General

Hi,

I recently visited the Worcester Ecotarium recently and met with the CEO (Noreen Smith) and some of her staff. The Ecotarium is a science/nature museum with exhibits/programming for kids and adults, and they are doing a significant expansion under Noreen's leadership. For example, they're re-building their observatory and will have it linked to their planetarium, which will give visitors a real-time view through their telescope. They also have a fall/winter lecture series on astrophysics.

The Ecotarium is planning to participate in the observance of the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard's launch of the first liquid fueled rocket. (The City of Auburn will separately be doing a launch re-enactment, and the City of Worcester has some events planned as well). The observances will be in March 2026. The Ecotarium is looking for help from model rocket experts to set-up a display/table on model rocketry, and also perhaps to do a demonstration launch of a model rocket (the Ecotarium has a field that's 250x250 feet in size, so maybe big enough for an A- or B- engine launch).

I would be excited to participate in this personally, but I don't have any experience in rocketry education and engagement with the general public. I'm hoping there are members of CMASS who have had experience doing this kind of thing in their communities, who would be willing to help me.

I am happy to pay for any materials or other expenses that might be involved.

Thanks in advance for any help the CMASS community can provide.

--Bruce

(if you want to contact me directly, my e-mail is bruce.fishbein@outlook.com)

This sounds like fun and something worth doing. I'd be willing to help out however I can. I'm in NH so much would have to be remote work, except for any attendance next March. Ya, any actual rocket flights would have to be limited to B impulse rocket motors like Bruce mentioned. Can a (small) replica of Goddard's rocket fly on a B solid rocket motor? Can it be simulated in RockSim?

Alberton Berry

NAR #74527 L1

Hi Alberton,

Thanks for your interest in this project! Have you had any experience engaging the public on model rocketry? For example, through scouts or school groups?

Let's see if there is additional interest in this from CMASS folks over the next week or so, and then I'll set-up a video call to consider what we could propose to the Ecotarium.

I think remote engagement on your part should be okay.

Thanks again for your interest.

I have very little experience at all with engaging the public with rocketry. Interestingly, FlisKits offers a model rocket kit of Goddard's Nell rocket, but it seems to be out of stock. Anyone know of an available kit?

If you reach out to the owner of FlisKits and explain the situation, he may be willing to put a few kits together. Mention CMASS.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Does someone have e-mail/other contact information for Jim Flis at Fliskits? If so, I'd like to reach out to him.

Also, can Alberton or anyone else who is interested in participating please send me an e-mail at bruce.fishbein@outlook.com with your contact information (e-mail address)? That way, I can contact you separately to arrange a discussion on this.

Thanks!

--Bruce

I've sent an email to the address listed on the FlisKits website (July 10th). FlisKits@yahoo.com

I asked if there was any information on future stock of their Nell kit FK-SC003, and mentioned that CMASS was interested and that the 100th anniversary of Goddard's flight was coming up....

Haven't received a response yet....

Hey there. I live in Auburn and have been talking to the head of programs in Auburn about participating in their celebration of the 100th anniversary as well. I'm happy to participate in discussing how and where we help out.

You can reach me directly at peter.chestna@gmail.com

A few of us have been trading emails about the 100th anniversary of the Goddard launch recently and we thought we would update the thread here and see if anyone else in CMASS might be interested.

There are actually two events associated with celebrating the anniversary: the Ecotarium and the Auburn Celebration. The Ecotarium will be held on Saturday, March 14th 2026 and Sunday, March 15th 2026 and the Auburn celebration is on the 100th anniversary itself (Monday, March 16th, 2026) and is being organized by Charles Slatkin and others. The Auburn event I believe will have a rocket launch held on the Pakachoag Golf Course at the actual Nell launch site which is indicated by a granite marker adjacent to the ninth fairway of the golf course.

