This page provides details for the Rocket Launch leaders and helpers.

Pack 135 is eternally grateful to Steve Golson for his leadership and contribution to this event and the information below.

Generally the Rocket Launch event is just plain fun!  At the October Pack Meeting you will receive a rocket kit.  Build it according to the instructions, paint it and bring it to the rocket launch (see pack schedule for site and times).  This date/time is a "window" of time so if it runs from for example 11:00 to 3:00 you can come at any time during the window.

If you have problems with your rocket kit or want to buy one for a friend/family member or other questions please email the Rocket Launch Leader(s) at rockets@pack135.com

Have fun!

The reminder of this page is split into two sections. 

Section One:  Rocket Launch Leader Tasks:
 

Since 2006 the pack has run an annual model rocket launch. This is a tremendous activity greatly enjoyed by boys and parents alike. Model rocket kits are handed out to the boys, they build the models with parent/leader help, and then the rockets are launched under adult supervision.

The Pack Committee pick a rocket launch coordinator, who makes sure everything happens. All these remaining tasks are the responsibility of this coordinator. Welcome aboard!

T minus 4 months

Pick a date. We've had best luck with a weekend in late October or early November. Saturday is the primary date, with Sunday as a rain date (or perhaps two successive Saturdays). Consider that you need the launch to be several weeks after whatever Pack meeting that you hand out the kits. If the meeting is mid-October then late October or early November is the earliest reasonable date for the launch. Any later and it could be too cold.

Pick a location. We've had best luck with Foss Farm. Here are possible locations in town with a brief discussion of each:

Foss Farm

Towle Land

Hutchins Field (corner of Fiske St and Curve St)

Banta-Davis playing fields

Spalding Field

T minus 3 months

Check website of Old North Bridge Pony Club to see if they have anything scheduled at Foss Farm on your date. If so then pick another date.

Contact the Conservation Administrator at Town Hall. Ask for a spot on the Conservation Commission agenda for an upcoming meeting, to request permission to use Foss Farm. Since we've done this in previous years the Commissioners generally know what it's all about, and they hopefully won’t ask you to appear at the meeting.

If they do want you to make a presentation it's best to come prepared. Bring the following for show and tell:

Be prepared to answer questions about model rocketry and Cub Scouts. Make sure every Commission member gets a copy of the two documents. Make sure to give a copy to the Carlisle Mosquito reporter. Tell them we've checked the Pony Club schedule for conflicts. Tell them we'll put up a sign at Foss Farm announcing the launch.

Ask for two dates (say, Saturday/Sunday, or two successive Saturdays) so if we have a weather delay, you won't have to go back and ask for permission again.

The Commission will probably require that we provide someone to direct traffic at Foss Farm. This is just a Cub Scout parent, there is no need for police.

Ask who is the current tenant farming the land, just in case we need to contact them.

Once you have ConsCom permission, send a courtesy email to the head of Old North Bridge Pony Club telling them the dates we will be launching at Foss Farm.

Put up a sign announcing the launch on the signboard at Foss Farm. This is mainly to help bring spectators, but it also warns other users of the facility what we are up to (Foss Farm is multi-use land, and rocket launches may not be compatible with some horses and dogs). Bring your own thumbtacks/pushpins. Here is an example sign (be sure and update the date, time, and name):

Carlisle Cub Scout Pack 135

ROCKET LAUNCH

Saturday, November x, 20xx

Rain date: Sunday, November y, 20xx

11:30am - 3:30pm

Everyone is invited

All equestrians are advised
there will be sudden loud noises!

For more information contact Your Name at 978.###-####

Visit our Pack website at www.pack135.com

T minus 2 months

Decide how many kits to order. Ask the Cubmaster for a current list of boys. Make sure you order a few extra because:

Decide which model rocket kit to order. Look for the following characteristics:

The two main manufacturers are

 Suggested kits

Hobby shops and suppliers

 Other useful websites

Decide how many motors to order. Check inventory to see how many are left over from last year. Plan on two launches per kit: one A motor and one B motor. (If you are launching from a small field like Spalding then you might order just A motors.) Just like the kits, it's always nice to have a few extras.

Motors ordered in bulk will usually come with igniters and recovery wadding. Make sure.

We have had great success with Quest Aerospace motors and igniters. Regardless of which kit you order, I suggest you order motors in bulk direct from Quest. Get A6-4 and B6-4 motors; these are fine for any of the models discussed above. (Don’t worry if the kit manufacturer says “A8-3 motor recommended”; an A6-4 should work fine. Ask a rocket expert if you have any concerns.)

Make sure you order kits ahead of time! Shipping will take several weeks, especially the motors which must ground ship due to hazmat restrictions.

T minus 1 month

Hand out kits at a Cub Scout meeting. Boys get a kit if they have paid their yearly dues! This is a great way to get them to pay up at the start of the year.

Make sure you hand them out with enough time before the launch (a few weeks at least). Tell the boys to put their name on their rocket.

Announce the launch date and time. Tell everyone to check the Pack website on the day of launch to make sure we haven’t had a last-minute cancellation due to weather (rain or high winds).

You should build a kit first and bring it to the meeting, so you can show off what it looks like.

Ask for parent volunteers. Here are the jobs you need filled:

Some dens may want to schedule a “build your kit” meeting. Also you may want to schedule this as a (optional) pack activity, particularly for younger boys who might need more help.

Even though the directions are fairly simple, and look straightforward, you will be amazed at the creative ways that boys and their parents will build things.

Contact the Carlisle Mosquito. Ask them to put an announcement in the paper, hopefully twice. For a Friday publication the deadline is Monday at noon. Ask if they can send a photographer. Again, mainly this is to get spectators, and encourage new boys into scouting, but it also provides a warning to other users of the property.

Contact CMASS, the local NAR section. These are serious rocket guys! If they are not having one of their own launches then you might get some volunteers from them.

Contact our local Boy Scout Troop 135. There may be older boys who are willing to help.

T minus 1 week

Check the weather forecast. Here is the National Weather Service official 7-day forecast for Carlisle.

Review the following detailed equipment lists. Make sure someone is assigned to bring each item.

List of equipment needed for setup:

Equipment needed for launchers (The Pack owns two complete launcher sets. We may be able to borrow another two sets for a total of four):

Equipment needed for rocket prep:

Equipment needed for kit building and repair:

General equipment needed:

Each individual should bring lunch, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, camera.

T minus 1 day

Check the weather forecast. Here is the National Weather Service graphical forecast. In addition to rain, check the wind speed and direction, and wind gust. You cannot launch if winds are greater than 20mph. It is a violation of the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code. Confer with your RSO. If weather looks unfavorable you should reschedule. Put an update on the Pack website.

Launch day

Check the weather forecast. Here is the National Weather Service graphical forecast. In addition to rain, check the wind speed and direction, and wind gust. You cannot launch if winds are greater than 20mph. It is a violation of the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code. Confer with your RSO. If weather is unfavorable then you must reschedule. Put an update on the Pack website.

Depending on how many helpers you have, setup of the launch site can take one to two hours. Leave yourself plenty of time to get everything working before the boys show up. Also you should ask the first shift of prep workers to arrive early so they can get some training and practice.

Launch setup

Decide where to place the launch site. The Foss Farm hay field is 1,150 feet by 740 feet. However you want to avoid the garden plot in the northeast corner, and sometimes there is corn planted in the southeast corner. Check the prevailing winds and leave more open space downwind of the launch site.

You can drive onto the hay field to deliver equipment for setup, but then move all vehicles back onto the roadway.

Foss Farm hay field with dimensions

Here is a suggested layout of the launch site showing table and chair locations and the CAUTION tape safety barrier.

It’s best to have the launchers north of the controller table, so that everyone can watch the launch from the south side and the sun will not be in your eyes.

First locate the launcher table. Orient the long axis of the table east-west.

Next (optionally) cover the top with a metallic space blanket to protect the tabletop from rocket exhaust. Fasten the space blanket to the underside of the table with gaffers tape.

Assemble each launcher.

When placing the launchers on the table, align them so the launch rod can be tilted into the prevailing wind.

Tape down the launcher legs with gaffers tape. The launchers can be close to each other (rocket competitions often have the launch rods at 1 ft intervals) so don’t worry if you are using a table smaller than 8 ft.

Insert the launch rods. Use the smaller 1/8in (3mm) hole. Make sure the rod is vertical then tighten the thumbscrew.

Get out the blast deflectors. They are kept in a bag because they are so messy. Some deflectors are in one piece, while others are in two pieces and must be assembled.

Slip a deflector over each launch rod.

We use customized Estes launch controllers. First get the launch clips, one per launcher. Tape the wire onto one leg of each launcher, allowing enough slack for the clips to reach across the deflector. Drape the connector toward the rear (north) side.

Next get the cable extensions, one per launcher. Attach one end of each extension to a clip. Dress the cables across the back (north) edge of the launch table with gaffers tape. Run the cables under the table and down the right (east) front leg. Don’t worry about keeping track of which cable goes to which launcher.

Run the cable extensions out from the launch table and south toward the controller table. Use tent stakes to hold the cables in place. A bit of caution/warning tape on the stakes makes them easy to spot (useful during cleanup, and for safety during launch operations).

Now it’s time for the launch controllers. Connect a launch controller to the end of each cable extension. Continue running the cables toward the controller table.

Run the cables up the right (east) rear leg of the controller table.

Label each launcher. Use index cards and gaffers tape.

Now figure out which controller goes with which launcher. Short together the launch clips for one launcher.

Try the launch key in each controller. Only one continuity light should illuminate. You found the controller for that launcher! Disconnect the clips and move on to the next launcher, shorting one pair of clips at a time. (Don’t press the launch button!)

Arrange the controllers in the same order as the launchers. Tape them down and add a label.

Here’s how it should look.

The cables are long enough to allow 18 to 20 feet spacing between the tables. That allows the two launch officers to stand on the launcher side of the controller table, and still be >15ft distance from the launchers.

Putting the controllers toward the right (east) end of their table leaves the center with a clear view of all the launchers. Boys standing behind the controller table can easily see their rocket on the pad.

Now tape the megaphone down onto the table with the speaker facing to the left (west). That’s where most of the crowd will be. (Maybe a little south of west.) Make sure the microphone cord can reach along the table to the launch officer standing behind the controllers.

Use the fence posts/driveway markers and CAUTION tape to mark a 15 ft safety area around the launcher table. This requires about 150 ft of tape. If you are careful you can reuse it in future years.

Place a metal trash can near (or under) the launch table. That gives you a safe place to put used igniters or other dangerous/flammable/burning trash. Place a second metal trash can near the prep tables, where used motors can be dumped after a flight (they will be hot!). If you have it, place a third metal trash can near (or under) the controller table.

Place a fire extinguisher near the launch controller table.

(Optional) Put a stool or two behind the launch controller table, so the launch officers can get off their feet. You can use chairs also.

Following the earlier diagram, set up two or three additional tables for prep and repair. Put chairs at these tables.

Put equipment for recovery prep on that table:

Put equipment for motor prep on that table:

Put the spare kits and other tools at the build/repair table. Keep a pair of pliers handy to remove motors after a launch.

Set up the American and Pack flags. These make useful wind gauges.

Packing up

The small storage box (also known as a range box because you take it to the launch range) is just big enough to hold the two complete launchers owned by the Pack. First put the launcher legs in the bottom compartment, then the cable extensions and deflectors can go on top.

Launch rods go in their own storage tube.

More questions

Still need help?

Section Two: DAY of EVENT Volunteer Tasks
 

Thanks for volunteering! If you don’t have any experience with model rocketry, fear not, and read on! This document has details and tips about the various jobs on launch day.

Here are some useful links to get you started:

Watch this great video on How to prepare a model rocket for flight. Note that our kit may have a different type of recovery system, but this video covers all the basics.

Review the instructions that came with the kit we are using this year, especially the parts about prepping the rocket for launch.

General information about our launch

Prep is handled in an assembly line fashion. The boys line up with their rockets. The first table is responsible for initial safety inspection and recovery system prep. Then the rocket passes to the next table where the motor and igniter are prepped. Once a live motor is inserted, the boys are not allowed to handle their models.

A prep parent will transport the model to the launch officers, who set the model on the launchers and actually fire the rocket.

Tools and parts are provided in case your model needs repair. The expectation is that all rockets come to the event in launchable condition.

Each boy gets two launches, the first with an A-class motor, and then a more powerful B-class motor. At the end of the day, if there are extra motors and extra time, we may allow additional launches.

You may wish to bring lunch, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

Here’s the layout of the launch area:

Range Safety Officer (RSO)

The RSO has overall responsibility for safely conducting launch activities. The RSO has the final say in all situations. Prior model rocket experience is required. RSO helps with setup, especially selecting launch pad location, and stays at the launch site all day. NAR membership is a plus.

Launch Control Officer (LSO) and assistant

These two launch officers are responsible for placing the models on the launch pad, and actually firing the rocket. Prior model rocket experience is a plus, but not required. This is not an all-day job; the launch officer teams take turns throughout the day. (It’s possible to do this job with a single LSO, but it will be slow.)

Safety is your number one priority. Review the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code.

Here’s what the launch setup looks like:

For safety the LSO keeps the launch key on his person at all times.

Always have the launch key in your hand when you approach the launch pad!

The LSO and his assistant are the only two people inside the CAUTION tape at the launch site. (The RSO is allowed in as well; he can go anywhere/anytime.)

The prep crew will have a box of loaded models ready to launch. When you are ready for more it is your job to go and get them. Load the rockets onto the launchers four at a time (or however many launchers you have).

Make sure the clips firmly grip the igniter wires. Don’t let the clips touch the blast deflector.

Once the rockets are loaded on the pad, both launch officers retreat to the controller table.

Check for low-flying aircraft. Foss Farm is directly under the approach to Hanscom Field in Bedford, so you’ll see lots of planes. Wait a bit until the aircraft is flying away from you.

Check for wind. Safety rules prohibit launching if the wind is greater than 20mph. RSO will halt launch activities if high winds persist.

Only now do you put the launch key in the controller. Look for the continuity light. This indicates the controller is ARMED. No light means you have a problem.

Use the megaphone to announce the launch. “Now from pad number 2, John Smith’s rocket, on a B motor. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, launch!” Press and hold the launch button until the rocket leaves the pad. Immediately remove the launch key.

If they want to, the boys can count down (but not push the launch button). After you announce the launch, hold the microphone near the boy’s mouth so he can call out the count. Remind the boy to watch his model! They will invariably look at the microphone or launch button. The bird leaves the pad very quickly!

Watch the flight. Watch for the recovery system to deploy (parachute or streamer). If there is no deployment, and the rocket is coming straight down, make an announcement so everyone is aware! (FYI this is called “augering in”.)

Launch rockets one at a time. Wait for the rocket to reach the ground (well, almost reach the ground) before you launch the next one. Check for aircraft and wind before every launch.

Some controllers have a fire button that requires a bit of effort to make them fire. If you have problems, try pushing hard and wiggling the button.

If you have a misfire (the motor does not ignite and rocket doesn’t launch) remove the launch key, wait 60 seconds, then remove the rocket from the pad. Check to see if the launch clips are shorted together. Remove the igniter and see if it fired. Insert a new igniter and try again. Ask a more experienced adult (e.g., the RSO) for help and guidance. You can go ahead and launch the other rockets while you are waiting.

After several dozen launches the launch rods and clips will build up a coating of rocket exhaust. Clean the rods with steel wool, and use a small piece of sandpaper to clean the clips.

If you are using Quest Q2G2 igniters, or other modern low-current igniters, make sure you have a controller that works with them. A stock Estes controller has a high continuity current and will fire these igniters as soon as you put in the launch key! All our Estes controllers have been modified to have a low continuity current and will work fine.

Depending on the prevailing winds, and the type of recovery system, the rockets may drift considerably on the way down. You’d like them to land fairly close to the launchers and away from the trees. You can adjust the angle of the launch rod to point into the wind so the rocket is upwind at the peak of its flight. After recovery system deployment it will drift back toward the launcher. Never adjust the rod more than 30 degrees from vertical. Loosen the thumbscrew to adjust the rod:

You’ll have a metal trash can near the launch table. This is for burned-up igniters, used motors, and other hot debris.

When loading the rockets, make sure they slide easily on the launch rod. We had problems one year with plastic launch lugs that were binding on the rods. A Dremel tool with pointed tip is a handy way to ream out rough lugs.

If you are using low-current igniters, the four AA batteries in each controller should last all day. Have some spares around just in case. If you think the batteries are weak, try firing a naked igniter by itself.

Recovery system prep

One or two people whose job is

Prep teams take turns throughout the day, this is not an all-day job. Prior model rocket experience is a plus but not required.

Make sure the boy’s name is on the model. If necessary use a Sharpie to write it on.

Keep a pair of pliers handy to remove fired motors after a launch. Put the fired motors in a metal trash can. Sometimes the boys want to keep them as a souvenir. Make sure they are cooled off first.

Use an unsharpened pencil to help push the crumpled recovery wadding into the body tube.

On cold days you may want to lightly dust the parachutes with talcum powder prior to folding them. This aids deployment, as the cold plastic ’chute tends to stick and not open quickly enough.

Don’t get too far ahead of the motor prep and launch officers. You don’t want a model waiting for a long time after you’ve prepped the recovery system, especially on a cold day.

The first time you prep a model, use scissors to cut a spill hole in the parachute. Pull the parachute into a spike and snip off the top few inches. This stabilizes the ’chute and prevents excessive drifting in the wind.

We had problems one year with plastic launch lugs that were binding on the rods (Quest Astra III kits). A Dremel tool with pointed tip is a handy way to ream out rough lugs. If you have an extra launch rod, keep it handy to check the fit.

Motor and igniter prep

One or two people whose job is

Prep teams take turns throughout the day, this is not an all-day job. Prior model rocket experience is a plus but not required.

Be familiar with the types of motors and igniters you are using. Keep the motors sorted in plastic bins (A motors in one, B in the other).

Know which end of the motor is which. On the left is the nozzle end (where the igniter will go) and on the right is the top end that gets inserted into the rocket.

Ask each boy “How many launches have you had today?” Use an A motor for first launch, B motor for the second. On windy days and/or on small fields we may use A motors for all launches. A boy may get additional launches at the end of day if we have time and motors left.

Once a live motor is in the model, don’t let the boy have it back. Put the rocket aside in a special box. The launch officers will come and pick them up when they are ready to launch.

Here are the three main types of igniters you might see. Left to right these are:

We will most likely use the Quest Q2G2.

Whichever igniter you use, the easiest and fastest way to hold them in place is to use masking tape. First insert the igniter into the motor as far as it can go. Next place a small square of masking tape firmly on the nozzle. That holds the tip of the igniter in place against the grain of the motor propellant.

Make sure igniter wires are on the opposite side from the launch lug. This keeps the launch rod from interfering with the igniter and clips.

Depending on the model, it is sometimes easier to insert the motor, and then insert the igniter. Alternatively you may insert the igniter, and then put the entire assembly into the model.

Recovery crew

Several people whose job is to follow the flight, recover and return the rocket to the launch site. This team takes turns throughout the day.

Wait until the rocket lands on the ground before you pick it up! They are delicate, and if you try to snatch it in midair you can easily damage the model.

Only the recovery crew and the owner of the rocket are allowed to recover it.

Be careful around the vegetable garden. Only adults are allowed in. Walk carefully.

If a model gets caught in a tree, use your better judgment. A rocket isn’t worth a broken bone!

If you are able to pick up any recovery wadding, that’s nice, but not required. Wadding is really just tissue paper and it will completely degrade after a bit of rain.

Parking attendant

One person at a time, to direct traffic in and out of parking lot onto Rt. 225. This is only needed if required by ConsCom. Wear a reflective vest.

Setup crew

One or two people to help pick up and deliver equipment and prepare the launch site. A pickup truck is helpful to transport the large tables. The RSO will help also.

Cleanup crew

One or two people to help clean up and return equipment at the end of the day. A pickup truck is helpful to transport the large tables.

More information about model rocketry

The two main manufacturers of model rocket kits and motors are