Tag: systemsgo

Thursday, Opening Day of Rockets 2021 in North Texas

Rockets 2021 opened today at the North Texas launch site in Jack county. It was a welcomed return to the skies after the 2019 season was furloughed for COVID. Four shools were slated to test a total of 19 rockets, originally. Eighteen vehicles actually arrived at the sight, but only 6 rockets were tested and left the pad  successfully.

It was a long day, as intermissions were also long with a lot of down time. The team launched a rocket built by program director, Rebekah Hyatt. It was built for and used three years ago for Brett Williams retirement party. This was a fun way to start the day and test equipment while waiting on schools to arrive. Three years ago this vehicle had a perfect flight and recovery. Today it wasn’t quite as lucky. The fight went well, but deployment failed resulting in a ballistic re-entry between the pad and Mission Control. Needless to say it won’t have a third flight.

The first rocket didn’t launch until 1:30 p.m. as rockets were slow acquiring clearances from Stage 1 and 2. The day was called short at 6:30 p.m. due to a low cloud ceiling preventing further launches.

The crew was really beat after dealing with temperatures in the 50’s all day and strong, biting winds. Layers were the survival order of the day. Throughout the day, most seemed to gain layers in order to stay comfortable.

Joyce Abby and Sky Bleu.

Tomorrow’s original schedule shows 4 schools and 11 rockets. Twelve more from today will be added to that schedule.

Storms are expected tomorrow leaving the team with a narrow window for launching, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Due to this there is a strong possibility some vehicles will be held over to Saturday, to complete the mission. If the weather conditions improve, this could also change.

All  the vehicles from today’s volley’s were recovered for the day. Two from the 2019 season were also recovered, including one called “The Black Night.” If this vehicle’s name sounds familiar it might belong to your school. It was in fairly good condition but missing the nose cone.

Pictures are 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 will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available. No spectators are allowed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

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

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Friday, April 23
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the shuttle parking area, approximately 3 miles east of the launch site on FM 2210. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2021 Flight Schedule (Original schedule before today’s delays and postponements. Currently I do not have a revised schedule.)
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  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC, Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, Northstar HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 29 rockets expected for testing.
  • Livestream link here, or also at available at www.systemsgo.org  for each day.

If you follow this program join us again tomorrow for Rockets 2021 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

Rockets 2021 North Texas Launch Tuesday and Wednesday Set Up

The SystemsGo team and volunteers spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the venue in North Texas at Jack County. They were busy transforming the Brown  and Thornton family ranches into a rocket ready launch site, check in stations for Stages 1 and 2, and Event parking areas. After a few last minute tasks Thursday morning, all will be completed for the arrival of schools, students, and test vehicles for the Rockets 2021 launch line up.  Tomorrow, Thursday, is opening day for this Texas launch venue, as well as the Rockets 2021 season.

This year’s season is dedicated to former SystemsGo operative and friend, Dayni Alba. Dayni spent many years with the launch teams working the Fill and Fire box. This will the groups’ first season without her. A banner in her honor will fly at each launch this season. Ride the skies Dayni, you are loved and missed. IMG_0410 - Copy (2)

Excitement in anticipation for this event is high as the team worked hard for the return to rockets once again after a year off due to COVID. They are ready to accept all participants and their rockets promptly Thursday morning. The site will have six launch rails ready to keep everyone’s  #EyesOnTheSkies.

This is the event’s second 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 Mission Control and launching.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation is once again the sponsor for SystemsGo for this event.

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 will be provided at the launch site. Due to COVID restrictions, no concessions or spectator tent will be available. No spectators are allowed this year. Teachers are asked to bring pop up tents for themselves and their students. Please remember sunscreen, chairs, umbrellas, extra snacks, drinks, and food.  Downtime entertainment for the students to engage in between launches may also be helpful. Rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch, and delay schedules.

Jacksboro is the first Texas launch for the Rockets 2021 season. It will be followed by launches in Central Texas/Stonewall, and Southeast Texas/Smith Point. SystemsGo New Mexico will launch, in Jal, New Mexico, the week after the Smith Point launch.

North Texas/Jack County, is hosting 8 schools, slated to test 30 rockets Thursday and Friday.

More launch details are generally available at  http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 22-Friday, April 23
  • New Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the shuttle parking area, approximately 3 miles east of the launch site on FM 2210. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • North Texas-Jack County 2019 Flight Schedule
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC, Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, Northstar HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 30 expected rockets for testing
  • Watch the Livestream here: https://livestream.com/systemsgo/ntx-day1

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 a.m. All is contingent on test vehicle readiness and ability to pass Stages 1 and 2. Mission Control will be ready for Stage 3 checks by 8:00 a.m.

