Tag: fredericksburg

Rockets 2023 Arrived in Alamogordo, Thursday for WSMR Launches on Saturday

The SystemsGo team left Fredericksburg at in two shifts, one at 6:00 a.m. and the second at 8:30 a.m. this morning headed to Alamogordo, for lodging for White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) rocket launches in New Mexico. Schools from Union Grove, Alamo Heights and Brazoswood also traveled to Alamogordo today to meet and begin preparations for launches this Saturday

The early crew, Rebekah Hyatt and George Burns, set up by 3:00 p.m.in the parking lot of the Quality Inn and Suites to preform pressure and FRR checks for Union Grove and Alamo Heights teams. At 8:45 p.m. the SystemsGo team walked to Applebee’s for dinner as the students from Alamo Heights were still evaluating their rocket and finishing configuration.

Portable restrooms are available at the site. Limited electricity is available. Each school is responsible for acquiring food and drinks for their group for all meals and snacks each day, except lunch on launch day will be provided by WSMR.

All documentation was completed and turned in to Rebekah Hyatt, Thursday evening upon arrival.

  • UXO, Wildlife, and Driving in WSMR briefing registry
  • WSMR waiver
  • SystemsGo waiver
  • Medical Release Forms

Be prepared to show ID’s at the security check at the gate in the morning.

There are three schools scheduled to launch four rockets. These include:

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, June 23rd
    1. Depart for site from hotel by 7:15 a.m.
    2. Meet at Tula Gate for Security Checks at 8:00 a.m.
    3. Alamo Heights and Union Grove will be in our caravan from the hotel. Brazoswood will meet us at the Tula Gate.
    4. Travel to ABC-1 at 9:00 a.m.
    5. Site Set up at ABC-1 upon arrival.
    6. Complete all rockets.
    7. Leave the site with Union Grove and Alamo Heights on the rails and Brazoswood completed and ready to load the rail by 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 24th
  • Launch Day (Three Rockets, barring any schedule changes by WSMR.)
  • Depart from Hotel by 5:15 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. arrival at Tula Gate for Security checks.
  • Depart Gate to ABC-1 6:30 a.m.
  • Projected launch schedule:
    • T1 8:00 a.m. –
    • T2
    • T3
    • All rockets launched by 2:00 p.m.
    • Break for Lunch 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Range Time Ends – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 25th
  • Contingency Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (To be determined.)
  • Monday, June 26th
  • Travel Day

The schedule as seen above is a preliminary estimate, and though accurate as stated by Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt, at the moment, is subject to changes and adjustments as needed per WSMR necessities.

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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

#Rockets2023 #SystemsGo #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail #EyesOnTheSkies #TexasToNewMexicoRocketTrail

2023 Marks 25 Years White Sands Missile Range Hosts Student Rockets

2023 is a year of milestones for the Fredericksburg based STEM rocket program beginning with White Sands Missile Range hosting the SystemsGo Rocket Program again for its season end launches. This event marks the 25th year the STEM based program has brought high school seniors to the Army Base to test the program’s highest-level rockets, known as Goddard. It would have marked 25 consecutive years, but COVID took out 2020 putting the numbers behind by a year. The program took its first rocket from Fredericksburg High School to WSMR in 1999. The nonprofit organization supporting this STEM program in schools officially began in June of 2003, making this 2023 season its 20th Anniversary as well. This year three schools will be traveling to New Mexico to test their rockets at White Sands Missile Range, they include: Alamo Heights HS, Brazoswood HS and Union Grove HS.

June 23rd through June 25th are the dates for this year’s WSMR launch.  The SystemsGo team and schools will be traveling to Alamogordo, New Mexico for lodging on June 22nd. Early on the 23rd, preparations at the site will be made with the goal of launching all three rockets Saturday afternoon.  The 25th is our contingency day, but it is only a contingency for completing cleanup at the site, or if WSMR must delay our launches. It will not be a day to recycle rockets that fail.

