Category: Texas Highways

Rockets 2021 Central Texas/Stonewall Belay Those Friday Launches

Belay, belay, belay! The story of the day!

The act of belaying, is described as something a leader may require in order to tackle more difficult situations. It means to stop, it’s enough. That is exactly SystemsGo Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt had to do today with rockets. She finally had to make the call based on intel from Patrick Miller our meteorologist to belay any further attempt at launching today, due to weather.

This was not the outcome for the day that anyone had hoped to have. Due to the low cloud ceiling with continuous rain and drizzle it was the only correct answer for the day. Launches were called of for the day, with the hope of resuming tomorrow. Unfortunately, the weather prognosis for tomorrow is also grave. There are only two small windows tomorrow, one around 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and another mid-afternoon around 4:00 a.m. If these do not materialize, then Sunday is the only shot for all the rockets left from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Right now that would be eight from Thursday, 19 from today, and a possible 27 from Saturday if all rockets on the current Saturday schedule arrive and pass Stages 1, 2 and 3 checks. If anyone is counting, that is 54 rockets. That will be quite a feat and a super busy day for Sunday. There is a slight possibility of a small contingent being transported to the next launch in Anahuac, but that has plenty of challenges in itself and is not an ideal situation.

The best hope is to get whatever windows however small they may be for tomorrow and put up as many as the team can in that time in order to lighten the load for Sunday. On the bright side, right now Sunday’s weather looks warm, partly cloudy and sunny right now, with the best prognosis for flying rockets we have had all week.

From Thursday’s docket, Fabens and Harleton each have one one pound/one mile yet to test. New Diana, Kingwood, Hamilton, Roosevelt, Harleton, and Marble Falls all show one Transonic each ready to test.

Today’s schedule has Union Grove with one 1/1 and two Transonic, Victoria East with four 1/1, Victoria West with one 1/1, McGregor with two 1/1, Fredericksburg with two Transonic, Alamo Heights with three Transonic, Ingram Tom Moore High School with three 1/1 and Canon City with one 1/1.

Saturday’s schedule is posted below and shows as stated previously, 27 rockets.

I want to take a quick shout out to Canon City. They are a first year launch group and have traveled the farthest to launch this weekend. Unfortunately due to the weather, they may not even be able to be here to see their vehicle fly. That is the case now for several schools, but this is their first rocket, and they are from Canon City, Colorado! They are the first CO school to participate in the launches.

I spoke with them and their teacher, David Laughlin, today, and they were super excited to be here and and be part of the program. Their group was a mix of sophomores to seniors. They were impressed with all the program had taught them, and how much fun it has been to be a part of this learning experience.

I have to say that the young ladies and gentlemen and their teacher were very polite and friendly and a joy to talk with about their experience in the program. I am greatly remiss that though I was sure I would remember, I did not write them down and have forgotten the students’ names that I spoke with this afternoon. I did get their picture though. They are the cover photo for this blog piece. Congratulations on getting here for your first launch, safe travels, and good luck on your vehicle’s flight.

I also want to report that as of Friday morning, recovery was at 100% as all rockets have been located and returned to Misssion Control.

Tomorrow’s weather window for launching may be unstable right now, and start time unsure, but even so all Stage 1, 2 and 3 checks will remain on schedule with usual start times around 6:00 a.m. The idea is to get all rockets through the stages so they are rail ready when the opportunity arises, be it tomorrow or Sunday.

Today’s weather delays afforded me the opportunity to go see the students at Stage 1 and 2. I do not usually have that chance. I did get several pictures of the students and their rockets as they worked through the check points with the staff and their teachers. Here are just a couple of those. The rest can be found on my daily album on Facebook. The link is posted below.

