Category Archives: Rocketry

Activism, Education, Rocketry

RocketSTEM Magazine – March 2017

The latest issue of the RocketSTEM magazine is now available:  Issue #14 • March 2017 – RocketSTEM –

We’re launching another issue of RocketSTEM to celebrate the start of our organization’s fifth year. While half a decade has been quite a journey for us, it is nothing compared to the 50-plus-year history of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. From racing the Russians to the Moon during the Apollo program, through the construction of the International Space Station during the Space Shuttle program, and now the most recent launch of the Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX, the world-famous launch pad has quite a story to tell. Speaking of SpaceX, the private space firm is also preparing to launch its biggest ever rocket – the Falcon Heavy – from Pad 39A later this year. But the company’s founder, Elon Musk, is already laying the groundwork for an even bigger rocket – the Interplanetary Transport System – that will allow humanity to colonize Mars and explore even further out into the solar system. In the meantime, a fleet of orbiters and rovers from three space agencies are busy checking out the Red Planet, while NASA’s Dawn spacecraft has been been analyzing a dwarf planet named Ceres.

All that – and more – in this issue of RocketSTEM magazine.

And, as always, every issue remains free to read online or download as a PDF.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Exploring Mars – Eight rovers and orbiters from three space agencies are at the Red Planet.

Helo, Mars! – Learn to compute flight data for the proposed Mars Helicopter Scout.

Historic Pad 39A – The launch pad has been America’s gateway to space for five decades.

Falcon Heavy – SpaceX is gearing up to debut its new rocket later this year.

SpaceX goes bigger – The Interplanetary Transport System may open up the solar system to exploration.

Dawn’s harvest – Spacecraft has been revealing secrets of Ceres, a dwarf planet.

Education, Rocketry

Video: German student group launches hybrid powered rocket to 32 km

A German student rocketry group launched a sounding rocket powered by a hybrid motor (solid fuel, liquid oxidizer) to over 32 kilometers last November: HyEnD – Hybrid Engine Development (Link via Commercial Space Blog) –

On Tuesday 8th November 2016, 10:30 LT, -18°C: our Hybrid sounding rocket HEROS 3 rocket was launched from ESRANGE, Kiruna [Sweden]. At almost perfect weather conditions and great visibility it reached an apogee of 32.3 km according to GPS and acceleration data and was successfully recovered with the drogue and main parachute being released. This sets a new record for European student and amateur rocketry. Furthermore, to our knowledge this is also a new altitude world rocket for hybrid rockets built by students. The maximum speed of HEROS 3 was 2600 km/h with a Mach number of 2.3. The hybrid rocket engine delivers 10 kN of thrust with a paraffin-based fuel and Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer.

Education, Rocketry

Video: ‘Rockets Up, Up and Away!’ – NASA student launch competition

Here is some video of rockets flying at the NASA Student Launch competition, which took place last week:

On April 16, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center hosted the 16th annual Student Launch competition in Huntsville, Alabama. During the event student-designed and built rockets were launched in an effort to reach an altitude of one mile, deploy an automated parachute system, and safely land to be recovered. The competition gives young aspiring engineers a chance to test their high-flying creations and a shot at a $5,000 cash prize. NASA hosts this and other events like it to engage students across the country in the agency’s Journey to Mars through hands-on activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Education, Rocketry, Space participation

Winners of the Reach for the Stars National Rocket Competition honored by NAR, AIAA, Estes and Homer Hickam

An announcement from the Reach for the Stars organization:

NAR, AIAA, Estes and Homer Hickam Honor
Reach for the Stars – National Rocket Competition Winners at Space Camp

Three winners of the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition: Kalli Riemer, Emily Schmidtlein and Maya Watson celebrated with their families at Space Camp in “Rocket City” Huntsville, Alabama. For the past 9 years – over 50 percent of the national winners have been girls!  Girl Scouts have taken an amazing seven national wins.

2015Winners-2

Contestants in the competition had to build and launch their own solid-fuel powered rocket. The competitions were held in their area by schools, scouts, youth groups and Challenger Learning Centers. The closest average landing by parachute to a target after two launches wins the local event. Local winner’s results are submitted to the national competition headquarters.

