No August ROCC Launch, next Launch - Freedom Launch Sept 3rd,4th and 5th Orangeburg,SC

Due to a lack of an alternate site, we are scrubbing the August ROCC Launch. The next and best launch in the Carolinas is coming up Labor Day weekend in Orangeburg, SC. TRIPOLI - South Carolina is having their annual three day launch know as Freedom Launch. There will be lots of flyers from all over the Southeast there. It is worth the 2.5 hour drive from Charlotte to go see, even if just for a day. Saturday would be the best day, Sunday would be my 2nd choice. Monday will be for EX flyers only, normally not a lot to see. Due to the increased risk of EX motor failures, it is not recommended for the casual flyer. Ken Allen from Performance Hobbies will be there. I am not sure on the hotel availability at this point it is getting late. However, the Days Inn at HWY 301 and I-26 is right next to the field and will be filled with flyers I would recommend staying there. The other Days Inn in Orangeburg is at Hwy 601 and I-26 about 9 miles from the field, all the good eaten places are at the same exit (Exit 145). Days Inn number - 803-534-0500 (Exit 154,HWY 301 and I-26) Ask for the Rocket Club discount. Days Inn number - 803-531-2590 ( Ext 145, HWY 601 and I-26) No discount here. Go to WWW.TRIPOLISC.ORG, ICBMs website for details on Freedom Launch

Click to read more ...

Google Moon Debuts

Not content to only show us every square inch of planet earth, the fine folks at Google have launched Google Moon. Using photography from NASA you can now zoom around the moon, just like Michael Collins. Happy Anniversary Apollo 11!

Click to read more ...

Rocket video

John Froeb has sent us a short video taken from his Estes Oracle video camera rocket, from June's launch. This is a very cool piece showing three different launches of the rocket, and the recovery. John has a bigger version, if people would like to see it, respond in the comments, and we'll get it up on the site. Thanks, John for sharing this! Direct link to the album in the gallery.

Click to read more ...

One Last time, Today is last launch at the farm until Oct or Nov

Yesterday we had a great weather day at the Farm. The range was setup for six hours and we had a very small turn out. We flew all the way up to J-power rockets yesterday. It was great. Where was everybody? Today we will be out there with very light Easterly breezes (E3-8) until 7:00pm. Try to make it out. This is our last launch on a large field till late Oct or Nov. In speaking to Kip yesterday, he said the corn would be out in Oct. however; the soy beans may be later depending on the weather.

Click to read more ...

July ROCC Launch is a GO! (This coming Weekend, July 9th,10th

I just spoke with Kip and Terry Baucom has visually inspected the field. The beans are about 3-4" tall in the North field; Kip's thoughts are that we best get the launch in before the beans shoot up any higher. So, given that, the launch is on for this weekend, July 9th and 10th. 12:00-7:00 each day. There are no vendors scheduled. The Porta-Potty will be there. It worked out well for the last launch. I will get the T-Shirts there, this time, I promise. Does anyone need to certify or take the test? Please let me know so I can plan. Now, onto my soapbox, our attendance was really low last launch. I realized it was the forth weekend and that this will be the second, however, we knew since January our June and July launches are depended on the harvest and the re-planting of the crops. So everyone knew. Please, if you can, try to attend and remember to make your donation, if we exceed our goal for flyer-fees for the Williams the rest of the money will go back to paying for the porta-potty. Lets see you out there this weekend. Sincerely, Ralph Roberts

Click to read more ...

Photos

I noticed that someone was trying to post some photos yesterday... Yeah! But I see that you were never able to get the photos to stick. Send 'em to me with the captions you want and I'll post 'em! send to: rocketrycarolina@gmail.com (It's got a really big mailbox) Thanks! Doc R.

Click to read more ...

Ouch!

I was surfing around the Rocketry Forum today in a bit of "down-time", and ran across a link to a rather spectacular and, at the same time, disturbing set of photos. Next time I lose a rocket, I'm going to remember this one... http://www.tsmrockets.com/ballistictqc.htm those with weak hearts, look away! ps... I think the Ariel will fly again... aye! Doc R.

Click to read more ...

Shuttle Derived Launch Vehicles

With NASA seriously looking at shuttle derived launch vehicles, I thought that most would find this web site of interest. http://www.safesimplesoon.com/default.htm It's mostly for public consumption and full of fluff. However, the answer to FAQ #8 interested me...

Click to read more ...

We have a Porta-Jon lined up for the June and July launches

OK, you ask for it you got it. A Porta-Jon will be delivered Friday for the Campout Launch. So get you crap together and come on to the launch. HA-HA. Note: Don't forget to let me know if your coming to the launch so we can get enough burgers and dogs. My daughter plans to have a water and lemonade stand as well. ROCCPREZ@prodigy.net

Click to read more ...

June Launch is GO for this Weekend, the fields are clear!!

Here is the latest, the Winter Wheat is cut, I spoke to Kip tonight (June 22nd). We will setup just beyond the ditch in the middle, at 12:00 Noon Saturday There is some waist high corn along the southern fields tree line. With southerly breezes it should not present a problem. There is still some 6" of Barley stalks that are dry and lying on the ground, we will have watch for fires if a rocket comes in under power. Juluis Burris has agreed to run the Grill for us Saturday. We need a head count if you are planning on eating either Hog Dogs or Hamburgers. Please RSVP to RoccPrez@prodigy.net by Friday Noon so we can get enough goodies. Also let me know if you will be camping if you can. Ken Allen, with Performance hobbies will be at the Whitiker�s Launch this weekend, they are have there sport launch. I am still waiting on a response from Larry Smith at Rocket Science. I' keep you posted. I am trying to get a Porta-John in there, will let you know by tomorrow. More to come stay tuned. Ralph Roberts ROCC PREZ

Click to read more ...