Today was the first day of launches for the Rockets 2024 Central Texas Launch Event here in Stonewall, Texas. 27 rockets were originally slated for testing. At Mission Complete for the day, which was called due to a low cloud ceiling that held all day and started dropping into the evening, only 1 rocket had been launched. Number 64 left the rail around 2:22 and landed somewhere in the Iron Ranch. Unfortunately we did not have permission to recover in that premises for another day, so it will be serached out later in the weekend.
Heavy clouds, fog and mist were the constant for the day. Stages 1, 2 and 3 stayed busy prepping the rockets and all were ready by 7:00 pm. The ceiling persisted and so all were loaded the remaining 21 rockets into trailers and closed up for safe keeping for the evening.
As soon as circumstances allow they will be the first off the rails. We are hoping that will be around 10:00 tomorrow morning. If all works and weather allows then tomorrow’s will make their way through the stages as today’s make their flights.
A possibility of rain and severe weather is still predicted throughout the overnight hours and through the weekend. 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.
The 2024 Brett Williams Scholarship was presented to Victoria Schmidt from Fredericksburg High School on site today. Victoria and her dad took photos for the presentation with SystemsGo Executive Director, Rebekah Hyatt, and Assistant Director, George Burns.
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 3, 2024
- 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 2024 Flight Schedule for Friday
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Friday, May 3, 2024 School Name / Teacher 1/1 Trans Atascocita Amy Keesecker 4 1 Buinger CTE Bryan Harston 3 1 Brazoswood Chris McLeod 2 Georgetown Walker NIkolaus 3 2 Hamilton Tom Parish 2 Victoria East John Reilly 2 Canon City Chad Ford 2 5 7 Schools Launching Totals 16 11 Total Rockets 27 - Schools participating this year in Stonewall: Fabens HS, Fredericksburg HS, Gary HS, Johnson HS, Hamilton HS, Kingwood HS, Roosevelt HS, Georgetown HS, Atascocita HS, Victoria East HS, Harleton HS, London HS, Alamo Heights HS, Union Grove HS, Canon City HS, OdysseyAcademy, Buinger CTE, Brazoswood HS, Dexter Learning
- 27 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 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. due to weather. 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!
#RideTheSkies2024 #TexasRocketTrail #Rockets2024 #EyesToTheSkies