In response to the nations call for more interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities – nearly 2000 kids across the nation participated in the ninth annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. At the end of the competition those who had the “Right Stuff”* were victorious. The annual Competition, for ages ten to eighteen, runs continuously. More information about this and the Astronaut Hall of Fame Event is available at www.therocketman.net .

The national winners launched their rockets in celebration under an “October Sky” from Homer Hickam Field.** Most of the competitors and many of the family and friends have read his inspirational book, Rocket Boys or seen the movie,October Sky. Competition director, Jack Colpas says, “Getting the opportunity to launch their rockets from an exciting location is an important part of the celebration.”

In addition to the launch, the kids were awarded a Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative coin and certificate that honor the memory of the first Teacher-in-Space, Christa McAuliffe and the crew of the Challenger. The certificates are signed by Captain Jon McBride, who piloted Challenger on one of its earliest missions. They also received an autographed photo and letter of congratulations from author, Homer Hickam. Estes – the world leader in educational rocketry provided $200 to help with travel expenses and a model rocket for each winner.

Presentation was made by Vince Huegele, educational chair for the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), Matt Green – Space Camp Operations, US Space & Rocket Center and G. Alan Lowrey – Regional Director, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Matt Green put the winners through their paces as they experienced the Astronaut Training Simulators at Space Camp. They took turns walking in the 1/6 gravity of the moon, moved about mock space in a MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) and tested their intestinal fortitude in the Spatial Disorientation Simulator. Alan Lowrey photographed the kids throughout the day. The pictures are available at www.flickr.com/photos/OctoberRockets

Then they got to tour the US Space & Rocket Center with their friends and families.Two teachers, Tina Hackey and Dennis O’Connell – whose efforts produced a national winner – joined in the celebration. The group gets to visit the Space Shuttle Simulator – Pathfinder, see the amazing display at Rocket and Shuttle Parks, the Apollo Courtyard and the Saturn V Hall. “The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Center has one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world.” (rocketcenter.com/museum )

This is a fantastic opportunity for a young rocketeer. Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition directors Jack and Kathy Colpas boast, “National winners receive memories to last a lifetime – and bragging rights for generations to come.”

  • Kalli Riemer competed at Crystal River Primary School, in Crystal River, Florida under teacher, Christina Hackey.
  • Emily Schmidtlein joined in with her STEM Class at North Kansas City High School, N. Kansas City, Missouri in a competition run by Teacher, Dennis O’Connell.
  • Maya Watson launched during a STEM Summer Camp under the direction of Dr. Ellyn Savard of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.
  • Alani Davidson won the honors with the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma with under Scout Leader, Chris Simon. Alani was unable to attend and will receive her award at a Girl Scout event in Oklahoma.

Model rocket manufacturer Estes, the world leader in educational rocketry, provided $200 in prize money to the top three national winners. The prize money is provided to help with travel expenses. Travel funding is crucial. These kids have earned the right to attend the national winners’ celebrations.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Hampton Inn – Huntsville joined together to provide unforgettable memories for the national winners of the annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. Tickets to Space Camp, plus discounted lodging and free breakfast are being provided for four winners and their families. Without the generosity of these companies, this winners’ celebration would not be possible.

Corporate sponsors are needed to ensure kids nationwide have the opportunity to compete. Sponsors receive national recognition and the satisfaction of Helping Kids Reach for the Stars.

Jack and Kathy Colpas, co-directors of the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition are retired public school educators. “Our goal is to give kids the educational experience of building and launching a solid-fuel powered rocket. Our purpose is to foster an interest in model rocketry, STEM subjects and aeronautics. Our mission is to keep alive the memory of the first Teacher-in-Space, Christa McAuliffe.”

—-

* Thomas Wolfe, The Right Stuff – (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) 1979

**Homer Hickam is the author of the memoir, Rocket Boys. which became the inspirational movie October Sky.

Contests and Games, Education, Rocketry

Reach for the Stars: Rocketry contest winners to celebrate at Space Camp

An announcement from the Reach for the Stars program:

Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition Winners
to Celebrate at Space Camp

In response to the nations call for more interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities – over 1000 kids across the nation participated in the ninth annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. At the end of the competition those who had the “Right Stuff”* were victorious. The annual Competition, for ages ten to eighteen, runs continuously.

