Overview

The goal is to safely launch a bunch of rockets and have fun. We will be the guests of the Metropolitan Rocketry Association. Be nice and be alert. Most of the hazards will be large, fast things falling from above.

I'll be trying to launch at least one successful level 2 rocket, and my friend Scott will try for a level 1 certification. These certifications let you fly big rockets ( H and I motors for level 1; J, K, and L for level 2.) For those that remember their youthful rocketry, a K motor has 1024 times the impulse of an A motor.

Where

Rickey Farms, Vernon, NJ. There are two Vernons in New Jersey. Please go the right one.

Directions

When

Sunday, July 11, 1999. 10am to 6pm. Check that the launch is still on by calling or emailing me or METRA. I'm at mmn@interactive.net, (212)-721-1328.

Waiver

Flights are good to 4,500 feet. There may be windows in which we can launch to 12,000 feet.

Websites

Rockets

We'll bring six rockets:

Planned Rocket Configurations

Rocket Color Booster Sustainer Ejection-Primary Ejection-Backup Data Logger
Ariel Unknown I161W-14 N/A Delay charge None None
Eclipse Black J275W-14 N/A P5 Delay charge Altacc
Ultimate Endeavour Yellow J800T-14 N/A Altacc Delay charge Altacc
Quantum Leap White H242T-6 H123W-10 Delay charge None Altacc
Dart Red K185W-10 N/A Altacc None Altacc

Schedule

I've never been to a METRA launch before, but I hope and expect it goes something like this:

Briefing

People are called together and the rules are explained. These should be commonsense: restricted areas, launch rules, maximum motor sizes, no alcohol, etc.

I take an exam

Level 2 requires a basic knowledge of rocket construction, flight dynamics, and range safety rules. It will be very embarassing if I fail this.

Systems Tests

We need to make sure that the AltAcc will ignite the deployment charge fuse... that means a quick test or two on the ground.

My First Flight

The certification rules require that my first J motor is purchased on my behalf by an official at the launch. This will probably be the J275.

Scott's First Flight

Either I buy Scott's motor and supervise his rocket prep, or an official does. Again, a single use makes most sense here.

More flights

We watch the pretty rockets, and launch a few more. If my first flight didn't succeed, we try again.

Jobs

There's plenty of work if you want to lend a hand:

Equipment Moving

Multiple rockets, toolkit, day-box (portable explosives magazine). Got to get them there and back again.

Configurator

Decide on motor, parachute, and electronics combinations for each flight. These choices will depend on wind conditions, cloud cover, etc. Charts will be provided, but this is probably my job.

Motor Loader

Two pairs of hands and eyes always help. Read the instructions and don't smoke (the fuel is very safe.)

Assembler

Pack the parachutes, install cordage, add tracking dust, friction-fit the body tubes, install motors, align launch lugs, etc.

Electronics Technician

Make sure new batteries are installed for each flight. Wire up ejection charges, test continuity, physically isolate electronics from black powder gasses (we have nomex pads.)

Data Capturer

One of the altimeters records flight data... use the RS232 interface to suck flight information into the laptop after each flight. Take pencil and paper notes of other flights.

Paper Pusher

We have plenty of paper: simulations of various rocket/motor/weight combinations, safety rules, photocopies of BATF explosives licenses, magazine inventory records, and received/expended explosives records. Our paper person needs to be on hand to get the right documentation to vendors, range safety officers, and possibly Federal agents.

Prepper

Assist with final rocket assembly: ejection system and ignitor installation.

Tracker

Watch the rocket. These things will vanish from your field of view if given half a chance.

Recovery Team

Get the grounded rocket. We may have a small radio transmitter in some rockets, if so, you get to wave a directional antenna around.

Explosives Tender

If I need to go to the bathroom or something, any explosives go into the big red box. The box is then locked, and someone watches it until I return. Them's the rules.

Photo Hound

Pictures, we want pictures!

Breakdown Crew

A high-power launch involves thousands of pounds of equipment. Free feel to lend a hand packing up launch pads, tables, ignition systems, day-boxes, etc. Even cleaning up a few handfuls of trash helps: its hard to find launch sites in the Northeast... most are provided by farmers that are either very kind, or secret rocket fans. Keep them happy!

Partiers

The beer is on me. All are welcome at my apartment for a few cold ones.

Checklists

Each rocket will have a checklist associated with it. We'll follow each list, checking things off as they are completed/installed. This should avoid stupid mistakes...