"I REMEMBER MY VERY FIRST LAUNCH of a model rocket...no wind, temperature was a pleasant 65 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, unlimited visibility all the way up to the stratosphere.
The perfect day.
As Estes Alpha was prepared for launch. A C6-5 rocket motor was installed in the rocket for maximum altitude. The igniter installed in the rocket motor. Flame proof wadding, shock cord and a parachute carefully packed into the body tube and the nose cone placed on top of the rocket. The launch pad is now ready to receive its first model rocket.
Anticipation is starting to build. I slide the rocket down the launch rod close to the base of the blast deflector. The solar launch control connector clips are connected to the igniter.
Time to insert the safety key.
We are now GO FOR LAUNCH.
The countdown begins from 5-4-3-2-1- Launch!
The Alpha rocket leaps off the launch pad, a red flame and a trail of smoke, all this in tenths of a second. Straight up and up to over 1000 feet. At apogee I hear a pop, then I see the parachute deploy for a slow decent back to earth.
A perfect flight, a perfect day, one that I will always remember."
That was a day in February 1974.
From Model Rocketry's early beginnings in the mid-1950s till today
This scene has been repeated over
325 million times.
John Ludwig
4-H Leader
Olympic Peninsula Rocketry
2008
That was a day in February 1974.
From Model Rocketry's early beginnings in the mid-1950s till today
This scene has been repeated over
325 million times.
John Ludwig
4-H Leader
Olympic Peninsula Rocketry
2008