We continue to launch from range ABC1. This range required the altitude cap for the rockets to be adjusted from the 20-mile radius the program previously had available for these test vehicles to travel and stay within their parameters. The original height cap was 100,000 feet. The current cap instituted two years ago is 50,000 feet. ABC-1 does not have a large bunker, so only essential launch personnel stay on site, and the SG staff evacuate out five miles for launches. Students and teachers are taken to a secure location known as Tula G, which is further down range where they watch the launches on screen inside a designated facility. Parents are no longer allowed to come, since the theater at Mission Control is no longer the viewing area. Volunteer staffing of base personnel for this has still not resumed.

Schools are asked to arrive early on the 22nd in Alamogordo to do pressure checks with as little time spent on configuration as possible. At least two vehicles need to have this stage complete before heading down range on the 23rd.  Preferably very little time will be spent on assembly on the 23rd. Some weight, CG, and FFR verification can be done if needed downrange the 23rd.  There will be tents on the range, the same as last year. Rockets need to be complete by the end of the day on Friday.

The first T time on Saturday will be 8:00 a.m. After that the range is Hot all day for us, which translates to as soon as we can reset and be ready to launch again, WSMR is ready to assist. This should make keeping the schedule and sending all three rockets skyward a viable task for Saturday.

WSMR personnel, including Test Center Commander, Colonel Shawanta Smart, and Range Operator, Lori Leyva, will be on site during the launches. WSMR will be providing lunch for all participants. Colonel Smart began her command in August of 2021, making this her second rocket season with the program. She stopped in last year for a brief visit, but plans to be onsite to see more of how the program operates. Ms. Leyva will be retiring after this year. Her service in coordinating SystemsGo and WSMR in launch efforts has been extremely beneficial to the program over the years she has been with us. SystemsGo will be making special presentations during the lunch break.

Saturday is a contingency day, but preferably it should be no more than a site cleanup day if needed that morning. Provided that we accomplish this early the remainder of the day’s activities will be decided at that time.

SystemsGo team members will be residing at the Quality Inn and Suites in Alamogordo this year.

There are three schools scheduled to launch four rockets. These include:

  • Union Grove
  • Alamo Heights
  • Brazoswood

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 22nd
    1. Travel Day
    2. Pressure Checks and FRRs that evening at the hotels.
    3. Security checks of all Form 5000s
  • Friday, June 23rd
    1. Site Set up ABC-1 9:00- 9:30 a.m.
    2. Depart for site from hotel by 7:45 a.m.
    3. Complete all rockets.
    4. Leave the site with Union Grove and Alamo Heights on the rails.
  • Saturday, June 24th
    1. Launch Day (Three Rockets, barring any schedule changes by WSMR.)
    2. Depart from hotel by 4:45 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. arrival on site.
    3. Projected launch schedule:
      • T1 8:00 a.m. –
      • T2
      • T3
      • Break for Lunch 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
      • Range Time Ends – unspecified currently.
  • Sunday, June 25th
    1. Contingency Day/Cleanup/Fun Day/ Travel (To be determined.)
  • Monday, June 26th
    1. Travel Day

The schedule as seen above is a preliminary estimate, and though accurate as stated by Program Director, Rebekah Hyatt, at the moment, is subject to changes and adjustments as needed once the entire group is in New Mexico.

The Goddard level rockets, which are the capstones of the SystemsGo program and the culmination of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in the STEM program. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in for the SystemsGo program.

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

#Rockets2023 #SystemsGo #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail #EyesOnTheSkies #TexasToNewMexicoRocketTrail

What Do Writers Write, When They Haven’t A Clue?

What do writers write about when they have no clue what to write about? What words hit the page, when there is no event to cover, public interest or personal thing that lends itself to writing a story? That is exactly what this story is going to investigate.

Of course, I say Writers, loosely. Mostly this applies to one lost writer I know.

I sit at my computer, brainstorming over ideas of nothing. The little voice in my head rehearses that writer’s mantra of “Writer’s Write,” so write something. Write anything! Certainly, there must be something of interest for me to put words on paper.

