Explorer Post 1010
Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Launch December 16, 2006
 
 
After an all night laser tag, we traveled to the launch site at Old National Pike Park for some testing and experimentation.  It was another nice day and we had some new items to test.

Objectives:

  • How will the improved tube launcher work?
  • Will the rear chute deployment for the Big Daddy work?
  • Can we figure out how to install the Aerotech reloadables.
  • Will the Executioner fly very high on an E9?

Lessons

  • We had serious problems with the tube launcher -- the rocket got stuck.
  • The rear deployment worked, but when dropped from high, it shredded the chute.
  • The Executioner flew OK, but low.
  • The Aerotech reloadable motor gave the Big Daddy a good boost.


Launches

We just had four launches to test some specific issues.
Flight Engine Data Comment
Executioner (Video) E9-8,
wood egg
Under 700 feet,
26 sec
It flew nice, but will need a bigger engine, chute didn't open fully
Tube Rocket (Video) E9-6
wood egg
No launch The tube caught fire
Big Daddy (Video) D12-5
wood egg
Under 500 feet,
13 sec
The rear recovery worked nice, but late
Big Daddy (Video) E18-7
wood egg
Over 700 feet,
15 sec from the video
The rear recovery ripped out the shock cord and shredded the cute

Pictures

Tube rocket disaster
This looks bad
The Big Daddy lawn dart
The lawn dart hole
Copyright 2006 Lockheed Martin Exploring Program
Updated: December 16, 2006