.  The SystemsGo team and schools will be traveling to Alamogordo, New Mexico for lodging on June 22nd. Early on the 23rd, preparations at the site will be made with the goal of launching all three rockets Saturday afternoon.  The 25th is our contingency day, but it is only a contingency for completing cleanup at the site, or if WSMR must delay our launches. It will not be a day to recycle rockets that fail.

We continue to launch from range ABC1. This range required the altitude cap for the rockets to be adjusted from the 20-mile radius the program previously had available for these test vehicles to travel and stay within their parameters. The original height cap was 100,000 feet. The current cap instituted two years ago is 50,000 feet. ABC-1 does not have a large bunker, so only essential launch personnel stay on site, and the SG staff evacuate out five miles for launches. Students and teachers are taken to a secure location known as Tula G, which is further down range where they watch the launches on screen inside a designated facility. Parents are no longer allowed to come, since the theater at Mission Control is no longer the viewing area. Volunteer staffing of base personnel for this has still not resumed.

Schools are asked to arrive early on the 22nd in Alamogordo to do pressure checks with as little time spent on configuration as possible. At least two vehicles need to have this stage complete before heading down range on the 23rd.  Preferably very little time will be spent on assembly on the 23rd. Some weight, CG, and FFR verification can be done if needed downrange the 23rd.  There will be tents on the range, the same as last year. Rockets need to be complete by the end of the day on Friday.

The first T time on Saturday will be 8:00 a.m. After that the range is Hot all day for us, which translates to as soon as we can reset and be ready to launch again, WSMR is ready to assist. This should make keeping the schedule and sending all three rockets skyward a viable task for Saturday.

WSMR personnel, including Test Center Commander, Colonel Shawanta Smart, and Range Operator, Lori Leyva, will be on site during the launches. WSMR will be providing lunch for all participants. Colonel Smart began her command in August of 2021, making this her second rocket season with the program. She stopped in last year for a brief visit, but plans to be onsite to see more of how the program operates. Ms. Leyva will be retiring after this year. Her service in coordinating SystemsGo and WSMR in launch efforts has been extremely beneficial to the program over the years she has been with us. SystemsGo will be making special presentations during the lunch break.

Saturday is a contingency day, but preferably it should be no more than a site cleanup day if needed that morning. Provided that we accomplish this early the remainder of the day’s activities will be decided at that time.

SystemsGo team members will be residing at the Quality Inn and Suites in Alamogordo this year.

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

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 22nd
    1. Travel Day
    2. Pressure Checks and FRRs that evening at the hotels.
    3. Security checks of all Form 5000s
  • Friday, June 23rd
    1. Site Set up ABC-1 9:00- 9:30 a.m.
    2. Depart for site from hotel by 7:45 a.m.
    3. Complete all rockets.
    4. Leave the site with Union Grove and Alamo Heights on the rails.
  • Saturday, June 24th
    1. Launch Day (Three Rockets, barring any schedule changes by WSMR.)
    2. Depart from hotel by 4:45 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 a.m. –
      • T2
      • T3
      • Break for Lunch 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
      • Range Time Ends – unspecified currently.
  • Sunday, June 25th
    1. Contingency Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (To be determined.)
  • Monday, June 26th
    1. Travel Day

The schedule as seen above is a preliminary estimate, and though accurate as stated by Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt, at the moment, is subject to changes and adjustments as needed once the entire group is in New Mexico.

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Texas Rocket Trail 2023 Ended in Southeast Texas/Smith Point Friday

Friday marked the end of the Texas Rocket Trail for Rockets 2023, as the second and final day of launches in Smith Point boasted good weather and a steady line of rockets coming for testing. The original schedule listed 22 rockets for testing, but by day’s end one carryover from Thursday added and 5 vehicles dropped off the docket, leaving only 18 to launch which still creates a full day.

