Students in the University of Illinois' Aerospace Engineering 100SD class launched their semester project rockets at the CIA's site near Flatville on Saturday, November 4. All the rockets were modified BSD 38 Special kits powered by Aerotech J350-L motors. The class built the payloads, consisting of an RDAS on-board data recorder and telemetry system with GPS, and either a still or video camera to take pictures during the flights. They will download and analyze the data from these flights to complete their semester projects. CIA assisted in the design and construction of the rockets and payloads, and ran the launch operation.
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CIA-Rocketry > Two days before the launch, the entire class of 60 students met to weigh their rockets and payloads so they could accurately predict the performance of the models. Photo by Greg Smith
CIA-Rocketry > One of the camera payloads weighs in at 0.550 pounds. Photo by Greg Smith
CIA-Rocketry > The class met early at the launch site. The weather was only marginal for flying -- winds were 15 to 20 MPH from the south, and there was solid cloud cover at about 6000' (fortunately, above the maximum altitude of these rockets). The wind chill made it seem very cold and unpleasant throughout the morning. Photo by Greg Smith
CIA-Rocketry > CIA members Chris Deem and Mark Joseph assisted in assembling and inserting the motors and packing the recovery systems. Jonathan Sivier, William Carney, Adam Joseph, Alan Carroll and Greg Smith (not shown) also helped out. Photo by Greg Smith
CIA-Rocketry > Rocket scientist, or Jedi Knight? Alan Carroll favors keeping warm over trying to look cool. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
CIA-Rocketry > The crowd of students, with Jonathon helping to prep a rocket. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
CIA-Rocketry > Starting to prepare the first rocket for flight. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
CIA-Rocketry > It wasn't arctic tundra cold, but it was a cold, windy day, so everyone was bundled up. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
CIA-Rocketry > Loading the first rocket on the pad. The payloads and nose cones were installed at the pad after activating the recording devices. Photo by Greg Smith
Starting to prepare the first rocket for flight. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
> Starting to prepare the first rocket for flight. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
Starting to prepare the first rocket for flight. Photo by Christopher Brian Deem
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