Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Team America Rocketry Challenge
Launch January 29, 2005

 
This is the launch site in Middletown.
Here is a list of the launches and how they did.

Bob's Alpha

A8-3 Launched OK from our platform Parachute didn't open Recovered Video
A8-3 Launched OK from public platform Parachute didn't open Recovered Video
A8-3 Launched OK from public platform Parachute didn't open Parachute melted, fin broke off  

Mark's Way2High

A8-3 Launched OK from our platform Streamer opened Engine tube was pushed into the rocket, required repair and re-gluing
B6-0
B4-4		 Launched OK from our platform Streamer opened Recovered

Kurt's Navaho

A8-3 Launched failed from our platform, the lug was too tight Parachute opened on the launch rod Removed from rod  
A8-3 Launched OK from our platform Parachute didn't open Recovered  
B6-0
B4-4		 Launched OK from our platform Parachute opened Landed far away, we were lucky to recover it Video
C6-0
B6-4		 Launched OK from our platform Parachute opened Landed far away, unable to find it Video

Lessons

1. We learned how to launch two stage rockets.  But we lost sight of the rockets.  We need to station people down wind of the launch.  We also need better timers and photographers.

2. Our launch lugs were too tight.  We need to ream them out and try them before we connect the launch wires.

3. We had problems with our parachutes opening.  We learned how to better pack them and used baby powder to free them.  The cold air made the chutes stiff.  We need to use non-melting cloth.

4. We need to paint our rockets with bright colors.

 

Updated: February 14, 2005