October 15 2000 Launch Report

After a long hiatis, we finally launched some rockets. It was late in the afternoon, so some of the pictures will be a bit dark.

First, we launched my Proton rocket, designed after the Russian rocket used to launch a key part of the International Space Station in July 1999. It was my first attempt at a rocket without fins, using small body tubs around the outside to stabilize.  Here it is on the pad (note the Pizza Hut logo).

We have liftoff!

Unfortunately, my design wasn't stable enough. After ~150-200 feet, the rocket started to tumble end over end (~two revolutions) until the parachute opened and the payload (a film canister with some coins and a streamer) was deployed. Sarah caught it all on videotape, complete with her "Holy crud!" when the rocket started to tumble. Unfortunately I wasn't able to digitalize it.... Anyway, it was fun, but back to the drawing board!

Next, a quick flight of my Silver Comet. This is an awesome D-powered rocket we've flown before.


It floated down for about a minute on it's 18" parachute before landing at the edge of the parkingl lot by Wilmette Junior High. Some kids watching the launch caught it in the air.

Next, we launched Kim's twice rebuilt Long Shot. Kim's Long Shot had been rebuilt after a hard landing and is ready to fly (only 54" tall now). It's got a D-engine for the upper stage to go with the D-booster, and an 18" parachute (instead of the streamer).  wRASP simulation software predicts the Long Shot could fly to ~1250 feet on two D-engines (compared with an estimated maximum of 925 feet in the original configuration).

We've replaced the Estes Long Shot decals with:

Liftoff was spectacular (especially since it was getting dark)!
.....but the rocket floated ~2 blocks on parachute before landing at the top of a tree. :-(

TWO WEEKS LATER: Kim's Long Shot, which was stuck in a tree, was retrieved by a kind hearted retired engineer. Mr. John Krupka climbed on his roof and dislodged the rocket (probably 30~40 feet in the air) using an extension pole (used for changing light bulbs in the ceiling of his church) with a coat hanger on the end. We'll invite him to a future launch!

Note to self - This is why we write our phone number on the nose cone!

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