Quote from Eric Becher on March 16, 2026, 3:12 pm

March 15, 2026 Launch Report

Well, it wasn’t especially pleasant, but we got a launch in. It was chilly and a little breezy. The good news is the field was not muddy, and the goose “debris” is becoming less unpleasant. Still, it was a light crowd, dominated by the ARC teams, which is a big reason for holding these extra launches.

Engine totals:

1 – 1/2A Engines
5 – A Engines
11 – B Engines
9 – C Engines
3 – D Engines
6 – E Engines
12 – F Engines
0 – G Engines
Total of 47 engines on 47 flights.
View Launch Statistics

 

A handful of ARC teams were on the field. Some were still doing flights for data collection, and some were for qualification flights. I don’t know all the results, but some were getting pretty good flights in. We have the field for the 22^nd and 29^th, so expect to see more ARC flights as they scramble to get their qualifying flights in. Remember ARC folks – we can’t guarantee good weather, so at this point you should be getting your qualifying flights in when you can. Last year we had to cancel the last March launch, and some teams were very disappointed.

But other folks turned out to fly too. It was the St. Patrick’s Day launch after all. You could tell because Joe was wearing his Leprechaun outfit. Eric flew his “Luck o’ the Irish,” and Chris O flew his “Green Egg” with a Leprechaun in the payload. The Leprechaun had a rough ride however, when the rocket went CATO. Time to get a new Leprechaun!

It was also time to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first liquid fueled rocket, officially on March 16^th. This is considered the beginning of modern rocketry that led to men going to the moon only 43 years later. In observance, we flew a few scale models of Goddard’s rocket, named “Nell”. There were 2 versions – the Estes version, about 1:5 scale, and the Flis Kits version, about 1:2.5 scale. There were 3 of each in total, built by Bill, Eric, Charlie, and Joe. They all “flew.” Not one of them were completely successful. The Estes rockets fared better, but none of the parachutes opened. The Flis Kits versions, larger and more delicate, all flew up, then horizontal, then hit the ground before chute ejection. Damage ranged from slight to catastrophic. We’re glad that Mr. Goddard’s version, which landed in a cabbage patch, led to something bigger and better than these rather ungainly flying objects.

And there were other nice flights too. Jeremy flew his “Mini Purple Rain” 3D printed rocket. Chris O also flew his nice “Optima” and repeated the Lunar New Year’s “Fire Horse” flight. Bill got his “Coke bottle” in the air, last seen headed for the Jersey shore! And Eric’s “Athena” paired research flights continued unabated.

The next launch is scheduled for March 22^nd. Yes, it is primarily for ARC teams, but don’t let that stop anyone else from coming out to fly. All are welcome as usual.

Pics are in the Gallery. I’m sure Joe will also be posting a good video soon!

See you next week, weather permitting.