IMG_0803

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

Stages 1 and 2 will continue to be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available, because no spectators are allowed 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. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Saturday, May 1
  • 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 2021 Flight Schedule
  • This is the original projected Saturday schedule. As mentioned above, Thursday and Friday’s remaining rockets will also be attempted given the needed weather window.
  • Schools participating: Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, London HS, Carroll HS, New Diana, Kingwood, Hamilton, Roosevelt, Fabens, Harleton, Marble Falls, Union Grove, Victoria East, Victoria West, McGregor, Fredericksburg, Alamo Heights, Ingram, and Canon City.
  • 71 expected rockets for testing-27 on Saturday, 8 from Thursday, 19  from Friday
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows: May 1- Day 3

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is normally 8:30 a.m. but currently due to weather, actual launch start time is unknown. Mission Control will update this as weather data allows. 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. Weather will determine the rest.

More event details will be available here in upcoming days as events progress. Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted each day of the event 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 #texasrockettrail #Rockets2021 #EyesontheSkies

Dedication to Dayni Alba

This year’s season is dedicated to former SystemsGo operative and friend, Dayni Alba. Dayni spent many years with the launch teams working the Fill and Fire box. This will the groups’ first season without her. A banner in her honor will fly at each launch this season. Ride the skies Dayni, you are loved and missed.

Dayni’s companion, Sky Bleu, was given to Joyce Abbey at Dayni’s passing so that he might continue his work and travels around the rocket communities. He is here at each of our SystemsGo Texas launches. Today we found him all over the site making sure that everything was in order and running properly.

Throughout the weekend and at next weekend’s launch he will be around and we will be catching him for you to see. In memory of Dayni he will have an album, entitled, “Dayni and Sky Bleu, Always with Us!”

Pictures will be added daily at the launches as Sky works his way around the site. The album can be found at the following address on Facebook. Feel free to share.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=ginger.burow&set=a.4147773671910399

 

Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #Texasrockettrail #Rockets2021

 

 

Rockets 2021 Central Texas/Stonewall Thursday Evening Launch Report

We had a slow start today due to low cloud ceilings for our first day of launches in Stonewall at the Sammy Segner Ranch. The schedule began with 7 schools and 22 rockets and quickly decreased to 6 schools and 19 rockets. Only one school, Fabens did not get a rocket to the rail today.

All rockets cleared Stages 1 and 2 and 3 checks. The cloud ceiling and light rain all day kept the schedule in an off and on holding pattern. Basically 3 volleys were loaded and shot in between ceiling lifts.

Of the 11 rockets that did #RideTheSky today, 9 have been successfully located. The rest of today’s docket was stored safely against the weather for the evening and will be first up tomorrow morning, as soon as weather allows.

The original list for today included Fabens, Hamilton, Kingwood, Marble Falls, Roosevelt, New Diana, and Harleton. According to original numbers Fabens aborted three  and Harleton one. New Diana, Kingwood, Hamilton, Roosevelt, Harleton, and Marble Falls all show a Transonic present ready to test as soon as the proper ceiling is achieved this weekend. Hopefully this will be around 8:00 a.m.

Along with the rockets left from today, the following schools plan to launch tomorrow: Union Grove, Victoria East, Victoria West, McGregor, New Tech Odessa, Fredericksburg, Alamo Heights, Canon City, and Ingram Tom Moore High Schools.

Troy Spies, was the leader on recovery today, at least six rockets found.  There were five mobile recovery teams and two spotter teams.

We really appreciate the use of Mr. Segner’s place for this concert in the sky, as well as his enthusiastic participation in our recovery efforts.

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

Festivities continue tomorrow as weather permits. Unfortunately, tomorrow and Saturday are predicted to be the worst weather days than today for this stint of Stonewall Rockets 2021. Hopefully it will allow for some launches. Right now there is a 60-80% chance of more overnight as well as all day tomorrow. Saturday actually shows 100% chance, so these next few days could be a real challenge to get these vehicles tested. Delays in start times well as subsequent launches throughout the day are a strong possibility.

As for tomorrow, launches will continue as possible 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. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available, because no spectators are allowed 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.

