Saturday, 11 April – Huntsville, AL
LAUNCH DAY: the most awaited day of the semester, by far!! The team pulled an all-nighter to finish as much of the AGSE as possible. Some components would still have to be tested at the launch site. We arrived at Bragg Farm, our generous hosts for the day, at 5:30 in the morning to prepare for the day.
Sunrise AGSE transport.
Motivational talk.
Planning out the test schedule.
Discussing what’s left to do.
Thinking about electronics.
The AGSE glowing in the sunrise.
Dreaming of coffee.
Testing the ignitor inserter.
As the day warmed up, more teams and curious passerby came to the farm to check out the projects. We were visited by many delighted judges who couldn’t wait to watch our project in action.
Tightening up the nose cone pusher.
Early morning electronics.
Cleaning wood scraps from inside the AGSE.
Running a quick nose cone test.
The warning lights work!
Our banner in a wheat field.
Waiting to run a test.
Right before the judges and other excited NASA personnel came to watch our AGSE run, the motor driver controlling the elevator broke, leaving us unable to run that part of the sequence. After demonstrating everything we could, the judges told us they were extremely impressed with our versatile design and consideration for the Martian environment. Before they left, they told us to let them know if we could get the elevator system to work. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so.
The nose cone pusher.
Last minute tweaks on the conveyor.
Calling in for back up.
Explaining the AGSE to the judges.
Watching the motor ignitor inserter.
Reveling in a job well-done.
The AGSE in its final form.
Team huddle.
Adding black powder to the rocket for launch.
Team shot with the AGSE and rocket.
After passing rocket safety inspection, we set out to the launch pad.
Walking to the launch pad.
Sliding the rocket on the rail.
Team photo with the rocket.
Liftoff!
Tracking the rocket.
The launch went off beautifully with only one small hitch: the device that regulates when the parachutes are deployed did not released the main chute, causing the rocket to hit the ground harder than anticipated. Regardless, it was still a great way to end an incredible week!
Immediately following the launch, the team tore down the AGSE once again, to transport back to Boston. We set out for a celebratory night of camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, and hightailed it home on Sunday- just in time for a new school week.
Hear us talk about our project with NASA EDGE, about 15:00 minutes into this video:
Article and photos by Alanna Ferri