As for the rest of you, join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

If you follow this program and like to view the launches of Rockets 2021 watch for our Livestream links for the Central Texas/Fredericksburg launch site which will follow the next week after this launch. These launch from the Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas.  Two weeks from the launch in Jack County will be the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launches just south of Anahuac, Texas for schools in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Look for more details on these coming up.

Watch for that Livestream link here,  www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.

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

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, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience

 

Rockets 2021 Blasts off Again at North Texas Launch Site, Launches Commence Next Week

The SystemsGo program begins next week in North Texas at Jack County for the Rockets 2021 launch line up.  This is the second operating year at this venue since the 2020 season was stonewalled by COVID. This is one of three Texas launch sites for the junior level rockets.   As the number of schools in the Texas program continues to increase, the need for another venue arose and so this venue was added in 2019 to deflect some of the load from the Central Texas and Southeast Texas launches. There are currently 48 schools participating in the three Texas launches, with a total this year of 142 rockets.

Totals are down just slightly for 2021 but considering this is following on the heels of a global pandemic, the number of schools that have managed the curriculum and completed their projects, is still remarkable. This achievement is a superior success for these students as they had to accomplish project completion while accommodating both in-person and online class schedules due to the past year’s COVID restrictions.  Rocket building is an in-person activity making this a difficult task while adhering to school, CDC and community guidelines that were put in place.

Here are how the Texas schools divide out for the three launches.

  • North Texas/Jack County– 8 schools – 30 rockets
  • Central Texas/Stonewall– 20 schools – 71 rockets
  • Southeast Texas/Smith Point– 20 schools – 41 rockets

The program also boasts a launch event in Jal, New Mexico, which will follow the three Texas launches this year. It has its own launch crews and facility and will test in mid-May.

  • Jal, New Mexico — 8 schools – 16 rockets

Unfortunately, this year all sites are closed to public viewing of launches. Only the teams and their teachers will be allowed due to COVID restrictions.  However, SystemsGo has secured permission from all three Texas host counties of Jack, Gillespie, and Chambers to allow the complete rocket team to participate at the event, which is different from previously announced. While they regret no public participation this year, the safety and health of the students and staff must be a priority for the launches to commence. Hopefully, next year will see a return to public involvement.

If you had planned to attend any of these launches, please watch for a Livestream link to be posted on the SystemsGo web page closer to your event. This link will be available here:  www.sytemsgo.org . Students and teachers are also encouraged to video with their own devices and share those videos with friends and family.

This first launch site is in the Jacksboro area, and while Stages 1 and 2 were at the Fire Department in nearby Perrin, in 2019, that location has been moved to accommodate COVID restrictions. This year these stages will be located on the property that was spectator parking in 2019. This location is approximately three miles east of the launch site and is where schools will take their teams and rockets FIRST. If you are traveling from Perrin, you will reach this site first. Look for the signs! Patience may be in order here, as changes to the prior system are accommodated and schools adjust to the parameters of the new location and COVID regulations. With that in mind, remember that masks are required and temperature checks will be administered on site.

Patience is a normal requirement with rockets, as they are test vehicles. They do not adhere to schedules well.  In fact, rockets are subject to winds, weather, and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch.

The sites will be open to admittance for students and teachers only at 6:00 a.m. Projected start time for launches is 8:30 a.m. Of course this 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.

As for the rest of you, join in the action and cheer on these students on the Livestream. The look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, and knowing you are watching and supporting them, is far from priceless.  Shoot them a text, letting them know you are watching online.

More information is always available at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ .

North Texas/Jack County:

  • Thursday, April 22-Friday, April 23
  • Launch Site: FM 2210 W and Gowan Ranch Lane, Jacksboro, TX 76458
    Stage 1 & 2 are at the shuttle parking area, approximately 3 miles east of the launch site on FM 2210. Look for the signs, you will arrive there first.
  • Schools participating: Buinger CTE Academy, Henrietta HS, Hollenstein CTC,  Birdville CTE, Grapevine HS, Northstar HS, Petrolia HS, RL Turner HS
  • 30 expected rockets for testing

If you follow this program and like to view the launches of Rockets 2021 watch for our Livestream links for the Central Texas/Fredericksburg launch site which will follow the next week after this launch. These launch from the Segner Ranch in Stonewall, Texas.  Two weeks from the launch in Jack County will be the Southeast Texas/Smith Point launches just south of Anahuac, Texas for schools in the Houston and Southeast Texas area. Look for more details on these coming up. 