You can still be prepared to join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

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, April 30
  •  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 2019 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS,  Marble Falls HS, McGregor HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, Tom Moore Ingram HS, Union Grove HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West HS, New Diana HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Carroll HS, New Tech Odessa, Alamo Heights HS, Canon City Hs
  • 71 expected rockets for testing-22 on Friday + 6 Transonics from Thursday
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows: April 30- Day 2

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:00 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 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 #texasrockettrail #Rockets2021 #EyesontheSkies

Tomorrow, Thursday is Opening Day for Rockets 2021 at the Central Texas/Stonewall Launch Event

The fun starts tomorrow for Central Texas/Stonewall  Rockets 2021! This launch is second in the series for the Rockets 2021 season.

Twenty schools with a docket of 71 rockets are scheduled for the location. Schedules for the daily line up could waffle around some due to the possibility of rain and storms in the area through Thursday morning. The current Thursday schedule boasts seven schools and 22 rockets.

Stages 1 and 2 will be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.  This testing site covers the Fredericksburg and Hill Country area schools, with a few exceptions.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Thursday, April 29
  • 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 2021 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS,  Marble Falls HS, McGregor HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, Tom Moore Ingram HS, Union Grove HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West HS, New Diana HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Carroll HS, New Tech Odessa, Alamo Heights HS, Canon City Hs
  • 71 total expected rockets for testing-22 Thursday
  • Livestream feed for each launch will be available here and at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives. Thursday’s is as follows:
  • April 29 – Day 1

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m. Of course rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available, because no spectators are allowed 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.

You can still be prepared to join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

More event details will be available here each evening during the even. Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted in these updates 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 #texasrockettrail #Rockets2021 #EyesontheSkies

Rockets 2021 Continues with Central Texas/Stonewall Launch This Week

The Central Texas/Stonewall launch is second in the series for the Rockets 2021 season. This site is in its second active year at the Sammy Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas. It would be third but of course, COVID happened shutting all operations down in 2020.

The Fredericksburg 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 closer to them.

Currently there are 71 rockets scheduled for launch by 20 schools at the Stonewall location for Rockets 2021. This schedule may be updated this week with the possibility of some schools adding or dropping close to launch time. 

Stages 1 and 2 will be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.  Stage 3 and Mission Control will be located on the Sammy Segner Ranch off Double Horn Road.

If you follow this program and like to view the launches, Rockets 2021  will continue with one more launch in May. The final launch of the junior level rockets will be held in Smith Point just south of Anahuac, Texas (the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch) for schools in the Houston  and Southeast Texas area.

This year’s season is dedicated to former SystemsGo operative and friend, Dayni Alba. Dayni spent many years with the launch teams working the Fill and Fire box. This will the groups’ first season without her. A banner in her honor will fly at each launch this season. Ride the skies Dayni, you are loved and missed.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available, because no spectators are allowed 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. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

Excitement in anticipation for the Central Texas event is high as all are ready for a return to rockets once again after a year off due to COVID. SystemsGo team and volunteers will be ready to accept all participants and their rockets promptly Thursday morning. The site will have six launch rails ready to keep everyone’s  #EyesOnTheSkies.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Thursday, April 29- Saturday, May 1, Weather Contingency Day-Sunday, May 2
  • 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 2021 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Granger HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, McGregor HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, Tom Moore Ingram HS, Union Grove HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West HS, New Diana HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Carroll HS, New Tech Odessa HS, Alamo Heights HS, Canon City HS
  • 71 expected rockets for testing

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

Of course rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. But you can still be prepared to join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online. 

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.

The senior groups are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico possibly in late June.  These are not available for public viewing or Livestream due to being tested on a military facility, but blog and SystemsGo updates will be posted online as available during that week. This will be the fifth launch sequence and will finalize the Rockets 2021 season.

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 #Texasrockettrail #Rockets2021

 

 

 

I Miss All Things Rockets!

I miss all things Rockets!
From travel to set up,
And set up to tear down;


There is not a memory I can call up,
That would make me frown.

I miss all things Rockets!
From the first vertical rail;


The first day’s engine roar;
Watching the first rocket sail,


To anticipating more.

I miss all things Rockets!
Listening for charges to pop,
Watching them float under chute,


Dancing on ethereal winds as they drop,
And searching for them like lost pirate loot.



