Systems Go! Rocket Program Soars to “Goddard” Level
This school year students in the Rockets Engineering II class at Brazoswood High School took their engineering skills to the next level by participating in the Goddard Rocket Program. The mission of this program is to take a 5-pound scientific payload to an altitude of 100,000 feet, which is over seven times greater than the original goal of the course.
During the 2018-2019 school year, students created a mathematical model of the rocket to predict the profile of the flight. This model was presented and approved by engineers at NASA Johnson Space Center prior to receiving permission to build the vehicle.
Using the skills learned in Rocket Engineering I and other STEM courses, students designed and constructed the hybrid motor system, rocket body, nose cone and all other rocket components and evaluated vehicle performance in the final phase of the program. Teamwork is essential as all parts must be integrated into one vehicle and all data (sizes and weights) must be put into the master design file to prove the vehicle remains stable during the flight.
On Sunday, June 23, 2019, the Brazoswood Goddard Rocket achieved the top launch for the day and the final one ending the day on a high note. The 25 feet long, 10 inch diameter vehicle weighed in at 781 lbs fully fueled achieved lift off at 1:26 in the afternoon, after two prior unsuccessful attempts.
The rocket, named John Redden 1, after a senior member of the team that passed away shortly before graduation, looked like fireworks at ignition as it blew Estes motors across the pad. Then it sailed skyward making a peak altitude of 12,859 feet before nosing onto its side and sailing 5.1 miles down range with the chute engaging on impact.
Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey says, “The BISD Rocketry program is another great example of the quality of education and outstanding learning experiences available for our students.”
We are extremely proud of these students and their instructor Mr. Dale Hobbs for the time and hard work they have invested into their Goddard rocket.