Watch for that Livestream link here,  www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.

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

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, #EyesontheSkies #ItisRocketscience

 

I Miss All Things Rockets!

I miss all things Rockets!
From travel to set up,
And set up to tear down;


There is not a memory I can call up,
That would make me frown.

I miss all things Rockets!
From the first vertical rail;


The first day’s engine roar;
Watching the first rocket sail,


To anticipating more.

I miss all things Rockets!
Listening for charges to pop,
Watching them float under chute,


Dancing on ethereal winds as they drop,
And searching for them like lost pirate loot.



I miss all things Rockets!
Pictures with the teams,


As their rocket loads the rail.
Hearing students scream,


As their vehicle begins to sail.

I miss all things Rockets!
Searching for a glint of light,
A high pitched whine you might here,
Or a flash of something bright,
Letting you know it is near.

I miss all things Rockets!
From a picture perfect flight


To a ballistic drop.

From racing to grab one in plain sight,
To searching by where you heard the pop.

I miss all things Rockets!
Whether watching the students,
Or listening to Joyce and Phil,


These are quite the events;
Even after years, I am a rocket junky still.

I miss all things Rockets!
From collecting rockets whole,


To picking up pieces;


Students’ smiles light my soul,
Each year the joy increases.

I miss all things Rockets!
It’s education in motion;
Learning with style;
Using hands on application,
Propelling the future all the while.

Sunday,Rockets 2019-Final Day at WSMR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow’s launch schedule is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Rockets 2019 Headed to White Sands-Day 1 Set up-Report and Friday Early Information

The SystemsGo team left Fredericksburg at 5:30 this morning headed to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. They arrived in Alamogordo at about 1:30 and headed straight to West Center 50 to set up the range. It was a successful day for the team as they were able to set up the rail and test equipment, leaving only minor things to be finished Friday morning.

They left the range around 6:40 and headed in to supper at Si Senor Mexican Restaurant. Afterwards the team split sending some to gather supplies for tomorrow while others went to meet schools still needing to complete their FRR checks.

The current schedule has launches beginning by 10:00 tomorrow morning.

Here is a quick recap from Rebekah Hyatt’s Friday emails:

Friday: All essential personnel from all schools meet in the Quality Inn parking lot at 6:15 and caravan to the  Tula Gate arriving by 7 AM. Look for the white van with SystemsGo on the side. There will be a safety briefing on site at WC50 at 7:30 so please be prompt.
Once your rocket is on range and ready to go to the rail and you are NOT one of the first 4 to launch,  you will be allowed to leave the range when we evacuate for the first launch. If you are one of the first 4 to launch, you will be evacuated and brought back after  launch.
We have 3 launch times for Friday beginning at 10 AM with 2 hour intervals. All spectators must be at the main gate no later than 8:30 AM. Ginger Burow and Anna Cardon will be waiting in the dirt area to the right just ahead of the gates. We will need a vehicle count from each school which should be provided to Ginger prior to arriving at the gate. They only allow the total count we supply through the gate.
After being led through we will follow to the base theater for a 9:15 briefing by military officials. It should be short and then the group will proceed to Range Control ahead of a 10:00 first T time. This is a tight schedule so please do not be late to the gate. Please have your ID with you and be advised that no electronics of any kind including fitbits are allowed inside Range Control.
Below is the current schedule of launches:
Note that is as long as all rockets are completely ready.
  • Friday:
    1. Union Grove High School
    2. Alamo Heights High School
    3. Booker T Washington High School (Rocket 1)
    4. Anahuac High School (if the time allows for a fourth launch)
      1. Brazoswood High School (1st to move up in the event Anahuac is not ready)
  • Saturday: If only 3 are tested on Friday
    1. Anahuac High School
    2. Marble Falls High School (will launch Saturday no matter how the schedule moves.)
    3. Brazoswood High School
    4. Fredericksburg High School
    5. Booker T Washington (Rocket 2)

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

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

 

Goddard Level Rockets Ride The Skies in 17 Days Redbird #20 Among Them

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 are set to launch June 21-23. This marks the final senior project for the schools that participate in this level of the SystemsGo program.

Redbird #20 is scheduled for testing at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Sunday, June 23. This marks the last big event for Rockets 2019 and the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket Program.

