Tagged: rocketry

Launch #1

10/23/17 we launched our rockets. Looking at the graph, J.E.X.L. launched the highest at 57.5m and Blasting Rockets launched the lowest at 20m. The difference the two is 37.5m. My group, Science Minds, launched at 51m this 9.5m higher than the class average.

Before we got onto the field, we made sure that we had everything in the supply cart. Then, we started to walk out to the field. First, we set up the launch pads. Then Mrs. Boyer (our teacher) set up the safety area. We put all of the other supplies at the end of the safety zone. When I saw all the rockets go before mine, it was so astounding how high they went. When my group was up, we filled the rocket with water. Next, we slid it onto the launch pad and made sure that we set everything up right. Then my teammate and I started to pump. In the beginning, it was easy to pump but the last few pumps were a lot more difficult. After we finished pumping the launch master called out the clinometer readers to make sure they were ready. Then the countdown began 3, 2, 1! There the rocket went, blasting up high. It came down on the nose cone but luckily nothing broke. Another thing I did was clinometer reading. It was basically where I would estimate the measurement of how the rocket went with this little contraption.

Before launching the rocket, I was nervous because I didn’t think my rocket was going to go high. I was also worried that one of the rockets was going to fall on my head and that when my rocket landed it would fall apart and we would have to start all over again! But, I also had hope that our rocket would go high because I thought my group and I prepared it well. After we launched our rocket I was very happy and excited about the results. I thought it went really well because nothing fell apart and our rocket went straight and super high.

Something I think my group and I could have done better was our nose cone. The quality was good but it was a bit too big so it caused air resistance. Away we could fix that in the future is if we put glue to cover the space so it works as an air blocker. Another option is to just print a new one. Another thing we could fix is the wings. We could glue two together so they are less delicate. It would help us in the process of the building because the wings won’t snap anymore. A downside to that is that may be making the rocket over it preferred weight limit. I don’t think we have to change much because it went really well the first time.

Thinking ahead I think when we start redesigning our rocket we will be much more delicate with everything so nothing breaks. I hope the minor changes my group makes will make a great impact on the rocket and it will make it 10 times better. A question I have for next time is, will something will go wrong with my rocket? Another question is, will anything break?

Overall, I think the launch went as planned or even better. I hope next time goes even better than last time.