Category: Texas Hill Country

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.

A Holy Week Correlation to the COVID-19 Pandemic and an Easter Challenge!

Jesus suffered and died because sin spread like a Pandemic across His world, leaving it in need of a cure – a Savior!

The Corona COVID-19 Virus has become a Pandemic spreading across our world leaving it once again scrambling for a cure, a vaccine, a definitive end as people are sick and some are dying. Jesus is still that cure. He will provide healing. Has His world turned to Him fervently in prayer? I haven’t seen it yet, not really, not like they ought to be doing.

When Jesus was arrested, the disciples hid, isolating themselves from the crowds in fear. Though they loved Jesus they lived in fear that they too would suffer his fate, just for being identified as having been close to Him. They prayed and worried.

We are isolating ourselves from each other, family, and friends in fear of catching the virus or spreading it to others unknowingly. We are worrying, but are we praying? Really praying?

Currently our faces are covered to help prevent the spread of the virus from us to others, even if we don’t seem to have it. Unfortunately these coverings do not prevent us from receiving the virus from the uncovered mouths or places where it lingers or floats.

The spreading of God’s word by us should be the same. Our faces may be covered, but it should not prevent the spreading of the Word or sharing of prayer. We have phones, computers, tablets, I pads and countless apps and abilities for texting, videoing, talking and sharing the Good News! It is Easter! We should be spreading the story faster than the virus is spreading. Cover the virus not the Word of God. The world needs it now and always.

What have you done to spread the word and share hope during these trying times?

The disciples and many of Jesus’ followers stayed in isolation after Jesus’ crucifixion, still fearing for their safety as well as feeling lost and confused about what to do without Jesus. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to Jesus’ tomb to do what was necessary and customary because these things were essential for a proper burial. They risked everything to do what was right and needed to be done.

Because they buried their fear and continued to do what was necessary and essential, they were the first to receive the Good News that Christ had risen. Along their way, they were the first to see Jesus the risen Lord!

Today as many follow instructions, staying home in isolation and practicing social distancing in order to quell the spread, many, called “Essential Services Workers” are required to work on the front lines to help the sick and to keep all necessary and essential things operating the best they can for the good of all. They are the first to see all the bad as well as the good that happens.

When the storm quells, they will be the first to know that it is real and feel the joy and relief as they spread the news! They will be the first to show true hope for others. They are called upon to put themselves out there for all of us. They need our support and prayer.

Jesus observed the Passover meal and dined with His disciples before His time of trial began, knowing full well what was happening. He took the time and sat around the table with those that had become his students and family.

Our lives had become a crazy, fast paced ordeal before this virus struck. Most families did not even see each other enough to spend an evening once a week at the dinner table together. Granted it may go back to that again when this ends. For now, though, you are isolated at home with your families. You are teaching them, playing with them, watching TV and movies with them, and sharing activities that you may not have done together for a long time. Hopefully, you are sitting with them to eat around the dinner table.


How many times did Jesus tell his disciples and followers, that he would suffer, die, be laid in a tomb, rise again in three days and then go to be seated to rule his kingdom? They never really got it until it was over.

Time with family no matter the circumstances is precious. They will remember this time spent. The question is how will they remember it? That is for you to decide.

Be a witness of God’s love to your families in this time, whether parent or child After all, it is the faith of children and its doubtless strength and belief that Jesus tells us all to aspire to have.

Now is the time! This Easter may not be the big event with your larger groups of family and friends that you had originally planned. Do something to make your family’s Easter special. Next make a video of your Easter fun. Share that video online and tag all your missing family and friends in it so they can see how your family celebrated Easter and the Risen Lord. Then encourage your friends and family to do something and post their fun. Then as this goes on you could turn this exercise into a family fun time weekly.

This is not the worst of times, but only a difficult and different time. Christ is still with us and He will lead us through this. The events that created these circumstances are not good but that does not mean we cannot make good out of the bad.

