Rockets 2023 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. Five schools were slated to test a total of 20. Of those, two moved to the Central Texas Launch next week and 18 were tested today here in North Texas.
It was a long day. The final rockets did not reach Stage 3 until early evening. Morning launch start times are generally hopeful estimates, contingent on clearances from Stage 1 and 2. Today the cloud ceiling kept launches at bay as well. The day ran long with the final launches completing just within our allowed window of daylight.
Temperatures climbed slowly from 50s to 70s with strong, winds. Light jackets were comfortable until mid afternoon and then were quickly discarded. By late afternoon it was full sun with only spotty clouds, a total difference from the heavy cloud ceiling of the morning. After 5:00 p.m. temperatures started to drop again and the wind took it’s earlier chill back again.
Recovery had a good day. Eighteen rockets were launched, and though exact numbers are not in yet, preliminary estimates are that only 4 were unrecovered. Once again this year we only have three recovery teams. Recoveries for the day, were spread fairly evenly among the teams and what Pad recovered in their area. The last launch of the day, took aim at me, as it came down directly over me, where I had stopped to watch the count down. I was returning to my spot after a short break but ran out of time. Captain Garret always told us that if we saw one coming straight for us, step to the side. I definitely put that into practice today, except I did not step, I ran, keeping a wary eye on the falling rocket. I was able to remove myself a safe distance and watch as it hit the ground. My husband found great humor in my hasty retreat. It was reported that he could be heard laughing all the way to the Pad. It was an easy recovery for me!
Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 4 schools and 21 rockets.
Tomorrow’s weather predicts rain and possible storms starting around 3:00 p.m. This could present a problem with completing all the launches for tomorrow. Hopefully this will not be the case, and we will not have to run into our contingency day on Saturday.
Pictures from the progress at the site to this point are on SystemsGo Facebook page, as well as my Facebook page. They can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/SystemsGoEducation/
https://www.facebook.com/ginger.burow
Restrooms and wash stations are available at the launch site as is a spectator tent. Teachers, spectators and students are encouraged to bring pop up tents (10×10) for extra shelter during the day. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, food, extra snacks, and drinks for your group . Concessions are available provided by Brazos Volunteer Fire Department.
Please be courteous and clean up after yourselves and the members of your group. 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 launch dates, locations, and schools are listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .
North Texas/Jack County:
- Friday, April 28
- Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
Look for the signs, for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking. - North Texas-Jack County 2023 Flight Schedule shown below.
- Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Birdville HS, University HS, RL Turner HS
- 21 rockets expected for testing.
- Livestream link at available at www.systemsgo.org for each day.
If you are follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2023 Day 2 in Jacksboro.
More event details will be available here in upcoming days as events get closer. Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during the events if information is available.
Please watch the SystemsGo website, SystemsGo Facebook page, SystemsGo Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/SystemsGoNews and this blog for upcoming information on theses events.
www.systemsgo.org as always is the place for more information on this program. You may also email them at info@systemsgo.org . Take the time to get your school involved, the future of your students will be greatly benefited.
Hope to see you at the launches!
#RidetheSkies, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience #Rockets2023 #SystemsGoRocketTrail #TexasRocketTrail
On the Wings of Angels 