I miss all things Rockets!
Pictures with the teams,


As their rocket loads the rail.
Hearing students scream,


As their vehicle begins to sail.

I miss all things Rockets!
Searching for a glint of light,
A high pitched whine you might here,
Or a flash of something bright,
Letting you know it is near.

I miss all things Rockets!
From a picture perfect flight


To a ballistic drop.

From racing to grab one in plain sight,
To searching by where you heard the pop.

I miss all things Rockets!
Whether watching the students,
Or listening to Joyce and Phil,


These are quite the events;
Even after years, I am a rocket junky still.

I miss all things Rockets!
From collecting rockets whole,


To picking up pieces;


Students’ smiles light my soul,
Each year the joy increases.

I miss all things Rockets!
It’s education in motion;
Learning with style;
Using hands on application,
Propelling the future all the while.

Goddard Level Rockets Ride The Skies in 17 Days Redbird #20 Among Them

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 are set to launch June 21-23. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in this level of the SystemsGo program.

Redbird #20 is scheduled for testing at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Sunday, June 23. This marks the last big event for Rockets 2019 and the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket Program.

As of today, May 31, when I was able to get a report on the rocket’s status, from team member, Dawsen Harkins, was in good standing. He reported that as of May 30, the nosecone had been assembled and covered with its first layer of fiberglass.

In this photo the nose cone ring is being secured in place, and centered by skewers for fiberglassing.

Although, the tank required 2 trips to SRM to have leaks rewelded, it has now completed its pressure testing successfully. It will be returning to SRM again to have the hatches and holes cut in.

New for this year is a piston valve system. This has also performed well when tested.

This year’s rocket is supporting three payloads. The first came from Harvard University, courtesy of former FHS student, Joseph Sanchez, who attends school there. It is a CubeSat with a pneumatically deployed solar panel.

They second one was created by Keith Jenkins, the FHS IT guy. It is a small electronics bay.

The third the team provided. It is a GoPro camera. It will be positioned behind an acrylic window in the hatch, so that it can look out and video the vehicle’s flight.

According to Harkins, “All components bays have been made and 3D printed and fit perfectly in the rocket.”

The fuel grain is also on the task list. They have assembled the mold for pouring it. One part of the mixture for the fuel grain is still not in but they will be mixing and pouring it as soon as this arrives.

As of this report, supplied last Friday, the following list of things is left and then they are FRR complete.

  1. Complete the fiberglassing of the nose cone.
  2. Make the fuel grain and assemble the motor system.
  3. Assemble the recovery system.
  4. Weld fins to body.
  5. Cut hatches and have holes drilled in the body tube.
  6. Fix minor little things for flight.

The current list of students from this team attending the WSMR launch is as follows:

Rodolfo Avila, Cody Blohm, Gloria Burns, Alexander Casteneda, Lucio Castro Vazquez, Clayton Ellebracht, Jose Escalante, Jabin Gipson, Dawsen Harkins, Cooper McDonald, Eduardo Memije, Bradley Plaza, Joshua Reese-Hadley,  Nicholas Rodriguez, Robert Sanchez, Deja Turkett, Gabriel Voorhees, Carl Wilger, and Robert Zowie.

Currently there is not a team picture available, but here is Nick Rodriguez, Deja Turkett and Dawsen Harkins taking a work break on the stairs at FHS.

Launches are scheduled for June 21st and June 23rd. The team will travel out to WSMR on Wednesday, June 20th, and back home again on the 24th.

There are 7 schools scheduled to launch 8 rockets. These schools include:

  • Alamo Heights
  • Anahuac
  • Booker T. Washington
  • Brazoswood
  • Fredericksburg
  • Marble Falls
  • Union Grove

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 2oth
    1. Travel Day
  • Friday, June 21st
    1. Mrorning-T-1/Site Set up WC-50; Afternoon-Launch Union Grove & Alamo Heights ( or whichever rockets are ready)
  • Saturday, June 22rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Four Rockets-Booker T., Anahuac, Marble Falls, & Brazoswood)
  • Sunday, June 23rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Two Rockets-Fredericksburg & Booker T Washington)
  • Monday, June 24th
    1. Travel Day (Could travel home on the 23rd if operations are complete in time.)

