My SpaceX

This one-week rocketry flew by so quickly that I wanted to do it again. Every year, NOVA’s (Northern Virginia Community College) SySTEMic program holds a one week rocketry summer camp for middle school and high school students. I had been looking forward to this camp all summer and it did not disappoint. 

Even so, we built and launched two types of rockets on the first day of camp. First, we were introduced to rocketry concepts and how they work. It was displayed through slideshows and small model rockets. The rest of the week was focused on preparation towards our big launch including E motor rockets at a designated launch site. The students were to design a rocket in an online simulator to their likings and best performance. Although, the cap for performance was for the rockets to have a maximum altitude of 850 feet and to be from 35-42 inches in length. 

Students got to assemble and paint their enormous rockets towards the end of the camp. I designed my rocket to be 39 inches in length with fins originating from the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, as they are very effective. I had also painted my rocket a grey with yellow accents along with the name “Raptor”. 

Friday, there was so much suspense and excitement towards how people’s rocket would perform. We took a school bus 40 minutes away to “Great Meadows, VA” to launch alongside many others. We spent almost all day watching rockets as tall as water bottles to as tall at people. Our rockets had a altimeter recording data such as speed, altitude, time in the air, and apogee. Everyone launching would get security checks before their launches too. 

Finally, my turn had come after I filled out a ticket with initial data of my rocket and name. Then they called “Raza’s Raptor launching in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, launch”. My rocket had teleported up 644 feet travelling at 189 mph and pulling 12.6 Gs. After the rocket reached apogee, it exploded out the top end to reveal the parachute recovering safely back down at 13 mph. I was amazed when I saw the results as I had never built anything as quick as this. I got to see my friends’ launches till the day ended too. Below, is the link to my launch.