Most rockets left the rail on their first try, with only 4 having to make extra attempts after minor adjustments. In all it was a good day of steady launches. Of the 18 launched today, all but three were recovered. Of those three, one ballistic re-entry was only marked by sound no sight, one sunk in the bay, and a third land in a gator pond. The last might yet be recoverable with the use of an air boat in the next few days. Only time will tell if the students get it back, or if the gators will get to keep their new rocket.

Mission Complete was called at 6:40 and the sight was packed up by 7:45. The team had a final meal together for the spring season at Tita’s Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in Oak Island, visiting for a while and then heading to bed or home for the evening. It was another good year of launches, with great weather and good help to make everything go smoothly.

Spring launches are complete for 2023. The summer launches at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico are next up on the schedule in late June.

  • Schools participating on Friday were: Atascosita HS, North Shore HS, Brazoswood HS, Friendswood HS, Hargrave HS
  • A live feed for each launch in the spring series will be available for viewing at www.systemsgo.org/events  

Thank you for joining us for launch season, and for supporting the schools and youth that participate in the SystemsGo curriculum. Most of the team members that travel with SystemsGo are volunteer based. We support them to ensure the program continues. We have all seen first hand the impact this STEM education program has had on family members and community members students, and the futures it has afforded those who participated in it and went on to college and beyond, applying what they learned.

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 you enjoyed this year’s launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2023 #EyesontheSkies

Rockets 2023 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Thursday Recap

Southeast Texas Rockets started off Thursday in Smith Point. After a rainy and stormy set up day on Wednesday, we enjoyed partly cloudy skies, and a breeze for most of the day. It was humid and steamy, and puddles riddled the site, but it was still a manageable weather situation for the launches.

The drawbacks for the day were that we started off with the Internet and the port-a-potties still MIA to start the day. The Internet arrived for set up at 10:15, a good four hours into the day. Potties were closer to 11:00 leaving the spectators and workers alike waiting uncomfortably for their arrival. Both providers cited miscommunications on the timeline for the event.

Rockets started arriving in Stage 3 around 11:00, but the first full volley of launches was not until 1:22. One rocket came down pegging the top a volunteer’s car, denting the roof. That was the only hazard for the day. Our new school from the American Community Schools of Abudhabi, launched later in the afternoon. It was a beautiful launch, but the parachute system failed to deploy, and it came down as a ballistic lawn dart about 150 yards from Mission Control and was lost in a marshy bog. It was both a thrill and a disappointment for a group of students the traveled so far to participate.

19 rockets arrived for testing today. Of those, 17 were launched and left the rail, 1 had to abort at the end of the day, unable to complete their vehicle, and one though reworked several times had to push off until tomorrow for another chance at the rail. Five were left unrecovered, with the hope they may show up tomorrow. Mission Complete was called at 7:42 for the evening.

Twenty-two more rockets are scheduled for Friday.

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Friday.

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 continues 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 12, 2023
  • 12 are Schools participating this year in Smith Point
  • 22 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
  • 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:

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!

#RideTheSkies2023 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches This Thursday

The 2023 Texas Rocket Trail season is on it’s last leg of the junior series launches with the Southeast Texas/Smith Point testing site. Currently 38 vehicles are scheduled for testing by 12 schools at this site. Testing begins this week, May 11-12, with a weather contingency day to be used only if needed on May 13.

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

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

  • Thursday, May 11 – Saturday, May 8
  • Launch & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
    South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
  • Schools participating: Gary HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Hargrave HS, North Shore HS,  Anahuac HS, Booker T Washington HS, Brazoswood HS, Kingwood Park HS, Milby HS,  Summer Creek HS, Odyssey HS, Friendswood HS
  • 38 expected rockets for testing
  • A Livestream for each launch is provided and available at www.systemsgo.org/events

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 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. First launch as soon as we have some cleared to the pad.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Concessions will be provided on site. Teachers are asked to bring pop up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

Locals report that mosquito spray is a MUST.

Spectators are asked to register online for a ticket and sign a waiver before entering the event site. The registration link can be found on the Events page at SystemsGo.org .

Daily reports featuring schedules, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the event if information is available.

Daily picture uploads can be found on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ginger.burow/

Or the SystemsGo Facebook page at:

SystemsGo Facebook page,

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2023 #EyesontheSkies #gettothepoint

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Launches ended today, Saturday, May 6, 2023

Rockets 2023, Central Texas Edition, ended today. The original schedule listed 15 rockets for today. Petrolia HS had two rockets that moved from the launch in North Texas last weekend to this one, and Fredericksburg HS relaunched an earlier rocket that had been unsatisfactory, so that brought totals to 18 for the day.

Launching began a 11:41a.m. and ended at 5:35. The team packed up the site afterwards and finally headed for home around 8:00 p.m. Launches went well albeit a little slow clearing through to the rails.

The Alamo Heights Media students were helping Phil Houseal with interviewing, livestream and general media coverage today. They interviewed Steve, Layla, and I to find out about the roles of the recovery teams.

It has been a long, fun, but tiring weekend. Everyone was ready for some much needed R and R.

This completed the Central Texas launches. Next week the team moves to Southeast Texas to launch from Smith Point near Anahuac, Texas. Currently 38 rockets are scheduled for testing on Thursday and Friday at that site. It will be the last leg of the spring launches for Rockets 2023.

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

More details will be available here each day for next week’s event. 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 #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Thursday Evening Launch Report

Today was the first day of launches for the Rockets 2023 Central Texas Launch Event here in Stonewall, Texas. 22 rockets were originally slated for testing. At Mission Complete for the day, 18 were launched, and four were no shows. Recovery retrieved all but three and returned them to the students. Two of the Recovery teams headed up by the launch area landowners were still searching for the missing three ballistic rockets, so they may be waiting at the site when everyone returns for tomorrow’s launches.

It was a slow start for lift offs from the Pad today, with the first and only rocket in that volley screaming into the sky at 11:10 a.m. after the cloud ceiling holding us a bay finally permitting a window. Unfortunately, those same clouds kept rockets on the rails waiting until 1:45 p.m. Heavy clouds moved in after that volley, so lunch was called, but the afternoon sky showed its blue beauty for the rest of the afternoon allowing a continuous flow of vehicles skyward. All rockets for the day were complete by 5:00 p.m.

A possibility of rain and severe weather was predicted for the afternoon and evening, but held off, so that was a blessing for the day. Weather can either make for quick turnarounds on launches, if vehicles are waiting to go, or cause lengthy delays or daily aborts to flight schedules. Currently the local forecast still has the potential for storms and rain, so the sooner your rocket gets to the rail the better chance you will see it launch if weather persists.

As for the launches, themselves, they were an interesting kaleidoscope of flips, turns, tailspins, dives, and self-destruction as all left the rail. Many had beautiful flights, but only a few had perfect deployment and easy landing. Others broke into body, coming in on a dive and chute floating away in a different direction making locating all pieces challenging. While others did a post launch ballet in the sky and thumped to the ground in the vicinity of Pad and Mission Control, which did make them easier to locate.

The 2023 Brett Williams Scholarship was presented to Andrew Mills from Fredericksburg High School on site today. Andrew and his parents took photos for the presentation with SystemsGo Executive Director, Rebekah Hyatt.

SystemsGo has been giving a chance to “Launch A Rocket” as a raffle prize at local events for the past few years. This year’s winner was Stonewall native, Bernice Burg. Mrs. Burg came out today to collect on her prize. She was instructed on the Fill and Fire system at Mission Control, and then launched several rockets in one volley. Afterwards Program Director, George Burns, took her to the Pad to watch a rocket launch from the Bunker. When asked what she thought, she responded that she enjoyed the whole experience and was really glad she came.

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday at the Sammy Segner Ranch on Double Horn Road and 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:

  • Friday, May 5, 2023
  •  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 2023 Flight Schedule for Friday
  • Friday, May 5, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Victoria East      John Reilly 4
    Hamilton           Tom Parrish 1 1
    McGregor           Jonathan Whatley 1 1
    Georgetown      Nicole Bolen 5 2
    Fabens                Julieta Banuelas 3 1
    Atascocita          Amy Keesecker 6 1
     

    6
    Schools Launching
    Totals 20 6
    Total Rockets 26
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Harleton HS, London HS, New Tech Odessa HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, McGregor HS, Canon City HS
  • 26 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
  • 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:

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!

#RideTheSkies2023 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

 

Rockets 2023 Continues with Central Texas/Stonewall Launches Starting Tomorrow, Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Central Texas Launches sail into the skies over Stonewall, Texas starting tomorrow, May 4, 2023. This is the third in the series for the Tsiolkovsky and Oberth level vehicles of the Rockets 2023 season.

The SystemsGo Team spent well into the evening setting up the launch site at the Sammy Segner Ranch on the Double Horn Road. This included construction of the Pad and Mission Control and testing of the rails. Stage 3 inside MC, Media, and Communications were also part of this set up.

Class A Event Rentals arrived to set up tents for Mission Control, Media and spectators. Duane Neffendorf again provided portable restrooms and wash stations to the site. The FHS “Grub Uber Alles” Culinary Arts Trailer set up shop and began preparing to provide concessions for the weekend. Later LCRA and Bee Creek Communications brought in equipment to provide Internet WiFi and Radio communications.

Stages 1 and 2 rocket check in stations were also established at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building. Student Team tables were numbered for evaluations and last-minute corrections to the vehicles.

The Stonewall site covers the Fredericksburg and Hill Country area schools. Some of our North and South Texas schools still participate here, but most are encouraged to use the sites closest to them.

Currently there are 63 rockets scheduled for launch by 17 schools at the Stonewall location for Rockets 2023. This schedule may be updated this week with the possibility of schools adding or dropping close to launch time. 

Spectators are welcomed again this year. Teachers are encouraged to bring pop-up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

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.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Please either join in the action on site or help cheer the students on while watching the  Livestream. 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. 

A live feed for each launch will be provided and the link is available at http://www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day of the launch.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

  • Thursday, May 4- Saturday, May 6, Weather Contingency Day-Sunday, May 7
  • 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 2023 Flight Schedule
  • Thursday, May 4, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Fredericksburg         Andrew Matthes   2
    Union Grove                Greg Park/Rhonda Baker 1 1
    Marble Falls              Lindsey Todesco 1  
    Kingwood                   Kevin Thomas 4 4
    Roosevelt                    Jared Warsing 2 1
    Harleton                       Gwen Wright 1 1
    Johnson HS             Bryant Griessel 2 2
         
         
         
     

     

    7
    Schools Launching
    Totals 11 11
    Total Rockets 22
  • Schools participating: Fredericksburg HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Union Grove, Roosevelt HS, Johnson HS, Harleton HS
  • 22 expected rockets for testing

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesOnThe Skies

Rockets 2023, Friday, Site Set Up Complete and Rockets on the Rail WSMR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launch order for Saturday is as follows:

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

Saturday’s schedule is the following:

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

The schedule as seen above is a preliminary estimate, and though accurate as stated by Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt, at the moment, is subject to changes and adjustments as needed per WSMR necessities.

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

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

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

WSMR will be providing lunch for all participants. Colonel Smart began her command in August of 2021, making this her second rocket season with the program. She stopped in last year for a brief visit, but plans to be onsite to see more of how the program operates. Ms. Leyva will be retiring after this year. Her service in coordinating SystemsGo and WSMR in launch efforts has been extremely beneficial to the program over the years she has been with us. SystemsGo will be making special presentations during the lunch break.

Sunday is a contingency day, but preferably it should be no more than a site cleanup day if needed that morning. Provided that we accomplish this early the remainder of the day’s activities will be decided at that time.

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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

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

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

Rockets 2023, 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