This article is for the 2018/2019 school year to update the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket program. This school is a participant of the SystemsGo STEM program. This series of articles is intended to support and encourage students in the program as they share their working status and accomplishments throughout the year in the program. These publications will be available for tags and re-posting.

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.

#Rockets2018 #SystemsGo #FredricksburgSTEMAcademy #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail

 

Rockets 2019 and the Texas Rocket Trail Ended Yesterday at Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launch Site

The Texas Rocket Trail edition of Rockets 2019 came to a close yesterday with a good launch day, finally! It has been a rough weekend as Thursday launches were successful closing just as storms were rolling into the area.  Friday’s were completely cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday.  Saturday only tested 2 rockets before lightning and storms forced the shut down of the site again, and those schools were asked to move theirs to Sunday as well.

Throughout the weekend, the site sustained flooding and damage multiple times. Luckily nothing beyond repair, although it did delay start times on subsequent days. Live streaming was lost on Saturday, but was restored for Sunday’s launch.

Along with weather, flooding and other damages in the area, they also had to contend with a horrid smell from the collision of two barges and a  ship in the channel. Authorities were monitoring water and air qualities due to the nature of the chemicals the barges were carrying, that released at the collision.

Some of the recovery teams reported a run in with snakes, but escaped unscathed. Not sure about the snakes.

With all this going on and more, the team and volunteers still managed to launch 43 rockets for the weekend, 28 of which were Sunday. 32 of those were successfully recovered, another 5 were lost to the Bay. Considering they only had 2 recovery teams on Thursday and 3 on Sunday that is still an amazing recovery rate.

There were originally 57 rockets scheduled for testing at Smith Point but several cancelled due to the weather concerns which is why only 43 were actually launched. No word on what the fate of the rockets that were not tested will be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them return next rocket season.

This was a site of hope for all involved on Sunday, after all the weather issues. The pad finally boasted a full volley with all rails loaded and ready.

Many thanks to Erin Arkinson for supplying me with information and pictures for the weekend. I never accomplished the Livestream, even when it was up, due to technical difficulties on my own system.

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ . Links for the Livestream and pictures are also listed below.

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

In late June, eight Texas schools’ senior/graduate teams are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The current roster lists a possible 10 rockets to be attempted at the range. This will complete the fifth launch and finalize the season.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during that event if information is available. There will not be live streaming since this is a military base.

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 #Rockets2019

 

 

 

Rockets 2019 Central Texas/Stonewall Ended Today, With a Weather Makeup Day, Sunday

The Central Texas/Stonewall launch hit its final day in this series for the Rockets 2019 season, today. This day was not originally on the schedule but added due to inclement weather on Thursday and Friday to allow schools another launch option if they could not complete theirs due to the bad weather. Only one school, Georgetown High School chose this option. They had four rockets to test today. Three 1 pound/1 mile and 1 Transonic.

All four vehicles were tested and launched, 3 beautifully, and the fourth only made about fifty feet, before tumbling back down near the pad. Even so, all were tested and all recovered.

There was some added interest in this school for the Segner and Spies families, as they had a couple of relatives that recently began working for this school that joined the rocket group at the ranch to watch the launches.

Thanks so much to Sammy Segner, Troy, Jennifer, and Reed Spies, and Richard Koone for the use of their properties and for joining in the hunt for rockets as recovery teams. They made the weekend very enjoyable for everyone involved. It was a great first year at the new location and everyone is looking forward to being there again next season.

There were a total of 37 rockets tested by 19 schools at the new  Stonewall location for Rockets 2019. The recovery teams did a wonderful job of hunting them and returning them to the students. There were only 2 that were not recovered.

Thank is also in order for the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce for hosting Stage 1 and 2 at their building.