As of today, May 31, when I was able to get a report on the rocket’s status, from team member, Dawsen Harkins, was in good standing. He reported that as of May 30, the nosecone had been assembled and covered with its first layer of fiberglass.

In this photo the nose cone ring is being secured in place, and centered by skewers for fiberglassing.

Although, the tank required 2 trips to SRM to have leaks rewelded, it has now completed its pressure testing successfully. It will be returning to SRM again to have the hatches and holes cut in.

New for this year is a piston valve system. This has also performed well when tested.

This year’s rocket is supporting three payloads. The first came from Harvard University, courtesy of former FHS student, Joseph Sanchez, who attends school there. It is a CubeSat with a pneumatically deployed solar panel.

They second one was created by Keith Jenkins, the FHS IT guy. It is a small electronics bay.

The third the team provided. It is a GoPro camera. It will be positioned behind an acrylic window in the hatch, so that it can look out and video the vehicle’s flight.

According to Harkins, “All components bays have been made and 3D printed and fit perfectly in the rocket.”

The fuel grain is also on the task list. They have assembled the mold for pouring it. One part of the mixture for the fuel grain is still not in but they will be mixing and pouring it as soon as this arrives.

As of this report, supplied last Friday, the following list of things is left and then they are FRR complete.

  1. Complete the fiberglassing of the nose cone.
  2. Make the fuel grain and assemble the motor system.
  3. Assemble the recovery system.
  4. Weld fins to body.
  5. Cut hatches and have holes drilled in the body tube.
  6. Fix minor little things for flight.

The current list of students from this team attending the WSMR launch is as follows:

Rodolfo Avila, Cody Blohm, Gloria Burns, Alexander Casteneda, Lucio Castro Vazquez, Clayton Ellebracht, Jose Escalante, Jabin Gipson, Dawsen Harkins, Cooper McDonald, Eduardo Memije, Bradley Plaza, Joshua Reese-Hadley,  Nicholas Rodriguez, Robert Sanchez, Deja Turkett, Gabriel Voorhees, Carl Wilger, and Robert Zowie.

Currently there is not a team picture available, but here is Nick Rodriguez, Deja Turkett and Dawsen Harkins taking a work break on the stairs at FHS.

Launches are scheduled for June 21st and June 23rd. The team will travel out to WSMR on Wednesday, June 20th, and back home again on the 24th.

There are 7 schools scheduled to launch 8 rockets. These schools include:

  • Alamo Heights
  • Anahuac
  • Booker T. Washington
  • Brazoswood
  • Fredericksburg
  • Marble Falls
  • Union Grove

The current launch schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, June 2oth
    1. Travel Day
  • Friday, June 21st
    1. Mrorning-T-1/Site Set up WC-50; Afternoon-Launch Union Grove & Alamo Heights ( or whichever rockets are ready)
  • Saturday, June 22rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Four Rockets-Booker T., Anahuac, Marble Falls, & Brazoswood)
  • Sunday, June 23rd
    1. Launch Day Two (Two Rockets-Fredericksburg & Booker T Washington)
  • Monday, June 24th
    1. Travel Day (Could travel home on the 23rd if operations are complete in time.)

This article is for the 2018/2019 school year to update the Fredericksburg Engineering/Rocket program. This school is a participant of the SystemsGo STEM program. This series of articles is intended to support and encourage students in the program as they share their working status and accomplishments throughout the year in the program. These publications will be available for tags and re-posting.

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.

#Rockets2018 #SystemsGo #FredricksburgSTEMAcademy #Launcher01 #RideTheSky #Texasrockettrail

 

Rockets 2019 and the Texas Rocket Trail Ended Yesterday at Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launch Site

The Texas Rocket Trail edition of Rockets 2019 came to a close yesterday with a good launch day, finally! It has been a rough weekend as Thursday launches were successful closing just as storms were rolling into the area.  Friday’s were completely cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday.  Saturday only tested 2 rockets before lightning and storms forced the shut down of the site again, and those schools were asked to move theirs to Sunday as well.

Throughout the weekend, the site sustained flooding and damage multiple times. Luckily nothing beyond repair, although it did delay start times on subsequent days. Live streaming was lost on Saturday, but was restored for Sunday’s launch.

Along with weather, flooding and other damages in the area, they also had to contend with a horrid smell from the collision of two barges and a  ship in the channel. Authorities were monitoring water and air qualities due to the nature of the chemicals the barges were carrying, that released at the collision.