9th winners' collage sm b_topGirl Scouts of Connecticut – winner Maya Watson

With minds set on the task at hand, competitors prepared their rockets, aimed the launch rod and awaited the countdown. “Ready light – On!” 10…9…8…7… “All systems – Go.”  6…5…4… Everyone held their breath. 3…2…1…  With a whoosh, the small rocket leaped from the launch pad and soared hundreds of feet into the air. All eyes turned skyward. “Wait for it…Wait for it!” With a pop, the parachute opens and the rocket descends for a near perfect touch-down.

Contestants in the competition had to build and launch their own solid-fuel powered rocket. The competitions were held in their area by schools, scouts, youth groups and Challenger Learning Centers. The closest average landing by parachute to a target after two launches wins the local event. Local winner’s results were then submitted to the national competition headquarters. This produced four national winners.

The winners of the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition; Alani Davidson, Kalli Riemer, Emily Schmidtlein and Maya Watson will celebrate with their families at Space Camp in “Rocket City” Huntsville, Alabama. All national winners will launch their rockets in celebration under an “October Sky” from Homer Hickam Field.** Most of the competitors and many of the family and friends have read his inspirational book, Rocket Boys or seen the movie, October Sky. Competition director, Jack Colpas says, “Getting the opportunity to launch their rockets from a exciting location is an important part of the celebration.”

9th winners' collage sm b_botNorth Kansas City High School –
winner Emily Schmidtlein (2nd from left, top row)

In addition to the launch, the kids will be awarded a Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative coin and certificate that honor the memory of the first Teacher-in-Space, Christa McAuliffe and the crew of the Challenger. The certificates are signed by Captain Jon McBride, who piloted Challenger on one of its earliest missions.

Winners get to experience the Astronaut Training Simulators at Space Camp. They will take turns walking in the 1/6 gravity of the moon, move about mock space in a MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) and test their intestinal fortitude in the Spatial Disorientation Simulator.

Then they get to tour the US Space & Rocket Center with their friends and families. The group gets to visit the Space Shuttle Simulator – Pathfinder, see the amazing display at Rocket and Shuttle Parks, the Apollo Courtyard and the Saturn V Hall. “The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Center has one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world.” (rocketcenter.com/museum )

This is a fantastic opportunity for a young rocketeer. Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition directors Jack and Kathy Colpas boast, “National winners receive memories to last a lifetime – and bragging rights for generations to come.”

  • Alani Davidson won the honors with the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma with under Scout Leader, Chris Simon.
  • Kalli Riemer competed at Crystal River Primary School, in Crystal River, Florida under teacher, Christina Hackey.
  • Emily Schmidtlein joined in with her STEM Class at North Kansas City High School, N. Kansas City, Missouri in a competition run by Teacher, Dennis O’Connell.
  • Maya Watson launched during a STEM Summer Camp under the direction of Dr. Ellyn Savard of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.

For the past 9 years – over 50 % of the national winners in the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition have been girls!  Girl Scouts have taken an amazing seven national wins.

Model rocket manufacturer Estes, the world leader in educational rocketry, provided $200 in prize money to the top three national winners. The money is provided to any competitor who wins the national event using Estes rocket supplies. The prize money is provided to help with travel expenses. Three of the national winners will be traveling tothe US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Travel funding is crucial. These kids have earned the right to attend the national winners’ celebrations.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Hampton Inn – Huntsville joined together to provide unforgettable memories for the national winners of the annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. Tickets to Space Camp, plus discounted lodging and free breakfast are being provided for four winners and their families. Without the generosity of these companies, this winners’ celebration would not be possible.

Corporate sponsors are needed to ensure kids nationwide have the opportunity to enter the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. Sponsors receive national recognition and the satisfaction of Helping Kids Reach for the Stars. More information is available at www.TheRocketman.net .

Jack and Kathy Colpas, co-directors of the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition are retired public school educators. “Our goal is to give kids the educational experience of building and launching a solid-fuel powered rocket. Our purpose is to foster an interest in model rocketry, STEM subjects and aeronautics. Our mission is to keep alive the memory of the first Teacher-in-Space, Christa McAuliffe.”

* Thomas Wolfe, The Right Stuff – (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) 1979

**Homer Hickam is the author of the memoire, Rocket Boys which became the inspirational movie October Sky.