Category: SystemsGo NM

Rockets 2025 and The Texas Rocket Trail Ended in Southeast Texas/Smith Point Saturday, May 10

Saturday marked the end of the Rockets 2025 Season with the second and final day of launches in Smith Point. The weather was partly cloudy, with a strong cool wind.  Saturday morning  we had a lag as the rockets were coming in one at a time, hours apart. By 3:36 we had only launched 3 successfuly and attempted a 4th which prematruely popped on the rail and had to be taken back to Stage 3 for a reset and new charges. Rockets were extremely slow coming out of Stage 2.

The original schedule listed 18 rockets for testing and by day’s end  the number the number tested was still 18 with the final rocket failing on the rail and mission complete having been called becuase our window of oppotunity had closed with the setting sun.

Most rockets left the rail on their first try, with only a few having to make extra attempts after minor adjustments. In all it was a good day for launches. Most were recovered. In the early part of the day it was super slow getting them out of Stage 2 so they could pass through Stage through loaded and ready to fly. Late in the afternoon everyting shifted and the last volleys were full ones with rockets floowoing in quick succession. 

Steve helped under the tent again this year, spotting for recovery, carrying rockets to the pad, and whatever else was needed. Bert manned the media tent. Bert ran the cameras and streaming. In the early part of the day he had student volunteers but due to the slow progress they decided to go to Stage 2 and see if they coule lend a hand. After that I did  a few student interviews, took photos, helped spot rockets and attempted to make sure rockets were signed off on when they were returned. Late in the afternoon Chelsea  arrived and helped at the pad and did some rocket surgery along the way.

Luckily tests were done and mission complete by 8:00 pm, we closed down to a beautiful sunset and all headed for dinner at the Crawfish Place!

It was another good year of launches, with great weather except for Friday evening in Central Texas and good help to make everything go smoothly.

Spring launches are complete for 2025. The summer launches at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico are next up on the schedule June 13-15, with travel days on either side.

  • Schools participating this weekend are were: North Shore HS, Brazoswood HS, Friendswood HS, Hargrave HS, American Community Schools Abu Dhahi, Summer Creek HS, Kingwood Park HS, Anahuac HS, Hardin Jefferson HS, Fredericksburg HS, Elsik HS, and Ball HS.
  • A recording of the live feed for each launch in the spring series is still available for viewing online 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 member 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! See you again next spring!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2025 #EyesontheSkies #EyesToTheSkies

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

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

 

 

April 24, 2025, Thursday, Opening Day of Rockets 2025 in North Texas

Rockets 2025 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Four schools were slated to test a total of 21 vehicles. Of those, three were aborted, and one from Hollenstein High School was held over for tomorrow‘s launch due to late completion in Stage 3, but 17 were tested today here in North Texas.

It was a long day. Final launches just barely made the daylight thresh hold before the final mission complete was called for the day. Storms impeded progress early in the morning from 6:00 a.m. until around 8:30 a.m. and again after lunch from about 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Temperatures bewteen 60s during and right after the storms to 80s in the late afternoon. Light jackets were quickly discarded by late afternoon when rain was replaced with full sun with only spotty clouds.

Our three recovery had a good day recovering a substantial number from today and a few old ones from past years.

Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 4 schools and 19 rockets. One of Hollenstein’s rockets is returning tomorrow which ups the number to 20 for the day.

It was a good day in spite of short handedness in Mission Control. Randy was covering Fill and Fire, Data Entry and Recovery coordination. Later in the day Jaque came in from Stage 2 and helped with Fill and Fire. And early on Joyce helped cover data entry to upload to Josephine so stats could be seen on the Livestream.

Tomorrow, recovery will be down one team from today, but another is coming in to help.

Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain possible with a 20-35% chance around 11:00 a.m. This could present a problem with completing all the launches for tomorrow. Hopefully this will not be the case, and we will not have to run into our contingency day on Saturday.

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

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations are available at the launch site, provided by Mobile Thrones. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents (10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group . Concessions are still provided by the Jacksboro Stomp organization.

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

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

North Texas/Jack County:

If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2025 Day 2 in Jacksboro.