We will remember this Pandemic and that there was illness and death and fear. We will also remember that there was family, community, new opportunities, and new ways of worship that may have reached even more people. We will remember that for every bad aspect of this, there was also good. Remember those things and work to make more good come out of it.

After all, Christ has Died, Christ has Risen, and Christ will come again! That is what Easter is really all about! And we are Easter people!

Sunday,Rockets 2019-Final Day at WSMR

Rockets 2019 at WSMR ended today much better than it began with two out of three rockets leaving the rail and achieving altitude. Fredericksburg High School, Anahuac High School, and Brazoswood High School all tested today. Brazoswood and Anahuac were each on their third attempt for the weekend.

Brazoswood was the top launch for the day and the final one ending the day on a high note. The 25’6″, 10″ diameter vehicle weighing in at 781 lbs fully fueled finally achieved lift off at 1:26 this afternoon after two prior unsuccessful attempts.

The rocket, named John Redden 1, after a senior member of the team that passed away of an aneurysm shortly before graduation, looked like fireworks at ignition as it blew Estes motors across the pad. Then it sailed skyward making a peak altitude of 12,859′ before nosing onto its side and sailing 5.1 miles down range to impact. The chute popped at impact.

73DA1B1A-B9A2-4DB1-A4BC-CD1B1E970E61

The first rocket to leave the rail today was “Panther 6”. Also on it’s third run for the weekend, the rocket built by Anahuac High School students, weighed in at 350 lbs, standing 23′ tall with an 8.6″ diameter. This vehicle had a “Rasberry Pi” GPS payload that a team of brothers designed and assembled. The older brother, 2018 graduate, Caleb Moore designed and 3D printed the plate to hold the payload, and the the younger, Joshua Moore, a 5th grader, assembled the GPS and did the soldering to connect it.

Panther 6 had a valve issue on the pad again today, but finally achieved lift off at 10:59 this morning. It made 1391′ traveling .3 miles down range before impact.

Both Anahuac and Brazoswood were very excited with their accomplishments. Brazoswood had hoped to break some of the standing records for height by other SystemsGo schools.  If that had happened, then student, Michael Bomar, who has a very full head of hair, and beard, had planned to allow his team mates to shave all hair from his head. Looks like he will be staying wild and woolly a while longer.

Fredericksburg’s Redbird #20 was the first test of the day, but did not leave the rail in flight. Shortly after ignition, as the vehicle began to ascend the rail, it exploded apart between the engine compartment and the main body of the rocket. The aft end stayed sitting on the load cell. The explosion blew the body to the right leaving it hanging from the rail by the top lug.  It was cocked off to the side at an angle just slightly above the end of the engine section.

This presented a challenge to the SystemsGo team and students to remove it from the rail. The students are still evaluating what casused the rocket’s accident.  When Mr. Matthes was asked what happened, he answered that it was no short answer but many factors that contributed and some were still being discussed.

Seven schools traveled to WSMR this year. One school returned home unable to launch leaving 6 to test. Literally half achieved flight and half did not.  Regardless, congratulations is in order for all students that came and attempted to launch. You made it to the rail, something that most schools in the program have yet to achieve. Whether your vehicle left the rail or not you and your teams are ahead of your peers. You came here high school grads with a rocket, you leave here, seasoned rocket scientists!

The mission was then called complete at 1:40. Cleaning and packing up of WC50 began,  as this was the official last day of testing for SystemsGo, students, and WSMR personnel.

Safe travels to all schools heading home, tomorrow. It is back to Texas for the SystemsGo team tomorrow as well. Tonight, the team enjoyed dinner, drinks, conversation and an early bed time.

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. minute

Friday’s Launch, an Ode to Rough Beginnings for Launch Day 1 at WSMR, Rockets 2019

Today was the perfect example of rough beginnings and a reminder that these are experimental vehicles, no matter how well the research, planning, development and projections are done.

