The graph below shows tha the rocket reached 2442ft and the first parachute deployed.  We see no change in the slope of the graph when the main parachute charge went off, because the shock cord connected to the main parachute and nose cone ripped.  There was some pressure leakage at the main ejection, but I think that was a result of the cord breaking.

For over a month the teams have been writing their preliminary design reviews (PDR) for the Battle of the Rockets competition.  The PDR is due this Friday for all rover and sounding rocket teams.  The document includes designs, flight projections, payload information, budget and many other areas of the project.  Over the next 2 weeks, the PDRs will be presented view a video conference with reviewers.  

Good morning and welcome back.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break with family and friends.  Below is the recently posted video from our sounding rocket flight on Nov 18 at Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association, or MDRA.  The title is funny, as it loooked like the shock cord was not attached for the main chute, but on inspection after recovery, we found that the 1/2" tubular nylon shock cord ripped.  We are not sure if the cord was weak, but it was a new cord at a reasonable length for the weight of the rocket.  The shock cord on the drogue end worked fine with no apparent damage.  There also did not seem to be any heat damage where the shock cord ripped.  We are going to switch to a Kevlar cord that is a little longer, and do static ground testing before the next flight.

The Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association (MDRA) eastern shore launch is always fun to attend.  Friendly fliers, interesting builds and very large rockets make this a very enjoyable weekend.  The photos below were from ESL 232 which was held on Nov 18.  The next launch is on Dec 16.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  We will not be posting over break, so looks for us again on Tuesday Nov 28.

Here is a team photo from the the ESL 232 launch Saturday.  This is one of the altitude rockets from the Battle of the Rockets.  2 team members were unable to attend the launch.

The first flight of the sounding rocket for the Battle of the Rockets was Saturday and it showed proof of concept.  The flight was perfectly straight, showing the stability.  If you look closely, you can see the red, white and blue parachutes through the side of the rocket as the fiberglass of the rocket is a bit translucent.

The Battle of the Rockets teams are hard at work building the sounding and altitude rockets.  Both rockets will fly this Saturday.  Check back next week for launch photos and videos.

The video below is the presentation that was playing at the TE Connectivity Techcon 2017 that was held earlier this fall.  The presentation shows the history of the SG high powered rocketry team and the support of TE Connectivity of the past 4 years.  Thank you TE!

Our fall Paint Night was held in the high school cafeteria last night and it was a huge success.  We raised over $550 for the rocketry team.  First, we would like to thank the instructor, Connie Higgins, for coming out and having such energy and running such a fun event.  Thank you to all attendees, this night would not have been a success without your support.  We appreciate the support of the community as we strive to represent Spring Gove on the national stage in both TARC and the Battle of the Rockets.

The new body tubes have arrived!  The body tubes that just arrived from PML are 11.4in in diameter (the largest we have ever used).  The rocket will carry a rover payload to a height of over 1000ft before deploying the rover for it to fall to earth and complete its mission.  The rocket will be between 50-60lbs on the pad.

Through a few different dseign changes, and now the final design.  These patches will be available in about 2 weeks for $2.  They have an iron-on backing and are embroidered.  We are considering a joint mission patch with Dover for the rover team and a "Remove Before Flight" Spring Grove keychain, as well.  Stay tuned.

On Tuesday November 14 the Spring Grove Area High School rocketry team will host their largest fundraiser of the fall with their semi-annual Paint Night.  Joint us at the high school cafeteria at 6pm to paint the beautiful winter scene below.  Registration fee is only $40 and can be paid by cash, check or by Paypal on thie website (for Paypal just click the top blue button on the right).  Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase that night.  All proceeds benefit our hgih powered rocketry team participating this year in the Battle of the Rockets even in Culpeper, Virginia in April 2018.  If you are not able to attend, please consider a donation to support our team.  A donation of any size would be helpful as it all adds up and would be very much appreciated. 

TE Connectivity, our major sponsor, gave us a tour of their rapid protyping area near Harrisburg.  The company makes prototypes of connectors and and parts for all of TE Connectivity's divisions.  The tour was an amazing experience.  We will post more pictures and video in later updates.  

The second TARC launch of the year proved to be very successful and shows proof of design.  The ejection delay was 6 seconds, but it ejected at apogee and the rocket returned safely to be flown again.  Altitude was a little high, but there is still work to do.

One Spring Grove TARC team is not only done building their first rocket, they are also finished with their second.  The design has proven to be flight worthy and now over the next 4 months they will be tweaking small characteristics to hit the height and time duration marks necessary to qualify for TARC Nationals.  Great job Rockets!  (for those of you that do not know, Spring Grove's mascot is the Rockets)
Come back tomorrow for a video of their flight.