My writer friend, Phil, who seems to never lack for something to write about, of course, that is pretty much all he does these days. I still have a “real” job as my husband would tell me. If it were up to me that would be my only “real” job, but finances just do not follow inline for me. Anyway, he asks me every time I see him, “So what have you been writing lately? I haven’t seen any posts from you.”

I need more rocket events; I always write about them when they are in season. Unfortunately, Rocket Season just ended for the spring. Only the big boys that we take to White Sands are left to be tested at the end of June. I have been doing pregame on that event, but I cannot launch those yet. Pun definitely intended. I love Rockets, and I had to get it in there somewhere. But as is the usual schedule of events, after June, I have no more rockets and sadly my enthusiasm seems to wane. So, in answer to his question, “Not a whole lot. Some poetry here and there. A fictional story once in a while. Oh, I did a devotion for our Lenten book at church. Does that count?”

I told him, I would love to travel and write about where I travel. He asks, “ Why aren’t you doing it?” Same answer, “Time, money, PTO, did I mention money.” Yup it’s a rut!

Now here I am, trying to at the very least write something. And here is the best part. I love having spell check and an editor, but can’t it just leave me alone until I want it’s help? I don’t even know what I am writing about! What do I care if it is correct at this point?

I am sitting here trying to figure out where to go from here, tapping inertly on my keyboard. When a story I saw in the Daily Update of the Fredericksburg Standard comes to mind, and I wonder why, now? Here is the answer, and it is something to write about, however briefly.

The band is reviving the Cake Walk this Thursday, at the Farmer’s Market at Market Platz. Actually, it is TODAY! They have asked for percussion alumni to come play the old traditional cowbell cadence. As I ponder for ideas, I realize my inert drumming is that very cadence. Not surprising, since old Bandies tend to revert back to what they know.

The Band Cake Walk hasn’t happened since the 1990’s so I am told, but I was a very young child when I really remember attending the event. I do remember making a pink carousel cake with Peeps animals for horses. I was very proud of it at the time. It was the only decorated one I recall taking to donate and be judged. No, if memory serves me, it did not place.

At the time I recall it used to take place right where Adlesverein Halle is on Market Platz. That corner was a community baseball field at the time. I do remember having fun as a child. By high school it had lost it’s luster. I was a teenager, and both my mother and grandmother made wedding and all occasion cakes for the public and I was forced to help. I hated it. Little did I know I would spend 13 years setting up and delivering cakes for Sophie’s Choice Bakery later in life. My Oma would have been thrilled. She always told me, what you throw away the farthest is what you pick up first. Well, it wasn’t first, but I did pick it up and actually enjoyed it then.

I do intend to attend tonight’s event. I am curious, and nostalgic. I want to hear the cadence. As for the cake walk itself, I will watch, past that I have not decided, only time will tell.

Most of what I have found to note on paper today, probably won’t be of interest to folks not from old Fritztown, but you know what? That is ok. Heck it might not even be entertaining to them. But you know what? There are words on paper. Honestly, that was my goal.

So, I still don’t really know what to write about, but I did have fun rambling around. I hope you enjoyed it. Perhaps I will try to do it more often. You know, make it a thing, titled, “What Do Writers Write About, When They Haven’t a Clue?”

The Texas Rocket Trail 2023 Ended in Southeast Texas/Smith Point Friday

Friday marked the end of the Texas Rocket Trail for Rockets 2023, as the second and final day of launches in Smith Point boasted good weather and a steady line of rockets coming for testing. The original schedule listed 22 rockets for testing, but by day’s end one carryover from Thursday added and 5 vehicles dropped off the docket, leaving only 18 to launch which still creates a full day.

Most rockets left the rail on their first try, with only 4 having to make extra attempts after minor adjustments. In all it was a good day of steady launches. Of the 18 launched today, all but three were recovered. Of those three, one ballistic re-entry was only marked by sound no sight, one sunk in the bay, and a third land in a gator pond. The last might yet be recoverable with the use of an air boat in the next few days. Only time will tell if the students get it back, or if the gators will get to keep their new rocket.