Some of the recovery teams reported a run in with snakes, but escaped unscathed. Not sure about the snakes.

With all this going on and more, the team and volunteers still managed to launch 43 rockets for the weekend, 28 of which were Sunday. 32 of those were successfully recovered, another 5 were lost to the Bay. Considering they only had 2 recovery teams on Thursday and 3 on Sunday that is still an amazing recovery rate.

There were originally 57 rockets scheduled for testing at Smith Point but several cancelled due to the weather concerns which is why only 43 were actually launched. No word on what the fate of the rockets that were not tested will be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them return next rocket season.

This was a site of hope for all involved on Sunday, after all the weather issues. The pad finally boasted a full volley with all rails loaded and ready.

Many thanks to Erin Arkinson for supplying me with information and pictures for the weekend. I never accomplished the Livestream, even when it was up, due to technical difficulties on my own system.

The Southeast Texas/Smith Point launch schools are also listed here for your convenience or can be found at http://www.systemsgo.org/events/ . Links for the Livestream and pictures are also listed below.

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

In late June, eight Texas schools’ senior/graduate teams are tentatively scheduled to launch their Goddard level rockets at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The current roster lists a possible 10 rockets to be attempted at the range. This will complete the fifth launch and finalize the season.

Daily reports featuring schedule links, school names, results, pictures and some editorial content will be posted during that event if information is available. There will not be live streaming since this is a military base.

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019

 

 

 

Another Stormy Day Shuts Down Rockets 2019 Southeast Texas/Smith Point Launches Saturday

Things have not gone well down in Smith Point this weekend! Weather has been completely uncooperative causing the cancellation of Friday’s launches in total and only allowing two off the rail on Saturday.

Lightning became a major issue Saturday creating safety hazards that only allowed evacuation of the site as the rule for the day. There were 28 rockets scheduled to launch but only two did. Fortunately the rest had made it through stages 1 and 2 and are rail ready for tomorrow, Sunday.

Friday’s Rockets, numbering 18 were already rescheduled for launch on Sunday. They will still have to clear stages 1 and 2. This makes a wild total of 44 rockets to launch Sunday weather permitting!

According to posts from SystemsGo ‘s Facebook page, the new plan for Sunday is as follows. Saturday’s volleys will load the rails and launch while Friday’s are passing through stages 1 and 2. Sounds like it’s going to be an early morning, and a long day! This will be a record breaking day if all 44 vehicles ride the skies.

Recovery I hope your rides are fueled and you have your water resistant track shoes on. You’re going to be busy!  And you guys at the Pad, God bless you! You’re going to need it! Stage 3 and Mission Control, think fast it’s going to be a fun filled crazy day. Good luck to everyone, students and schools too!

Power was restored to the site late today according to SystemsGo but Livestream is still highly unlikely Sunday. They won’t know for sure until they start up  in the morning. They will try to record launches for later posting.

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

Southeast Texas/Smith Point

  • Sunday , May 12
  • Launch & All Stages: 19350 FM 562, Anahuac, TX 77514
    South of Anahuac, near Smith Point, Texas
  • Event Tickets
  • Southeast Texas-Smith Point 2019 Flight Schedule
  • Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/GE2tXoy3bgE2
  • Schools participating: Gary HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Harleton HS, Northstar HS, SF Austin HS, Anahuac HS, Booker T Washington HS, Liberty HS, Pasadena Memorial HS, South Houston HS, Brazsoport HS, Brazoswood HS, Channelview HS, Kingwood Park HS, Milby HS, New Diana HS
  • 57 expected rockets for testing
  • A live feed for each launch will be provided and will be available at www.systemsgo.org as each launch date arrives.

The site will be open for admittance at 8:00 a.m. and launches will commence at 8:30 a.m.  Of course rockets are subject to winds, weather and workmanship, all of which can stall a launch. Come join in the action and cheer on these students. Admission is free, but the look on your students’ faces when their vehicle goes up and then is recovered, is far from priceless.

If you plan to attend any of these launches please register for your attendance ticket ahead of time or obtain them at the gate. These are free but required for admittance to each site as they also include a waiver for access to the site. Reserving them ahead at the website is preferred to obtaining them at the gate because the latter slows entrance to the site and may result in you missing the viewing of your intended launch.

If you follow this program and like viewing the launches, this is the last one available to view for Rockets 2019.

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

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

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

Hope to see you at the launches! #RideTheSkies #texasrockettrail #Rockets2019