WSGC launches rocket in advance of national rocket workshops at Carthage: VIDEO

Countdown … 3, 2, 1 … LAUNCH. The motor ignites sending a 4: diameter tube 2,200 feet into the sky in a matter of seconds. “It’s an exhilarating experience as you watch the rocket ascend in the sky.”

Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Program Manager Christine Thompson set out to build a rocket, nearly as tall as herself, to understand the process students from across the state and the nation will experience as they prepare for the WSGC High-Powered Rocket Launch at the Richard Bong Recreational Area in Kansasville, Wisconsin, on Saturday, May 2.

Ms. Thompson, a self-proclaimed engineering and science novice, described the process as challenging, but rewarding.

“I wanted to walk through every step our students walk through, so that I could help anyone who needed assistance on launch day,” she said. “There were a few hiccups along the way, but I worked closely with the Wisconsin Tripoli Prefecture to ensure I launched a safe and ready-to-fly rocket.”

WSGC Program Manager Christine Thompson built and launched this rocket in April 2015. WSGC will host two rocket workshops April 30-May 2 at Carthage.WSGC hosts two major high-powered rocket launches: the Collegiate Rocket Launch and the First Nations Launch. More than 150 students will gather at Carthage April 30-May 1 for opening presentations and design workshops. There will be 30 teams, representing 24 schools, participating in the two competitions. The First Nations Launch is the largest Native American rocket competition in the United States. To help promote the program, representatives from Kennedy Space Center will be on campus to help students prepare for launch day.

According to Tripoli, Ms. Thompson is the first WSGC staff member to receive Level 1 Rocket Certification since the Wisconsin program began.

“It’s really important for the Consortium that the Program Manager has the experience from nuts and bolts to program logistics,” said WSGC Director Kevin Crosby. “I’m really happy that we now have both the logistical and technical skills to help teams take the next step.” 

Carthage students and faculty are invited to attend the design presentations and rocket launches:

• Thursday, April 30 — First Nations Launch design presentations, 5:45 p.m. in the Todd Wehr Center Jockey Room B
• Friday, May 1 — Collegiate Rocket Launch design presentations, 6 p.m. in the Todd Wehr Center Jockey Room A
• Saturday, May 2 — Rocket Launches, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Richard Bong Recreational Area

Please feel free to stop by Straz 80 and see the WSGC Rocket, aka “Red Hot Chili Pepper.”