August 2nd 2026
August 2nd, 2026 Launch Report
Another warm summer day, and time for the annual picnic!
Engine totals:
1 – 1/2A Engines
4 – A Engines
17 – B Engines
22 – C Engines
13 – D Engines
10 – E Engines
1 – F Engines
3 – G Engines
Total of 72 engines on 64 flights.
Yes, the weather was warm, but the breeze made it reasonable. Unfortunately, the strong breeze from the south also meant that we had to set up way in the back of the field. It was a long trek, and up the hill to boot, but it was the right call as very few rockets went into the woods or across the street (only 2 I think). Considering the strength of the wind, that’s pretty good.
And it was time for the annual picnic! Thanks to everyone who brought something to share. We had plenty of good food, delicious desserts, and more than enough water and drinks to keep hydrated. Most important, thanks to everyone who were there early to haul everything up there, and haul it all back again at the end of the day. Numerous extra tables and tents were also loaned out for the setup, and all were essential. Thank you all! I enjoyed some good eats, and I hope everyone else enjoyed it too. And BTW, there was a potluck signup on the website, which some people got, and some people didn’t. Brian was fighting some computer issues, including hackers, the last week or so, which made things frustrating.
What’s a picnic without a contest! There was a “closest to the tiki” contest for those that could land close to the Tiki idol out in the field (securely tied to the fence). Congrats to Bill and Samuel as the prize winners. More contests coming, so stay tuned and be ready for anything!
Welcome to a bunch of new members who signed up this launch and the last one too. Always nice to see new faces coming into the hobby, and all are welcome. A number of them were flying their first rockets ever! We also had our first official ARC team sign up and start flying. Welcome “Team Trajectory Tech” from Edison and good luck in this year’s challenge. Just being able to get organized and flying this early will be a big advantage!
So there were a number of interesting flights, despite the wind. If there was anything flew with marginal stability, it came to light in the wind! Speaking of light, there were a couple of CATO’s too. Just to keep us on our toes.
Chris O. had a few fun flights. His “Carbon Footprint” on 3 E12’s was tempting fate, but off it went! His 2-stage “Sasha” all went off and flying high. Perhaps too high? Last I saw it was heading for New York City! And he made another attempt with the strangest looking rocket of the day – his “Spiral Squared”. This time it flew and spiraled a bit. Fun to watch! Benjamin launched his “Hal-2” which is part rocket and part computer. It is full of guidance and telemetry and I’m told it flew successfully reporting back data. Mike flew his outstanding looking Estes “Pershing”, although it did try to hit me out in the field. (Highlighting why we must always pay attention!) Brian flew his new 3D-printed Red, White, and Blue cones. These are similar to what we often fly when doing demonstration flights to show the difference in A, B, and C motors without going too high. Kristian had a couple of nice flights of new rockets from Estes – “Lil’ Spite” and the just released “Pink Flamingo”. And in one of the last flights of the day, Manav flew his own 3D printed “Nike Hercules” on 4 D12 engines. A little stability issue to work out (not a surprise with that design), but it was a cool flight and with all engines burning, quite a sight. And by printing it himself, much cheaper than the $500 Apogee version!
Thanks to our rocket vendor Joe of Rocketship Games. Joe and his daughter had to haul their entire store all the way to the back of the field for us. We are lucky to have him, and I hope everyone can support his business as he supports us at the field.
A few pictures are in the Gallery. Joe Z. wasn’t there, so no videos this month, unless someone else posts some.
The next launch is scheduled for September 6th, Labor Day weekend. Bring out your flying pencils, crayons, and Bic pens (looking at you Bill) for back to school!
Quote from Eric Becher on August 3, 2026, 6:36 pmThanks to our rocket vendor Joe of Rocketship Games. Joe and his daughter had to haul their entire store all the way to the back of the field for us.
Good thing I brought Ms Muscles!
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She is certainly a trooper! Not the crazy kind that climbs mountains and stuff, but the helpful, good kind that people like to have around.
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