For the Ecotarium event, currently Bruce Fishbein is working with Dave Kress, Al Berry and Dave Doyle who have have met a couple times to strategize about setting up a table/display on model rocketry inside the Ecotarium, and (weather permitting) launching Dave’s Nell model and Al’s L13 model using the small field owned by the Ecotarium. They are planning to visit the Ecotarium next Saturday, September 13th to meet with the CEO, scope out the field, and discuss the next level of detail. They may also stop by the Auburn golf course to see the monument since it’s not too far from the Ecotarium.

The Auburn celebration is being organized by Charles Slatkin who contacted me recently as Claude Maina and I helped him organize a demonstration launch on the golf course for him in the past. He apparently has some ambitious plans for the Auburn event which are well underway with the planning. The one thing they’ve asked about is whether it’s possible to have a full-scale Nell model that could be launched as part of their celebration. Anybody interested in a fun rocket project?

Let’s use the forum here to share ideas and help pull off a spectacular event.

Definitely interested in a full scale Nell.

Additionally, there is a lovely paper written by NASA back in 2003 about their reconstruction of the Nell. It includes a great breakdown of the engine itself. It would be pretty cool to have a demonstration of how the liquid rocket itself works. This could be just a simple 3d printed cutaway or, if people are feeling ambitious, a metal demonstrator.

I am now on the Auburn committee for the celebration planning and execution. My first in person meeting with the committee is tomorrow night. I will report back here on progress and decisions.

As far as participation, I am happy to provide any local support and also own the FK Nell kit. In case of rocket eating trees, we should probably have a backup or two. I am also building a scale stand for the kit.

It's great to have an Auburn resident (Peter) who is on the committee for this historic event!

When I spoke to Steve Coleman (Auburn fire chief and committee member) and Charles Slatkin (independent rocketry education/outreach advocate and committee member), they described a number of exciting ideas for the Auburn event on March 16th. One major thing that seemed missing, though, was a launch of a full-size Nell model. There are several people who have the scaled-down Fliskits model, but I think it would be a lot more impressive to launch a full-size model. I'll be looking forward to Peter's report back from the meeting tomorrow on this idea, and I hope there are some CMASS members like Kolya who are interested in building it.

As Howard indicated in his post below, myself and three other CMASS members are working with the Worcester Ecotarium on its celebration event scheduled for March 14-15, 2026 (the Auburn anniversary event is on March 16th). The Ecotarium has a small field, where we hope to launch the Fliskits and other smaller models. We're also going to have a display table inside the Ecotarium building.

I'll update this message thread as plans develop.

Here's that article from NASA for their 2003 Nell rocket engine replica project...

2003 NASA Nell Rocket Engine Replica Project

Robert Goddard's Nell rocket was 11' 3" tall. A full scale model will be quite the project. Anyone have any sources for scale drawings etc.? Scale up the FK model?

FWIW, the Estes Goddard model is now up at https://edu.estesrockets.com/pages/robert-goddard-rocket?_pos=1&_psq=godda&_ss=e&_v=1.0 for pre-order with availability in mid-February.

Best wishes,

Will

Another activity related to the 100th anniversary has been brought to my attention by Peter Chestna.

"There is a Goddard event at the Hanover in Worcester on March 22nd. The organizer wants to know if CMASS would like a table at the event for community engagement. No cost. Let me know your thoughts."

Please let us know if you'd be able to volunteer some time to spend at the table talking about CMASS. More details on the length of the event will be forthcoming. Even if you can only sign up for an hour, it would be great to have you there.

In addition to people, we'd also like to display some of the rockets we fly. If you have some nice display set ups, please make them available for the event; we always get lots of interest in the models.

Respond to this thread for this or any other of the activities around the anniversary.

I should be able to help out and can bring a couple of my rockets for display.

Claude

Glad to hear.

I have been connected to someone that used to work at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and has created a full scale Nell replica. He wants to bring it up from Texas to launch on the 16th. Here are the details he provided, some of which I'm skeptical of:

Total weight - 5 lbs. (not sure if that includes propellant)

Motor - Aerotech 29mm G74W-4

Design altitude - 40 ft. (hard time believing this stat)

Recovery - tumble

Material - 3D printed PLA, carbon fiber tubes

That will change our safety distances and I asked for validation on the actual flight altitude. I think Pak Golf Course is within controlled airspace so we'll need to validate what he's telling me and maybe file for a waiver. Any other thoughts?

