20 August 2016 Acton Launch
- Details
- Published: Sunday, 21 August 2016 20:49
- Written by Kenn Blade
We had very good weather for most of the day and ending up with 205 launches bears that out. The wind was cooperative except when we had a storm cell come close to us. The launches we had as the wind shifted directions and intensity resulted in a few rockets landing well into the crops across the street, one hanging up on the wires and at least one finding the lone tree along the street. We shut the launch down while a few drops of rain fell but, with the heavy rain missing us, got back to business after a short period of time (handling wet launch cards is no fun for anyone).
We had some visitors stop by, some new friends and some old hands, too. Jim Flis of Fliskits recorded a time-lapse of his time at the launch; he also posted his photos of the day on his website, including a coyote checking the field before we got there. If you have any pictures or know someone who else who does, please upload them to the gallery for this launch.
The English Language Center (ECL) is an English Language school for international high school students. They are based in Boston but have programs in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Their summer program in Boston is at MIT and serves about 125 students with English classes in the mornings and more typical camp activities in the afternoon. Since it is at MIT, there is a Science camp that includes an introduction to model rocketry - and that is where CMASS comes in. Last year we helped them out with their build session and launch session. This year they decided to have two launches - one each for different camp sessions. We weren't able to attend the two build sessions, but were able to help out with their launches - on July 8th and 29th at the Acton field.
