MTA launch event, 2019-07-10

by Larry Hoffing, RRS Events Coordinator


The RRS was glad to host an event at the Mojave Test Area for the UCLA Rocketry Club. This group of two dozen students launched a series of G-sized model rockets for their rocket building event on July 10, 2019.

Group photo under the RRS sign to the MTA

Each of the rockets had an egg as its payload. All but one was recovered intact. Each rocket had a custom data logging package including a barometer as an altimeter and an accelerometer. Average altitude was 2,480 feet with a group average peak acceleration of 14 G’s and thrust of 25 lbf.

Loading the rocket on the slotted rail launcher
Rocket on the rail and ready to go
Successful recovery; five of the six teams got their eggs back intact

One concern some of our members had from last week was if any of the structures at the MTA suffered any damage from the recent pair of earthquakes at Ridgecrest only a little more than 30 miles away across the dry lake desert floor. The RRS is happy to report that the damage seems minimal in that both the old block house is still standing and the George Dosa Building doesn’t look any worse for wear.

The old MTA blockhouse after the 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake of July 5, 2019
The back door of the George Dosa building.
The students of the UCLA Rockets Club, 2019-07-10
Our events coordinator, Larry Hoffing, proudly shows his passion for rockets and the RRS

The RRS was glad to support this student event with UCLA. There will be a second, similar rocket building program later this month. For questions about future events, contact Larry Hoffing

events@rrs.org

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