The 5 lb weight makes it high power regardless of motor choice, minimum 100 ft personal standoff distance. Even if the field is big enough and a waiver in place, I would not be comfortable flying it, especially if it is a first flight. Maybe if it had previous multiple flawless flights. Would be a great static display though.

Also, I have a hard time thinking a 5 lb rocket can be thought to have a safe tumble recovery.

Even I don't think a 5 lb tumble recovery is a good idea.

I don't have a problem with 5 lbs falling from 40 ft. But I don't think either the PLA or carbon fiber parts will survive the landing. It will most certainly be a single launch event.

So was the original.

5 pounds don’t sound like a lot, but if it drifts the wrong way, it could cause damage, despite what it’s made of. It should have a reasonably sized chute on it. Don’t take any risk.

For the CMASS folks looking to participate in any of these 100th anniversary activities, is there any potential/availability for CMASS Club apparel (e.g. T-Shirts or Polo Shirts) to be worn at these events? Or would it be too late?

I'm working on finishing up the build of a FlisKit L13 for the Ecotarium's 100th anniversary event for Robbert Goddard this March. Would anyone know if there is a RockSim file for this model? I've never flown a rocket with a boat tail/fin "can" combination like this one. Other than making one from scratch...

Thank you.

At 82, your 'water rocket' guy is still here. Will do some pre-Acton launches at a local DCR property that I have a permit to use. (making some ...modifications... to my water rocket and will have 3 ready along with my Radio Controlled remote Chute Deployment.)

Really looking forward to the Acton Launch.

>>>Kudos to all involved in the Goddard event. Your rockets and Your knowledge will shine at the event and positively promote all the good things that CMASS stands for.

Here's a chuckle for the day....As a descendant of Goddard's first "Liquid Fueled" rocket

I can loosely say (ha) that I too have a "Liquid Fueled" rocket (albeit, Water).

Richard,

The new fleet looks great! Can't wait to see them fly.

Jim

People have asked about launching scale space race rockets in the midst of the other launches on the 16th. I have a Merc Atlas, and a Titan to contribute. Would be willing to bring along the Merc Redstone, Saturn IB, and Saturn V as well?

Also, I have spoken to Larry, the person from Texas with the full scale 3D printed model. After discussion, he has agreed that it would not be in anyone's interest to fly it on the 16th. He will be bringing it up and will set it up as a static display. I suggested that he could join us at the Ecotarium and have it set up for pictures. He is happy with that.

3 weeks and counting...

Pete

Man I wish I found this thread sooner, thankfully I think my flight is already counted in the register of the 100 flights.

Part of why I wish I found this sooner is because I believe I may have found a field that is suitable for HPR flights, sadly we are way too close to launch to organize it.

Either way - For those who don't know me I've been the president of the UMass Lowell Rocketry Club for the past 3 years, anyone who has shown up to a few Amesbury flights in the past year has likely met me or seen us work.

We were contacted by Dr. Supriya Chakrabarti who is a research professor at UML in the Space Science and Technology lab (LoCSST), they have a nanosatellite they are hoping to demonstrate at the flight. He has been working with Charles Slatkin, so I've fairly sure we are in the 100 flights, however we are on the larger side, so I wanted to get in contact to help get things sorted ahead of time. At the very least, we are going to need a rail. 1010 - 6ft should be fine (and I know CMASS has one). Do we know who will be the RSO for the day?

Additionally, is there a waiver? or are we capping flights at 1200ft (I know the field is small, we are going to run dual deploy).

Is there any possibility of getting a TARC team to launch a mid power competition rocket during the event? We’re thinking of taking a field trip over there arriving around 11ish. It would be a group of 20 students or so. Is there a launch sign up sheet? We are very good at launching and landing in tighter fields. We have our own equipment and lots of tri pods too that we could bring if needed. Our team could help with set up.

