Today’s blog is about the crew that runs the actual launch pad for the rocket tests. Most of this group is made up of past students that have gone through the SystemsGo program. They are all pursuing engineering careers at their respective universities. All three completed the program at Fredericksburg High School and ended that time there with a successful Goddard level rocket launch at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).
Being at the pad, is both exciting and dangerous. Personnel here have the responsibility of loading each vehicle onto the rail, going for fill and relaying the go ahead for ignition.
These future engineers come back each year for several reasons. First and foremost they all enjoy what they are doing out there. Second as engineering students in college, this is a hands on opportunity to work in the field and have this addition for their resume`s. Lastly, they are big proponents of the program, and know firsthand what it has done for them and what it can do for students in the future so they want to help out and keep the program running, so that others will continue to have this opportunity. Most if not all of this crew will be traveling to WSMR later this summer to help run the launch of the Goddard level rockets being tested there as well.
These students include: Cade Ottmers, Annisa Kneese, and Chelsea Burow.
This year, Annisa brought a group of engineering students from Texas A&M to observe the program here first hand, and though I do not have all their names, I wanted to mention them because they also helped at the pad on Sunday. This gave them firsthand experience in what is being done.
Andrew Matthes, the program instructor at FHS, and retired teacher, Ned Butler, also provided assistance, instruction, and monitored safety at the pad throughout the weekend. They help insure that all procedures and checklists are followed to provide the most successful test of each vehicle.
The program wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the willingness and effort of the individuals at the pad. Each vehicle is literally in their hands in the last few moments before the test. They check for any final issues that might prevent launch, and stand by with each vehicle as it begins fill and watching for signs that the rocket is a go for launch. For this I applaud their hard work and resilience. This year alone they had a 100% launch rate, meaning that every vehicle that made it through the Stages 1, 2, and 3 and down to the pad, left the rail at launch. Congratulations Launch Pad Crew!
Thank each one of you for all you do and are willing to do to help each vehicle complete its launch. You are an outstanding bunch, and so detrimental to the program’s success on launch days.
www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. Take the time to get your school involved, the future of your students will be greatly benefited.
On the Wings of Angels 