Pictures from the progress at the site to this weekend 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

If you follow this program and like to view the launches, Rockets 2019  will continue with one more launch next week, May 9-11, with a possible weather make up day again on Sunday. There are some weather predictions for next week that might necessitate using Sunday just as we did this week. The final launch of the junior level rockets will be held in Smith Point just south of Anahuac, Texas (the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch) for schools in the Houston  and Southeast Texas area.

The senior groups are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico in late June.  These are not available for public viewing or Livestream due to being tested on a military facility, but blog and SystemsGo updates will be posted online as available during that week. This will be the fifth launch sequence and will finalize the Rockets 2019 season.

The Smith Point site will be open to public viewing of launches as well. However, if you plan to attend any of these launches please register for your attendance ticket ahead of time or obtain them at the gate. These are free but required for admittance to each site as they also include a waiver for access to the site. Reserving them ahead at the website is preferred to obtaining them at the gate because the latter slows entrance to the site and may result in you missing the viewing of your intended launch.

Come join in the action and cheer on these students too. Admission is free, but the look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is far from priceless.

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 #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019

 

 

 

Rockets 2019 Central Texas/Stonewall Saturday Launch Report

Today was the third day of launches at Stonewall for Central Texas Rockets 2019. It was a fantastic day as the team and volunteers launched 19 rockets today. Schools from Akins HS, Alamo Heights HS, Fredericksburg HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Llano HS, Liberty Christian HS, London ISD HS, Marble Falls HS, and McGregor HS all had rockets tested today. About half of these were trailered rockets from Thursday. These schools were ready to go when the storm prevented further launches, so the vehicles were held until they could be launched and videoed on Livestream allowing the schools to watch their tests from home.

All 19 rockets were successfully tested today. All but one was successfully recovered today.  That makes only two rockets out of 33 tested over the past three days, still in the field to be found.

Mr. Brett Williams, the program’s creator dropped by with Joan Baker, former NASA dignitary that was instrumental in getting NASA involved in the program, forging a relationship that still stands today.  Unfortunately I was unable to get a picture of Ms. Baker. This visit was also a short reunion for Mr. Williams and a couple of the teachers from the early days that are still heavily involved in the program. The three are pictured below, left to right, Brett Williams, Collin Lange, and Doug Underwood.

Today was originally scheduled to be the last day of Central Texas Rockets here in Stonewall, but due to weather on Thursday and Friday, some schools rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday. Therefore we are still launching tomorrow. There is only one school, Georgetown High School with 4 rockets left to accommodate tomorrow, so hopefully it will be a short day launching  and recovering, and a quick clean up.

Phil assures me that there will be Livestreaming again for tomorrow’s launches. As of yet I have not found a new link for that particular date. I am going to leave the link for today’s live stream as that should get you to the page where you will be able to pick up the stream when it actually goes live for tomorrow.

Stages 1 and 2 will still be at the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce building.  The launch site is still at the Sammy Segner Ranch on Double Horn Road.

The sites will be open to public viewing of launches. However, if you plan to attend any of these launches please register for your attendance ticket ahead of time or obtain them at the gate. These are free but required for admittance to each site as they also include a waiver for access to the site.  Reserving them ahead at the website is preferred to obtaining them at the gate because the latter slows entrance to the site and may result in you missing the viewing of your intended launch.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

  • Sunday,  May 5
  • New Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
    Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
  • https://www.greateventseats.com/FBG-SystemsGo
  • Schedule for Sunday:
  • Georgetown High School with 4-1 pound/1 mile
  • Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/84VMTwMqFvy
    Directions (PDF)
  • Schools participating: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Granger HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Lampasas HS, Llano HS, Marble Falls HS, McGregor HS, Roosevelt HS, Summer Creek HS, Decatur HS, Georgetown HS, Kermit HS, Liberty Christian School, Terrell HS, Tom Moore Ingram HS, Union Grove HS, Victoria East HS
  • 49 expected rockets for testing
  • A live feed for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows: May 4- Day 3

The sites will be open for admittance at 8:00 a.m. and launches will commence at 8:30 a.m.  Of course rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Come join in the action and cheer on these students. Admission is free, but the look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is far from priceless.

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

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

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 #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019