Mission Complete was called at 6:40 and the sight was packed up by 7:45. The team had a final meal together for the spring season at Tita’s Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in Oak Island, visiting for a while and then heading to bed or home for the evening. It was another good year of launches, with great weather and good help to make everything go smoothly.

Spring launches are complete for 2023. The summer launches at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico are next up on the schedule in late June.

  • Schools participating on Friday were: Atascosita HS, North Shore HS, Brazoswood HS, Friendswood HS, Hargrave HS
  • A live feed for each launch in the spring series will be available for viewing at www.systemsgo.org/events  

Thank you for joining us for launch season, and for supporting the schools and youth that participate in the SystemsGo curriculum. Most of the team members that travel with SystemsGo are volunteer based. We support them to ensure the program continues. We have all seen first hand the impact this STEM education program has had on family members and community members students, and the futures it has afforded those who participated in it and went on to college and beyond, applying what they learned.

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

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

Hope you enjoyed this year’s launches!

#RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2023 #EyesontheSkies

Rockets 2023 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Thursday Recap

Southeast Texas Rockets started off Thursday in Smith Point. After a rainy and stormy set up day on Wednesday, we enjoyed partly cloudy skies, and a breeze for most of the day. It was humid and steamy, and puddles riddled the site, but it was still a manageable weather situation for the launches.

The drawbacks for the day were that we started off with the Internet and the port-a-potties still MIA to start the day. The Internet arrived for set up at 10:15, a good four hours into the day. Potties were closer to 11:00 leaving the spectators and workers alike waiting uncomfortably for their arrival. Both providers cited miscommunications on the timeline for the event.

Rockets started arriving in Stage 3 around 11:00, but the first full volley of launches was not until 1:22. One rocket came down pegging the top a volunteer’s car, denting the roof. That was the only hazard for the day. Our new school from the American Community Schools of Abudhabi, launched later in the afternoon. It was a beautiful launch, but the parachute system failed to deploy, and it came down as a ballistic lawn dart about 150 yards from Mission Control and was lost in a marshy bog. It was both a thrill and a disappointment for a group of students the traveled so far to participate.

19 rockets arrived for testing today. Of those, 17 were launched and left the rail, 1 had to abort at the end of the day, unable to complete their vehicle, and one though reworked several times had to push off until tomorrow for another chance at the rail. Five were left unrecovered, with the hope they may show up tomorrow. Mission Complete was called at 7:42 for the evening.

Twenty-two more rockets are scheduled for Friday.

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

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

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Friday.

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 continues Friday. Livestream links and schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Southeast Texas Launches

  • Friday, May 12, 2023
  • 12 are Schools participating this year in Smith Point
  • 22 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:

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies2023 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches This Thursday

The 2023 Texas Rocket Trail season is on it’s last leg of the junior series launches with the Southeast Texas/Smith Point testing site. Currently 38 vehicles are scheduled for testing by 12 schools at this site. Testing begins this week, May 11-12, with a weather contingency day to be used only if needed on May 13.

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

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

  • Thursday, May 11 – Saturday, May 8
  • Launch & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
    South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
  • Schools participating: Gary HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Hargrave HS, North Shore HS,  Anahuac HS, Booker T Washington HS, Brazoswood HS, Kingwood Park HS, Milby HS,  Summer Creek HS, Odyssey HS, Friendswood HS
  • 38 expected rockets for testing
  • A Livestream for each launch is provided and available at www.systemsgo.org/events

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 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. First launch as soon as we have some cleared to the pad.

Restrooms and wash stations will be provided at the launch site. Concessions will be provided on site. 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.

Locals report that mosquito spray is a MUST.

Spectators are asked to register online for a ticket and sign a waiver before entering the event site. The registration link can be found on the Events page at SystemsGo.org .

Daily reports featuring schedules, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the event if information is available.