Launches were to commence at 10:00 this morning. Union Grove High School was first up on the rail, but a leak was detected and they were bumped in order to fix the issue and keep the launches running as close to schedule as possible.

Next on the rail was Alamo Heights High School. There were several holds and the launch was delayed until after 11:22. The rocket was having an issue getting completely fueled which was slowing the launch.

Also Someone moved the cones at one of the barricades where the roads were shut down for the launch and proceeded to drive through. WSMR officials had to go secure the barricades and clear that section of the projected area again. This also delayed the launch.

During the delays, WSMR officials welcomed the parents and did a mini briefing for them in the Range Control auditorium, in lieu of the usual T-1 Briefing. During this time Alamo Heights students also gave their Student Rocket Presentations encompassing the details about and expectations of their vehicles.

Around 11:30 the decision was made that the rocket was as full as it was going to be able to achieve and therefore it was time to launch.

Before the launch I spoke with several of Alamo Heights students. According to them the vehicles name is Rocket with the R backwards like a Russian R. It is 20′ long with a diameter of 10″, weighing in at just over 600 lbs fully fueled. The payload was a Yeti cup with a Petri dish of penicillin and mold from a wallet. They intended to study the effects of radiation on both to see how it effected growth of the mold and if the penicillin became more potent.

Their recovery system was a mortar barrel system with 3 charges with a reefing system. The first charge released the nose cone, the second knocks the piston out of the barrel, deploying the third that releases the reefing lines. The vehicle also had a 3D printed nozzle which threaded into the  fuel grain which was poured directly into the tube with threading at each end to hold it in.

The vehicles projected height was 56,000′. Unfortunately it did not achieve that today. Instead it ignited and traveled up about 20′ above the rail, turned on its side and crashed to the ground just behind the two launch trailers, where it continued to burn until the engine and fuel grain completely burned out.

This made the area unapproachable for quite some time, until all flames could be put out and the rocket cooled enough to be safe to move and asses damages in the area. Unfortunately, this caused the cancellation of all other launches for the day.

SystemsGo and WSMR personnel stayed at the site to clean up, and assess and repair equipment in order to continue launches tomorrow.

There will be many things for students to evaluate and learn as to why this incident occurred, and how to prevent it in the future. SystemsGo may have some suggestions and evaluations of their own.

Currently the rocket has been recovered and SystemsGo is at the range replacing hydraulic lines on the launch trailer that were melted and working to get the switching running again.

Tomorrow will be another 10:00 am launch start. This will mean that personnel going to WC50 will be leaving for the range at 6:00 am.

Those going to watch the launches from Range Control will be heading out at 8:00 a.m. to meet our rep in the gravel lot outside the main gate by 9:00 a.m.

Tomorrow’s launch schedule is as follows:

  • 10:00 a.m. Union Grove High School
  • 12:00 a.m. Anahuac High School
  • 14:00 p.m. Marble Falls High School
  • 16:00 p.m. Brazoswood High School

If it is a perfect day and all goes well with no exceptions with each launch, then only Fredericksburg High School’s and Booker T Washington High School’s two rockets would be left for Sunday.

Realistically, this is a very tight launch sequence with little to no room for errors. As we saw today, errors can and do occasionally happen and can cause severe delays in the launch schedule and hinder time availability.

If we do not get all four launches tomorrow, then they will carry over into Sunday time slots as allowed by WSMR.

Sunday is a contingency day if needed in which four more vehicles could launch, otherwise we will travel home that day.

Best of luck to all schools so that they may have a successful launches tomorrow.

Event details will continue to be available here. I will provide more information each morning as to how the schedule and other event details will progress for that day and how launches went for the schools testing that day. Pictures are not allowed on the range, but some pictures of teams getting ready to leave for the range with their vehicles might be available. If anything is available I will post it for your viewing pleasure.

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.

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