If you're looking at the Pakachoag Golf Course, it's certainly big enough for an E-F impulse flight, however there are quite a few trees and a water hazard in the field, and as I've been there scoping it out for smaller rockets, you'd certainly be taking your chances.

From the NAR safety code with the minimum sized launch field described as "in an open area at least as large as shown in the accompanying table", you would need 1000ft of area for E and F rocket motors.

So, is there a sign up sheet or do we just do it the same way as we do a typical CMASS launch?

(Flight card, the RSO checks the vehicle and then we set up pad and launch?) Do we need to notify or register with the town or with anybody else?

Ideally I'd like to avoid a situation in which we transport a bunch of students and equipment 1 hour out to Auburn just for someone to tell me "No, sorry you can't launch here today! In order to launch today you needed to register weeks ago with _____" We're planning on being there from around 11 to 3ish so I hope we'd be able to get a launch in.

This would definitely be under 1k ft (target 750). I think I saw a 1200ft ceiling in a post earlier, but I could be wrong.

We also have many vehicles that we've built. So if we land it in an obstacle, it probably won't be as big a deal. Definitely still want to avoid them thoough.

Thanks for the info,

Additionally from the 2018 NFPA code, 1000ft field dimension is good for 1G motor. 1500ft is needed for 2G (or 4 F motors).

Ok. Lots of new folks here and new requests. Let me give everyone an update.

Auburn has a safety plan that accounts for more than 10K people. No one can predict how many people will actually attend based on weather and the amount of snow remaining on the ground. The current launch location is based on the need to clear snow from the golf course as well as the desire not to damage the course itself. I have attached the picture. There are 2 options. The first (small crowd) option keeps us closer to the road and launching over the 1st fairway. The second (large crowd) option moves us between the road and the monument location. We would be launching through the break in the trees over the 9th fairway depending on the prevailing wind that day. I have circled the new planned location and indicated launch direction. We intend to revisit the plan closer to the launch day and may even make adjustments that day depending on field conditions and crowd size.

We are also in controlled airspace for Worcester Regional Airport. I would not be in favor of getting a waiver for reasons listed below.

With those current constraints, there will not be adequate space for high power launches. Additionally, depending on crowd location and size, as well as their lack of experience with rocketry, we are best to stick to model rockets. I do not want the news coverage, which we are anticipating at both the local and national level, to be about any incidents related to our launches. Coverage on the 17th of March needs to be about a successful commemoration of Goddard's first launch.

Model rocket launches (low power) will more than wow the crowds, especially since we are attempting to launch 100 rockets on the day. I hope this doesn't change your desire to come to Auburn on the 16th to launch. It should just temper your expectations about what we are willing to launch. I anticipate selecting an RSO and LCO in the coming days and they will make any launch day decisions within the limits already imposed by the town.

Pete

So I now have a flight test video of that full scale Nell that I posted about earlier. It flew closer to the 40 ft than I expected and looked a lot like what I expect the original launch was like. Amusing at least. We still don't intend to launch it, but I attach it here so people can enjoy it from a distance...

Pete

Love the video! Thank you very much. Nice to at lease see a "tractor" style version of the Nell with the motor at the top like Goddard actually had, even though for obvious reasons he later abandoned that idea. Too bad there was no recovery system other than free fall where it destroyed itself.

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the map and the update, when you say "model Rockets" you're talking up to which impulse?

Again, I'm trying to avoid driving an hour out there with a bus full of rocketry students to be told, sorry you can't launch that.

Let me know when you get a chance.

My primary concern is safety. I anticipate very small to no crowds during the early morning hours and probably after the speeches and primary launches. In those cases where it's just us rocket geeks, I have no problem allowing launches that don't require a waiver due to altitude or weight (propellant and/or rocket). I cannot guarantee those conditions so travelers beware.

During the primary event hours of 1:30-3:30, I don't see a need for anything larger than a C and that was reserved for the FlisKits Nell. If we had a saucer or something similar with high drag, I could see using a D.