Daily picture uploads can be found on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ginger.burow/

Or the SystemsGo Facebook page at:

SystemsGo Facebook page,

Please watch the SystemsGo website, Facebook page,  Twitter feed: 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 #Rockets2023 #EyesontheSkies #gettothepoint

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Launches ended today, Saturday, May 6, 2023

Rockets 2023, Central Texas Edition, ended today. The original schedule listed 15 rockets for today. Petrolia HS had two rockets that moved from the launch in North Texas last weekend to this one, and Fredericksburg HS relaunched an earlier rocket that had been unsatisfactory, so that brought totals to 18 for the day.

Launching began a 11:41a.m. and ended at 5:35. The team packed up the site afterwards and finally headed for home around 8:00 p.m. Launches went well albeit a little slow clearing through to the rails.

The Alamo Heights Media students were helping Phil Houseal with interviewing, livestream and general media coverage today. They interviewed Steve, Layla, and I to find out about the roles of the recovery teams.

It has been a long, fun, but tiring weekend. Everyone was ready for some much needed R and R.

This completed the Central Texas launches. Next week the team moves to Southeast Texas to launch from Smith Point near Anahuac, Texas. Currently 38 rockets are scheduled for testing on Thursday and Friday at that site. It will be the last leg of the spring launches for Rockets 2023.

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

More details will be available here each day for next week’s event. Reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures, and editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023, Friday, May 5, Central Texas/Stonewall Launch Report

Rockets 2023, Central Texas/Stonewall Edition, continued today. The original schedule listed 26 rockets for today. Three rockets aborted, bringing the total launched to 23.

Georgetown arrived at Stage 3 first with 7 vehicles, making the first full volley all theirs, with rockets in the air starting at 10:51 a.m. Mission Complete was at 7:07 p.m. It was a slightly longer day today.

Tomorrow only 15 rockets are on the schedule, as compared to Thursday’s 18 and today’s 23. Numbers do not mean a thing when it comes to rockets. Tomorrow could be a short day, as is the hope, or another long one. Test vehicles like these quite often push the time schedules. Weather effects the schedule as well. We have been under Severe weather watches all weekend, and the possibility is still there. It has been on our side so far, let us hope tomorrow will hold off until we are done as well. The team would like to call it complete early.

After 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.

An author and a photographer from Texas Coop Magazine were onsite today, watching the program, taking photos and talking to people involved in the program. They plan a future article for the program in an upcoming edition of the magazine.

Past SystemsGo student and current NASA Flight Director for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Bekah Sosland Siegfriedt, brought her family out to watch today’s event. She is responsible for putting The Perseverance Rover on Mars.

Program originator, Brett Williams, also stopped in today.

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 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 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 6, 2023
  • 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 2023 Flight Schedule for Saturday
Saturday, May 6, 2023
School Name / Teacher1/1Trans
London                             Toni Castle11
Alamo Heights           Colin Lang32
Canon City                    Chad Ford22
New Tech Odessa      Maria Lopez4 
   
   
 4
Schools Launching
Totals105
Total Rockets15
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Harleton HS, London HS, New Tech Odessa HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, McGregor HS, Canon City HS
  • 15 rockets slated for testing on Saturday.
  • A Livestream for each launch will be provided 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 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 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 #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

Rockets 2023 Central Texas/Stonewall Thursday Evening Launch Report

Today was the first day of launches for the Rockets 2023 Central Texas Launch Event here in Stonewall, Texas. 22 rockets were originally slated for testing. At Mission Complete for the day, 18 were launched, and four were no shows. Recovery retrieved all but three and returned them to the students. Two of the Recovery teams headed up by the launch area landowners were still searching for the missing three ballistic rockets, so they may be waiting at the site when everyone returns for tomorrow’s launches.

It was a slow start for lift offs from the Pad today, with the first and only rocket in that volley screaming into the sky at 11:10 a.m. after the cloud ceiling holding us a bay finally permitting a window. Unfortunately, those same clouds kept rockets on the rails waiting until 1:45 p.m. Heavy clouds moved in after that volley, so lunch was called, but the afternoon sky showed its blue beauty for the rest of the afternoon allowing a continuous flow of vehicles skyward. All rockets for the day were complete by 5:00 p.m.