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2025 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail #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

April 27, 2024, Rockets 2024 North Texas/Jacksboro Saturday Launch Update Final Day Report

Friday, Day 2, the final day for North Texas Rockets 2024 launch series was mission complete by  this afternoon, by  with all rockets launched by 5:35p.m. Seventeen rockets from six different schools left the rails today. These schools included University HS, RL Turner HS, Petrolia HS,  Northstar HS, and two hold overs from yesterday, one each from Hollenstein HS, and Carroll HS.

Weather for Friday was mostly cloudy for most of the day, but with a high ceiling. A threat of severe storms loomed in the area through the day.  The winds were high,  but only a small amount of drizzle crossed our range. Reports of large tornadoes, hail and heavy rain in the Wichita Falls, Munday and Electra areas were in late afternoon to early evening. 

First launches blasted off shortly after 11:25 this morning.  After the first volley, the pad kept the rockets flying in a fairly continuous  set each time the rails were full so that they could send all vehicles skyward before the storms could shut down flights.

Out of 17 rockets launched, only 3  were recoverable, most chose to disappear without a trace. The flights were beautiful, and most opened and came down under chute. The unfortunate aspect was that the high winds kept them flying high for too long and then dropping in the distance in waste high grass. This made for very difficult recovery. There were only two teams today. We worked grids in the areas the rockets were last seen but unfortunately came up empty more often than not this year. It was very frustrating for the teams as we like to find them and bring them back to the students as much as the students like to get them back. It just means there will be a lot of old rockets that may be found in up coming years. Unless of course the land owners locate them and return them to SystemsGo first.

The final rocket was launched at 5:35.After which the Team tore down the whole site and packed away in the new cargo trailer for NTX until next year. Unfortunately, this process took until right at 10:00pm. and then we all headed back to Jacksboro to 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 8:00am and then head home to prepare for the next sequence at the Central Texas/Stonewall launches this coming week,  May 2nd through the 4th. A contingency day is built into Sunday, May 5th if needed.

Just an FYI, our live feed media expert, Phil Houseal, fell ill on us this weekend and had to leave the site. Therefore if you were trying to watch the Livefeed on Saturday you might have noticed it was not to be found. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We hope to have things up and running again by this coming weekend’s launch, as well as he is recovered.

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 sleep. Much needed sleep. 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.

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 2024 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#Rockets2024

 

 

April 27, 2024, Rockets 2024 North Texas/Jacksboro Saturday Launch Update Final Day Report

Friday, Day 2, the final day for North Texas Rockets 2024 launch series was mission complete by  this afternoon, by  with all rockets launched by 5:35p.m. Seventeen rockets from six different schools left the rails today. These schools included University HS, RL Turner HS, Petrolia HS,  Northstar HS, and two hold overs from yesterday, one each from Hollenstein HS, and Carroll HS.

Weather for Friday was mostly cloudy for most of the day, but with a high ceiling. A threat of severe storms loomed in the area through the day.  The winds were high,  but only a small amount of drizzle crossed our range. Reports of large tornadoes, hail and heavy rain in the Wichita Falls, Munday and Electra areas were in late afternoon to early evening. 

First launches blasted off shortly after 11:25 this morning.  After the first volley, the pad kept the rockets flying in a fairly continuous  set each time the rails were full so that they could send all vehicles skyward before the storms could shut down flights.

Out of 17 rockets launched, only 3  were recoverable, most chose to disappear without a trace. The flights were beautiful, and most opened and came down under chute. The unfortunate aspect was that the high winds kept them flying high for too long and then dropping in the distance in waste high grass. This made for very difficult recovery. There were only two teams today. We worked grids in the areas the rockets were last seen but unfortunately came up empty more often than not this year. It was very frustrating for the teams as we like to find them and bring them back to the students as much as the students like to get them back. It just means there will be a lot of old rockets that may be found in up coming years. Unless of course the land owners locate them and return them to SystemsGo first.

The final rocket was launched at 5:35.After which the Team tore down the whole site and packed away in the new cargo trailer for NTX until next year. Unfortunately, this process took until right at 10:00pm. and then we all headed back to Jacksboro to 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 8:00am and then head home to prepare for the next sequence at the Central Texas/Stonewall launches this coming week,  May 2nd through the 4th. A contingency day is built into Sunday, May 5th if needed.