Pete

For all monitoring this forum thread, the town has decided that they will not allow or support BYOR (bring your own rocket) during the celebration on the 16th. Outside of scale kits that have already been identified and the rockets that the local scouts have built with the support of Estes, no other rocket launches will be allowed. Please do not bring your own launch equipment or rockets. The town is happy for you to come and attend and enjoy the program that they have created for the centennial.

Pete

https://www.auburnma.gov/839/Robert-Goddard-Centennial

EVENT PARKING Saturday march 14th at goddard Park 

THERE IS NO ONSITE PARKING AT goddard park WITH THE EXCEPTION OF APPROVED HANDICAP placards

Off site parking for Saturday is at the Auburn High School, 99 Auburn St. and the Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge St. on top of the west parking deck. 

EVENT PARKING monday march 16th at pakachoag golf course

THERE IS NO ONSITE PARKING AT pakachoag golf course WITH THE EXCEPTION OF APPROVED HANDICAP placards

Offsite parking for Monday is at the following locations. Bus shuttle service will run from all locations to the Pakachoag Golf Course. 

Auburn High School, 99 Auburn St.

Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge St. 

Pakachoag Church, 203 Pakachoag St.

Pappas Recreational Complex, 203 1/2 Pakachoag St.

Pakachoag Elementary School, 110 Pakachoag St. (after 1:00 p.m.)

North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Dr. 

1: Can I drop my stuff of at the trailer?

2: Weather report doesn't look great. When will there be a go/no go decision?

Bruce Strong

I just spoke with Peter and because of an absolutely terrible weather forecast for Monday the 16th, the planned Monday activities are being moved to tomorrow, Saturday the 14th. I will be meeting Peter in the morning to set up for the planned afternoon lunches.

Guy.

I'm assuming you will still need help. I should still be available.

What time and where.

Bruce

I plan to meet Peter with the trailer at 8:30am for setup. He needs to be available to give a speech and open festivities at 9:30am at a nearby locatin. I believe those speeches and activities will last until around noontime. The flight we want to launch above all others I am told is Nell at 2:30pm. The rest of the planned launches (100 scout launches) I believe should occur during the afternoon. I may either try a couple of test launches in the morning or attend the speeches and such until noon. I am going to set up a 6 position saw stand and a 3 position saw stand. I also have an 8 pad controller with integrated PA, and a single pad controller to connect to the 9 pads. With this set up we should be able to alternate between 6 and 3 launch volleys.

Guy.

The location is at the golf course, but I think you would need a parking pass to park there. Hopefully Peter will chime in if I have anything wrong.

Guy.

Thanks for giving everyone the heads up Guy.

There will be limited parking later in the day, but happy to accept help in the morning at Pakachoag Golf Course. I will be there bright and early to set us up. If you wanted to stay to do some launching it's probably fine but will need to move everyone's cars to a side street except for Guy's and the trailer. I will call the town to ask where we can park a few cars.

If you would like to come to Goddard Park for the rededication, you can follow me to the mall or HS parking lots and walk to the ceremony. There will be shuttles provided from there to the golf course at noon. I can make sure anyone helping with the launch gets priority and up to 4 can hop in my truck as I have a reserved spot.

So,

Setup 8:30-9:30 at Pak Golf Course. I'm assuming Guy and I could get it done pretty quickly but extra hands...

Move to Auburn Fire Station for park rededication. Speeches from 10:30-11:30

Move to Pak for Centennial celebration. Public starts at 1, speeches from 2-3 with Nell launching about 2:30

That's all I have. Please give me a virtual show of hands to those that can come and support. If you were already committed to the Ecotarium, that will screw up your plans. You'll have to choose between the two. Sorry.

That also means that unless I can build a launch stand today (unlikely), I will have it in Auburn and not available for the Ecotarium until Sunday.

Let me know if you have any questions. My cell is 508.330.8127. I'll update here if there is anything I forgot.

Pete

I plan on being there to help set-up.

Bruce

782-820-5386