A possibility of rain and severe weather was predicted for the afternoon and evening, but held off, so that was a blessing for the day. Weather can either make for quick turnarounds on launches, if vehicles are waiting to go, or cause lengthy delays or daily aborts to flight schedules. Currently the local forecast still has the potential for storms and rain, so the sooner your rocket gets to the rail the better chance you will see it launch if weather persists.

As for the launches, themselves, they were an interesting kaleidoscope of flips, turns, tailspins, dives, and self-destruction as all left the rail. Many had beautiful flights, but only a few had perfect deployment and easy landing. Others broke into body, coming in on a dive and chute floating away in a different direction making locating all pieces challenging. While others did a post launch ballet in the sky and thumped to the ground in the vicinity of Pad and Mission Control, which did make them easier to locate.

The 2023 Brett Williams Scholarship was presented to Andrew Mills from Fredericksburg High School on site today. Andrew and his parents took photos for the presentation with SystemsGo Executive Director, Rebekah Hyatt.

SystemsGo has been giving a chance to “Launch A Rocket” as a raffle prize at local events for the past few years. This year’s winner was Stonewall native, Bernice Burg. Mrs. Burg came out today to collect on her prize. She was instructed on the Fill and Fire system at Mission Control, and then launched several rockets in one volley. Afterwards Program Director, George Burns, took her to the Pad to watch a rocket launch from the Bunker. When asked what she thought, she responded that she enjoyed the whole experience and was really glad she came.

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

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

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

Festivities continue with launches resuming tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday 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. 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 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 5, 2023
  •  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 2023 Flight Schedule for Friday
  • Friday, May 5, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Victoria East      John Reilly 4
    Hamilton           Tom Parrish 1 1
    McGregor           Jonathan Whatley 1 1
    Georgetown      Nicole Bolen 5 2
    Fabens                Julieta Banuelas 3 1
    Atascocita          Amy Keesecker 6 1
     

    6
    Schools Launching
    Totals 20 6
    Total Rockets 26
  • Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Harleton HS, London HS, New Tech Odessa HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, McGregor HS, Canon City HS
  • 26 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:

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

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches!

#RideTheSkies2023 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2023 #EyesToTheSkies

 

Rockets 2023 Continues with Central Texas/Stonewall Launches Starting Tomorrow, Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6, 2023

The Central Texas Launches sail into the skies over Stonewall, Texas starting tomorrow, May 4, 2023. This is the third in the series for the Tsiolkovsky and Oberth level vehicles of the Rockets 2023 season.

The SystemsGo Team spent well into the evening 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. The FHS “Grub Uber Alles” Culinary Arts Trailer set up shop and began preparing to provide concessions for the weekend. Later LCRA and Bee Creek Communications brought in equipment to provide 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, but most are encouraged to use the sites closest to them.

Currently there are 63 rockets scheduled for launch by 17 schools at the Stonewall location for Rockets 2023. 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 Central Texas/Stonewall launch dates, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

Central Texas/Stonewall:

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.

Rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. 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. 

A live feed for each launch will be provided and the link is available at http://www.systemsgo.org on the Events page each day of the launch.

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:

  • Thursday, May 4- Saturday, May 6, Weather Contingency Day-Sunday, May 7
  • 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 2023 Flight Schedule
  • Thursday, May 4, 2023
    School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans
    Fredericksburg         Andrew Matthes   2
    Union Grove                Greg Park/Rhonda Baker 1 1
    Marble Falls              Lindsey Todesco 1  
    Kingwood                   Kevin Thomas 4 4
    Roosevelt                    Jared Warsing 2 1
    Harleton                       Gwen Wright 1 1
    Johnson HS             Bryant Griessel 2 2
         
         
         
     

     

    7
    Schools Launching
    Totals 11 11
    Total Rockets 22
  • Schools participating: Fredericksburg HS, Kingwood HS, Marble Falls HS, Union Grove, Roosevelt HS, Johnson HS, Harleton HS
  • 22 expected rockets for testing

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

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

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 #Rockets2023 #EyesOnThe Skies