Just an FYI, our live feed media expert, Phil Houseal, fell ill on us this weekend and had to leave the site. Therefore if you were trying to watch the Livefeed on Saturday you might have noticed it was not to be found. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We hope to have things up and running again by this coming weekend’s launch, as well as he is recovered.

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 sleep. Much needed sleep. 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.

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 2024 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#Rockets2024

 

 

April 26, 2024, Friday, Opening Day of Rockets 2024 in North Texas

Rockets 2024 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Three schools were slated to test a total of 26. Of those, two aborted, one from each Birdville (BCTAL) and Carroll High School and 21 were tested today here in North Texas.

It was a long day. Final launches just barely made the daylight thresh hold before the final mission complete was called for the day. Storms loomed in the area all day with warnings of severe weather rang out in areas near by, but the site stayed clear with beautiful temperatures and weather. Wind was the only real issue to contend with and though gusty at times, not enough to disturb the launches.

Temperatures climbed slowly from 60s to 80s . Extra shirts and jackets were quickly discarded. By late afternoon it was full sun with only spotty clouds, but storms could be seen rolling by in the distance.

Recovery had a good day. Twenty-one rockets were tested, and though exact numbers are not in yet, preliminary estimates are that only 4 were unrecovered. Once again this year we only have three recovery teams. Recoveries for the day, were spread among the teams and what Pad recovered in their area. Twelve were recovered and another four failed to leave the rail. Of the 24 available for testing today, there were 3 that were unable to test doe to lack of readiness by the time deadline. Two of those are returning tomorrow to attempt launching.

Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 5 schools and 18 rockets. Dexter Learning has moved to the Central Texas launch, and two of Hollenstein rockets returning tomorrow it ups the number to 19 for the day.

It was a good day in spite of short handedness in Mission Control and the Pad. Recovery will be down one team tomorrow. At this point no word on if another team will be coming to replace this team.

Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain and possible storms starting around 4:00 p.m. This could present a problem with completing all the launches for tomorrow. Hopefully this will not be the case, and we will not have to run into our contingency day on Sunday.

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

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

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

Restrooms and wash stations are available at the launch site. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents (10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group . No concessions are available on site this year, so everyone is responsible for ,their own food, drinks and snacks.

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

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

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Saturday, April 27
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Look for the signs, for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2023 Flight Schedule shown below.
  • Schools participating: University HS, RL Turner HS, Petrolia HS, Northstar HS, Dexter Learning
  • 91 rockets expected for testing.
  • Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org for each day.
  • Saturday, April 27, 2024
This is the original schedule. Changes mentioned in this article are not reflected here.

If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2024 Day 2 in Jacksboro.

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2024 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

Rockets 2024, Thursday, April 25th North Texas Launch Site Prep Day

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Wednesday and Thursday 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 2024 NTX launch.  Friday morning, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue, as schools, students, and test vehicles arrive for the Rockets 2024 launch line up.

This is the event’s fifth 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 Lockheed Martin as well as Tellus of Stephenville who supplied the ATV’s used by recovery. Bert Mikosh of CredenceIO Technologies was instrumental in installing Starlink WIFI  to support our technology and communications. And 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, were to be provided by Brazos Volunteer Fire Department .  Unfortunately due the predictions of inclement weather possible in the area, they had to cancel in order to be able to provide timely support around their community in the event weather hazards arise. Due to this we ask that all teachers, etc. bring food, drinks, and snacks for your students and other members in your party.

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 2024 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 44 rockets  Friday and Saturday. Sunday is set as a contingency day in case of inclement weather. Storms are possible due to a cold front moving through the area with the highest possibilities being Saturday and Sunday. 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:

  • Friday, April 26-Saturday, April 27 (Contingency Day, Sunday, April 28.)
  • 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:  BCTAL, Hollenstein CTC,  Carroll HS
  • 44  expected rockets for testing.
  • Watch the Livestream here: Streaming Link April 26 NTX
  • 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 2024. There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site.
  2. Ticket Links can be found https://www.systemsgo.org/events/ listed under each individual venue.

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

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.

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. We had a nice dinner at JR’s Chop House B&B, 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, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2024 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail