education – On the Wings of Angels

The Texas Rocket Trail 2026 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Day 2, Friday, May 8 Recap

Friday marked the second day of the Texas Rocket Trail for Rockets 2026, here in Smith Point. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative today. We had a very low ceiling and light rain for most of the the day

The original schedule listed 17 rockets for testing. North Shore dropped due to their teacher being very ill. In leu of them, we added ACS which was supposed to have launched last weekend in Centrakl Texas, but their rocket which came from Abu Dahbi, got held up in customs and didn’t get to Fredericksburg, until this week. We actually brought it down to Anahuac to be assembled by one of their schools, this weekend. We had one Ball rocket from yesterday, that didn’t make the cut off yesterday evening so they also launched today.

The Ball and ACS rockets and one Brazoswood rocket, were the only 3 that were lucky enough to launch today in the very small window we had at 2:40 this afternoon. As luck would have it, the hole in the clouds didn’t last long enough to get anymore off today.

We also had a little wind shortly before launches and my cameras took a dive twice and had to be picked up. Shortly after that and right as launches happened we ended up with a 360 view on the livestream which took me a while to figure out how to remedy and resulted in having to restart the whole livestream. For that I deeply appologize to those 3 launches, as we missed them on the stream. I do have it on good authority that Rebekah and some of the pad crew videoed them and will share them with the schools.

Rebekah Hyatt, Program Director awarded two Captain Gene Garret scholarships today. One was to Paige Kirby, from Hardin-Jefferson and Mara Maldonado from Kingwood Park. This is the first year there has been a tie for this scholarship and since there was not a nominee form Jal, NM, SystemsGo was able to award two here at SETX.

Due to the wether not showing any chance of improvement, Rebekah, called launches at 4:40, only allowing Stages 1, 2 and 3 to finish up by 6:00 ckearing rockets so that we can launch them later in the weekend depending on weather.

The teams left the site shortly after 6:00 p.m. headed for the Oyster Bayoo Hunting Club for dinner. Seafood was on the menu tonight, starting with raw oysters for an appetizer. Fried fish, fried shrimp, hush puppies, crawfish potatoes, spicey and regular cole slaw, and three flavors of cobblers for dessert. Amanda and her crew really feed us well. Thank you to them for the wonderful meals. She cooked for a large crew tonight as the regulars were there and we added Fogo’s class of kids to the group. It was a fun crew.

After dinner several left, and others went to bed. I am not sure whether the domino players will play their games for a few rounds before bed or not, because another early morning is on the schedule. We now have 14 ready from today to launch as soon as the skies clear in the morning, which predictions are around 10:00 a.m. So keep your fingers crossed, because that is what we need. The total for tomorrow is now 26 rockets in order to launch all rockets on the docket.

Per Rebekah all rockets must clear Stage 2 by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. If they do not, they are done for the season. Stage 1 and 2 will not reopen if we go into contingency on Sunday. So students, be aware of this you must clear tomorrow.

Tommorrow, Saturday, May 9, boasts another 12 rockets tested by two schools. It will be the final day of the Texas Rocket Trail as long as the weather holds. As I have mentioned we will have today’s 14 unlaunched, cleared vehicles to launch as well.

There is possible tomorrow morning. Hopefully it will clear by mid morning so that we do not have to delay and go into contingency on Sunday.

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/SystemsGoNews

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

Festivities should be complete with all launches having been accomplished tomorrow, Saturday.

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.

Southeast Texas Launches

Launch & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
Southeast Texas
SETX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
SETX Mission Control / Launch Site
Saturday, May 9, 2026
2 Schools participating Saturday at Smith Point
12 expected rockets for testing.
Plus the 14 left from today.
Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 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.
New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data
Here is what SystemsGo requires for your attendance:
1. Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
  Scan or Click
2. There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.

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, links listed above, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on these events.

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

Hope you enjoyed this year’s launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2026 #EyesToTheSkies

The Texas Rocket Trail 2026 Started in Southeast Texas/Smith Point Today, Thursday, May 7

Thursday marked the beginning of the last leg of the Texas Rocket Trail for Rockets 2026, and the first day of launches in Smith Point.

Luckily, we had good weather for testing today, unlike last Friday in Central Texas. There was a significant delay due to cloud ceiling and rocket readiness. The first rocket didn’t launch until 1:58 this afternoon. Seventeen rockets out of 21 originally on the schedule.

One more made it to the rail, but had to return to Stage 3. It will get a chance to launch tomorrow.

Recovery had a good day and brought back about 15 of the 17 rockets launched. We had 5 teams plus a couple of floaters, so the area was well covered. There were a few that mission control collected due to the close proximity of their landing.

Brazoswood graduate, Ava Andrews, and Gloria Burns, Fredericksburg graduate returned to help RSO at Stage 1 and 2. Austin Hodges, Anahuac graduate, and Navy retirey, returned to work the pad, along with Jaxon Fowler, Fredericksburg graaduate, also helped with the pad, media, recovery and what ever Mrs. Hyatt asked.

We had one local dignitary at the launches this year. Texas Housse of Representative District 23, Terri Leo Wilson, was present hoping to watch a few launches. Unfortunately we were in a waiting pattern and instead she talked to students and SystemsGo team members.

Dr. Sallie K. Janes from San Jacinto College was also onsite. She sat with the voice of rockets, Joyce Abbey, meetin students as they took pictures with their rockets and took them down to the pad.

The last volley of launches was ended at 7:05 p.m. The teams left the site at 7:40 p.m. headed for the Oyster Bayoo Hunting Club for dinner. Chicken Florentine, Sauteed squash, garlic bread, salad, and spice cake for dessert was tonight’s menu.

After dinner several left, and others went to bed, while others visited and I worked on this blog. Then little by little they all headed to bed since tomotrrow is another early morning.

Tommorrow, Friday, May 8, boasts another 17 rockets, plus at least one from today. At some point in the weekend, ACS’s rocket will launch since they were unable to last weekend as their rocket got hung up in customs.

There is a 70% probability of rain as early as 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. Hopefully it will hold out until after launches so that we do not have to delay and go into contingency on Sunday.

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/SystemsGoNews

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming Friday and Saturday.

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 .

Southeast Texas Launches

Friday, May 8, 2026
4 Schools participating Friday at Smith Point
17 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 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.
New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data
Here is what SystemsGo requires for your attendance:
1. Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
  Scan or Click

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, links listed above, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on these events.

Hope you enjoyed this year’s launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2026 #EyesontheSkies #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2026, Friday, May 1, Central Texas/Stonewall Day 2 Rain Delay Report

Rockets 2026, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, continued today. The original schedule listed 22 rockets for today. Unfortunately for the launces, rain settled in for the day and caused a stalemate for launching. Instead, the schools for today came in and presented their rockets for approval in Stages 1, 2 and 3. At completion they were all loaded into box trailers to be launched later in the weekend.

Tomorrow and Sunday, yes Sunday, we will be going into contingency due to the rain delay if we cannot get all 40 launched tomorrow. They hope is that we do. Our record is 44, so according to our illustrious Executive Director, Rebekah Hyatt, “this should be easy!”

I do believe she has issued us all a challenge! But it should be one we can meet, since tomorrow we have blue skies and no rain.

Tomorrow operations will resume as usual with schools arriving at Stage 1 and 2 for prechecks and approval to move on to Stage 3 and launching. The original schedule for tomorrow listed 15 rockets. Now we will add the 22 from today and the 7 left from Thursday. Obviously there must have been some no shows from today or cancelations of some tomorrow to get only 40 for tomorrow.

We will start with the trailered rockets while we wait on the schools coming in tomorrow to get through all the stages of prechecks and approval to launch. Any schools that are present from previous days to watch let us know you are still with us.

The crew and team members are to report at daybreak to begin launching all the hold overs from Thursday and Friday while Saturday’s get through their flight checks.

The media group streamed the Stage 1 and 2 activities today since there were no launches to stream. They will resume streaming launches tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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.

Central Texas/Stonewall:

Saturday, May 1, 2026
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
CTX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
CTX Mission Control / Launch Site
Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fredericksburg HS, Union Grove, Roosevelt HS, Harleton HS, Canyon City HS CO, Fabens HS, Johnson HS, Bazoswood HS, Mustang HS OK, Victoria East HS, Future Ready Learning Complex, Atascosita HS, Victoria West HS, ACS, Alamo Heights HS, London HS, Hamilton HS, Hardin Jefferson HS, Odessa College
11 rockets are slated for testing on Saturday, with an additional 13 from Friday.
Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data
And will be available at www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day.

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is daylight. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 7:30 a.m.

Here are a couple of things that SystemsGo requires for your attendance:

Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
Scan or Click
There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.

All information can be found https://www.systemsgo.org

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2026 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2026, Thursday, April 30, Central Texas/Stonewall Day 1 Launch Report

Rockets 2026, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, began today. The original schedule listed 20 rockets for today launched by 6 schools.

Of those, 13 were successfully tested today. All were good flights, although some had stability issues in flight , and several lacked deployment of chutes. Quite a few were successfully recovered, though some will need to be searched for tomorrow while retrieving new launches. We have 7 hold overs from today that will launch tomorrow or another day later in the weekend depending on the weather. Launches had to be called by around 7:30 pm due to bad weather. We had already had to shelter in place orders around 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. A new thunderstorom was moving in as we all left the range for the day. Tomorrow’s forcast calls for rain for most of the day. We are currently all on standby for tomorrow pending weather. But do not fear will resume on Saturday, if we cannot launch tomorrow and also have Sunday as a contingency day to complete all our volley’s.

All rockets were tested by 7:40 pm and the site secured for the evening as storms are predicted for over night in the area. Six team members congregated at La Tequila Jalisco for dinner after launches and then headed home for much needed rest before staring tomorrow’s session.

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

Tomorrow 22 rockets are on the schedule, built by 7 different schools. The seven left from today will be added to that provided we launch.

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

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

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

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

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

Some of this year’s sponsors at CTX Rockets are Adam R. Scripps,

Stroeher and Olfers, Inc.

and AMSAT Amateur Radio In Space.

AMSAT is hand radio operators group. They broadcast out all over the world on old style hand radios. They began sending out their signal and stories about the rocket launches earlier this week. They have reached over 30,000 people even as far away as Africa and Indonesia. As they seek to bring attention to the rocket program and provide listeners and conversation about the program, they also hope to further promote the use of hand radios across the world and across age groups in order to keep an original art alive.

New for this launch, the media group, Fredericksburg/Billies Live is operating the Livestream this week at the Stonewall launch. Page Findley seeks to involve present and former students in this venture in order to promote media at local events. Today we have three participants from the group including Conner a homeschool grad student, who started out working for a church doing similar duties, and then sought out an advance in career in order to learn more about audio/video and so joined the group. Sergio, a Fredericksburg High grad, and Yocelyn a current FHS student. They are just one group working for the media program. They can do as many as four events in a day when called upon.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

Friday, May 1, 2026
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
CTX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
CTX Mission Control / Launch Site
Central Texas-Stonewall 2026 Flight Schedule

Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Brazoswood HS, Mustang HS OK, Victoria East HS, Future Ready Learning Complex, Atascosita HS, Victoria West HS, American Communnity Schools Abu Dhabi
15 more rockets are slated for testing on Saturday.
A Livestream for each launch is provided here:
Rockets 2026 Live Stream
And will be available at www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day.
New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data

Here are a couple of things that SystemsGo requires for your attendance:

Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
Scan or Click
There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2026 #EyesToTheSkies

Wednesday’s Pre-Launch Report for Rockets 2026 Contiuning at the Central Texas/Stonewall, Tomorrow, Thursday, April 30-Saturday, May 2, 2026

The Central Texas Launches sail into the skies over Stonewall, Texas starting tomorrow, April 30, 2026. This is the third in the series for the Rockets 2026 and the second in the Texas Rocket Trail lineup. This is our seventh year in Stonewall for the CTX Rockets launch.

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

Class A Event Rentals arrived to set up tents for Mission Control, Media and spectators. Duane Neffendorf again provided portable restrooms and wash stations to the site. Later LCRA, Bee Creek Communications and Starlink provide support for IT, Internet WiFi and Radio communications.

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

The Stonewall site covers the Fredericksburg and Hill Country area schools. Some of our North and South Texas schools still participate here, in leu of our NTX and SETX sites. Our two out of state schools, Canon City from Colorado, and Mustang from Oklahoma also elected to test here. This year our over seas school, the American Community Schools Abu Dhahi, will also launch at Stonewall, in previous years they participated in the SETX launch at Smith Point.

Currently there are 57 rockets scheduled for launch by 16 schools at the Stonewall location for Rockets 2026. This schedule may be updated this week with the possibility of schools adding or dropping close to launch time.

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

The FHS “Grub Uber Alles” Culinary Arts Trailer will set up shop and provide concessions for the weekend. The pics below are from the last time they graced the event with their food, so this menu and pricing may not be exact. Tomorrow I will update it as needed.

Paige Findly will be handling media and live stream for the CTX Rockets event. With changes in staff happening this season, he has been instrumental in helping Rebekah and myself get media and the livestream up and running. He is testing out his equipment at this weekend’s launch event.

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

Rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Unfortunately the weather for the weekend is less than ideal with rain and thunderstorm predicted Friday and Saturday. This being said, be prepared for the possibilities of delays. But with any luck maybe the rain will hold off until the overnight hours so launching can stay on track for the daytime.

Please either join in the action on site or help cheer the students on while watching the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered is priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, then it is even more memorable. If you are not on site, then shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online, or participate in the chat on YouTube Livestream page.

A live feed for each launch will be provided here:

Rockets 2026 Live Stream

The link is available at www.systemsgo.org on the home page.

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

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

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

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

Thursday, April 30- Saturday, May 2, Weather Contingency Day-Sunday, May 3
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 Map Links:
CTX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
CTX Mission Control / Launch Site

Central Texas-Stonewall 2026 Flight Schedule for Thursday, April 30, 2026
Schools participating: Fredericksburg HS, Union Grove, Roosevelt HS, Canyon City HS, Fabens HS, and Johnson HS
20 expected rockets for testing

Here are a couple of things that SystemsGo requires for your attendance:

Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree to Launch Day Entry Form / Waiver
Scan or Click

There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.
All information can be found https://www.systemsgo.org listed under each individual venue.

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

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

I hope you are as super excited about this year’s CTX launches as I am! Let’s pray the weather cooperates and we get to see a steady stream of rockets screaming into the sky.

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2026 #EyesOnThe Skies #EyesToTheSkies

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

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

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

2026 marks seven active years in this location. The ranches used here in Jack county are courtesy of the Brown family for Stage 1, 2 and Event Parking, and the Thornton family for Stage 3, Mission Control and launching.

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

https://www.facebook.com/SystemsGoNews

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

The featured picture at the head of this article, shows a little about the range land this particular launch event calls home. The signage shows the sense of irony and humor our group has. After all, placement is everything! It is actual a picture from previous years, but I just love it so it tends to stay. At the time we left for the evening not all the signs were finished, and this one was not hung yet. I am not sure if it was an oversite, or if someone decided to do something new. I guess we will know by tomorrow.

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

Restrooms and wash stations are provided by Mobile Thrones again this year, both at the launch site and the Stage 1 and 2, Event parking site.

A spectator tent will NOT be available on site this year. Teachers and Spectators are encouraged to bring 10×10 pop up tents for themselves and their students for extra shelter. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food. Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules. Sunday is our built in weather contingency day should we need to delay launches. All rockets and students should proceed through Stages 1, 2, and 3 at their assigned times each day so that each vehicle can be completed and be ready for launch if possible. If delays happen the completed rockets will be stored in a trailer until the next available, safe launch spot either that day, or subsequent days as circumstances allow.

Parents are asked to ride with their students in the school buses from Stage 1 and 2. Other spectators will have provided parking, watch for signage marking that area and instructions on how you will be brought in from there. We will not be shuttling spectators to the launch site this year.

Jacksboro is the first Texas launch for the Rockets 2026 season but the second launch in the SystemsGo launch line up for the 2026 Spring Rocket trail. SystemsGo New Mexico held the first launch, in Jal, New Mexico, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. North Texas will be followed by launches in Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point.

North Texas/Jack County, is hosting 7 schools, slated to test 44 rockets Friday and Saturday. Sunday is set as a contingency day in case of inclement weather. At this point no storms are predicted, but strong winds are a possibility. They can cause delays and inhibit finding and recovering rockets as they cause excessive drift.

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

North Texas/Jack County:

Friday, April 24-Saturday, April 25 (Contingency Day, Sunday, April 26.)
Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
Stage 1 & 2 are at the bus parking area. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
North Texas
NTX Check In / Stage 1 and 2
NTX Mission Control / Launch Site
Friday’s Schedule.
Schools participating: BCTAL, Buinger HS, Hollenstein CTC, Northstar HS, Gary HS, Petrolia, and Ranchview HS.
23 rockets are scheduled for tomorrow.
44 total rockets expected for testing over the weekend.
Watch the Livestream here: Rockets 2026 Live Stream
The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 9:00 a.m. Note there is a big difference between projected and actual. Actual is quite often much later that projected, but miracles do happen. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.
New for this year, a recovery map link will be available for the schools to see pictures uploaded by recovery teams showing where and how their rockets were recovered. 2026 Recovered Rockets Data

Here are a couple of things that SystemsGo requires for your attendance:

Any member of the public wishing to attend a launch is required to register online and agree toLaunch Day Entry Form / Waiver
Scan or Click
There is no charge, but proof of registration is required before entering the site. You will be issued arm bands as proof and you must have them on at all times.
All information can be found https://www.systemsgo.org

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

If you cannot attend in person, join in the action to cheer on your students on the Livestream. The link is provided above and on the SystemsGo home page. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is beyond priceless. If they know you are watching and supporting them, that makes it mean so much more. Shoot them a text, or iMessage letting them know you are watching online. You can also join in on the live chat next to the Live Stream feed on YouTube. The upcoming launches in Central Texas/Stonewall and Southeast Texas/Smith Point may also be followed and viewed on this same Livestream link.

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

Our day is now done. We had a late dinner at Mesquite Pit, and it is time for bed, because it will be early to rise tomorrow, with all #EyesToTheSkies. See you at the launch!

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RidetheSkies, #EyesToTheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2026 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

The Texas Rocket Trail 2025 Started in Southeast Texas/Smith Point Today, Friday, May 9

Friday marked the beginning of the last leg of the Texas Rocket Trail for Rockets 2025, and the first day of launches in Smith Point. Luckily, we had good weather for testing today, unlike last weekend in Central Texas.

The original schedule listed 24 rockets for testing, and we managed 21. One aborted, and two will launch tomottow. Recovery had a good day and brought back about 95% of the rockets launched. We had 5 teams so the area was well covered, and there were several that the pad collected due to the close proximity of their landing.

We had three Brazoswood seniors that came to support our media department with interviews and launch fimling. Ava Andrews, Michaela Gutrmuth, and Gosha Krasovskiy led students through stories about their rockets, hopes for their future, thoughts about their launch once it was done. They were very creative in their questions as well as entertaining during down time. Ava plans to return tomorrow with a host of new students, and has already been charged with keeping them in line and showing them how the system works and what to do to keep student rocket teams engaged.

The Pad had a great day with a fairly steady stream of launches, and a lot of good help. Returning alumni, Austin Hodges from Anahuac, now recently medically released Navy lent a hand. Brandon from Lockhead was there for now his third launch this year as well.

Rebekah Hyatt, Program Director awarded to scholarships today. One was the Brett Williams Scholarship to Tina Lee, from Anahuac and the Gene Garrett Scholarship to Kingwoodpark student, Lucas Pagano.

The last volley of launches was around 7:30 p.m. The teams left the site at 8:00 p.m. headed for the Oyster Bayoo Hunting Club for dinner. Hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, veggie casserole, gravy, salad, and a deicious dessert of yellow cake with a cool whip, back berry, blue blerry and lemon topping.

After dinner several left, and others went to bed, but the domino players started their games for a few rounds before bed and another early morning.

Tommorrow, Saturday, May 10, boasts another 18 rockets. There is possible rain midday tomorrow. Hopefully it will hold out until after launches so that we do not have to delay and go into contingency on Sunday.

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/SystemsGoNews

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Saturday.

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

Saturday, May 10, 2025
6 are Schools participating Friday at Smith Point
18 expected rockets for testing on Friday.
A Livestream for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org/events as each launch date arrives. Friday’s is as follows:
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, links listed above, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on these events.

Hope you enjoyed this year’s launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2025 #EyesontheSkies #EyesToTheSkies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

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

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 7:30 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Texas/Stonewall:

Friday, May 2, 2025
Launch Site: 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671
Stage 1 & 2 at Stonewall Chamber of Commerce: 250 Peach Street, Stonewall, TX 78671
Central Texas-Stonewall 2025 Flight Schedule

Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Roosevelt HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Victoria West HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, Canon City HS, Brazoswood HS, Future Ready Complex, Mustang HS
11 more rockets are slated for testing on Saturday.
A Livestream for each launch is provided here:
CTX Stream May 2
And will be available at www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2025 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2025, Wednesday, April 23rd North Texas Launch Site Prep Day

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Wednesday at the site in North Texas, near Jacksboro in Jack County, transforming the Brown and Thornton family ranches into a launch site, once again for this year’s 2025 NTX launch. Thursday morning, marks opening day for this Texas launch venue, as schools, students, and test vehicles arrive for the Rockets 2025 flight line up.

This is the event’s sixth active year in this location. The ranches used here in Jack county are courtesy of the Brown family for Stage 1, 2 and Event Parking, and the Thornton family for Stage 3, Mission Control and launching.

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/SystemsGoNews

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

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.

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.

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
	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:

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.
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.

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.

Hope to see you at the launches! #RidetheSkies, #EyesToTheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2025 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail

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