tfish
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- Dec 7, 2009
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Below is what I posted on FB...
Spaceport America Cup launch report. This was my third year being able to be a vollunteer for this group. In the past, it's has been held in Green River UT. It's great to see so many amazing and energetic kids with some very cool ideas. The first days event was held at Las Cruses convention center which included judged presentations and displays. Judging consisted of a wide range of categories. Such as payloads, craftsmanship, technical merit, innovation and flight readiness. The actual launch was held out at Spaceport America. What an awesome place to hold a launch. Pads were located outside "Space X's" shed and camp and the LCO were right next to Up Aerospace's 'shed'. Flying rocket in and next to these locations put a smile on my face which I still have as I type this report. They kept me pretty busy as a volunteer and only have a few photos. I'm sure there are more photos and videos here on FB...(popular mechanics has a video up already https://www.popularmechanics.com/ /college-rocket-launching / ) Go Pro will too soon. The first day's launch only 14 teams were ready and made it out to the pads that were just under 2700 feet away. The second day had variable winds and temps up to 115 which slowed down the teams and the volunteers. Teams worked hard to prep their rockets and correct any flight readiness issues that had been found. Some flights did not go as planned. Spaceport America Fire and Ambulance crews stationed on the range and in camp got to show us their "stuff" too. A cato on the pad looked worse then it was. Only the rocket was burning and it did not get into the vegetation. The medics started a couple IV's on people not keeping up on their fluid intakes. The wind got pretty bad 17 sustained and gusts to 24 and the range was shut down for the day. Leaving 3 rockets on the pads I think students got 30 rockets to the pads. The 3rd and final day got off to a busy start. Student realized this was their last chance to fly. At one point we "had to" stop range operations to allow another group to fly. IIRC it was 2 miles away but a 50 foot rocket is not easy to hide. I was amazed at the sound of the Loki motors were putting out. But then again they were working their butts of to get the 1300 pound rocket off the pad. It reached apogee and all the project were deployed. I think it was just under 70 rockets that made it to the pads. Some teams were not able to fix flight readiness issues pointed by the judging teams. Some teams chose not to fly based on conversations with judges and other people. (that last sentence is not very clear nor a great way to end a flight report. Some rockets were cleared to fly but teams had second thoughts (Research motor mas flux concerns, meeting 5/1> thrust to weight ratios, but with winds over 10 mph. fin flutter issue hanging out near mach to long etc. Does that make sense?) Dinner and Awards held in SPA hanger...very cool. I'm still tired and need to get started cleaning out my truck. Sorry for the garbled, photo light report.
Spaceport America Cup launch report. This was my third year being able to be a vollunteer for this group. In the past, it's has been held in Green River UT. It's great to see so many amazing and energetic kids with some very cool ideas. The first days event was held at Las Cruses convention center which included judged presentations and displays. Judging consisted of a wide range of categories. Such as payloads, craftsmanship, technical merit, innovation and flight readiness. The actual launch was held out at Spaceport America. What an awesome place to hold a launch. Pads were located outside "Space X's" shed and camp and the LCO were right next to Up Aerospace's 'shed'. Flying rocket in and next to these locations put a smile on my face which I still have as I type this report. They kept me pretty busy as a volunteer and only have a few photos. I'm sure there are more photos and videos here on FB...(popular mechanics has a video up already https://www.popularmechanics.com/ /college-rocket-launching / ) Go Pro will too soon. The first day's launch only 14 teams were ready and made it out to the pads that were just under 2700 feet away. The second day had variable winds and temps up to 115 which slowed down the teams and the volunteers. Teams worked hard to prep their rockets and correct any flight readiness issues that had been found. Some flights did not go as planned. Spaceport America Fire and Ambulance crews stationed on the range and in camp got to show us their "stuff" too. A cato on the pad looked worse then it was. Only the rocket was burning and it did not get into the vegetation. The medics started a couple IV's on people not keeping up on their fluid intakes. The wind got pretty bad 17 sustained and gusts to 24 and the range was shut down for the day. Leaving 3 rockets on the pads I think students got 30 rockets to the pads. The 3rd and final day got off to a busy start. Student realized this was their last chance to fly. At one point we "had to" stop range operations to allow another group to fly. IIRC it was 2 miles away but a 50 foot rocket is not easy to hide. I was amazed at the sound of the Loki motors were putting out. But then again they were working their butts of to get the 1300 pound rocket off the pad. It reached apogee and all the project were deployed. I think it was just under 70 rockets that made it to the pads. Some teams were not able to fix flight readiness issues pointed by the judging teams. Some teams chose not to fly based on conversations with judges and other people. (that last sentence is not very clear nor a great way to end a flight report. Some rockets were cleared to fly but teams had second thoughts (Research motor mas flux concerns, meeting 5/1> thrust to weight ratios, but with winds over 10 mph. fin flutter issue hanging out near mach to long etc. Does that make sense?) Dinner and Awards held in SPA hanger...very cool. I'm still tired and need to get started cleaning out my truck. Sorry for the garbled, photo light report.
