Texas Wing - Civil Air Patrol
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News - Phoenix Composite Squadron's Model Rocketry Program, 27 July 2010
FORT WORTH, Texas – In order to earn a model rocketry badge, cadets must build at least two rockets and complete three successful launches and recoveries. Fulfilling the requirements is not easy, since success is dependent on planning, timing, the weather, and available time. Planning is important because, on average, cadets spend several weeks building and working on their rockets, making sure that they are in perfect working order. Over this period, there are other difficulties to overcome, such as finding the recovery wadding, an important part of the rocket launching cycle.
The excitement of a launch is always accompanied by doubt. For the launch and recovery to be successful, the measurements must show that the rocket did reach the required minimum altitude. Recovering the rocket and all its parts – including the payload – is also important.
Cadet Capt. Mary Clark said, “I learned a lot by participating in this program. I hope all squadron cadets will participate in the model rocketry program.”
Cadet Clark has implemented a four-month plan to help squadron cadets complete the model rocketry program.
During the month of July, cadets are scheduled to complete all requirements for the Redstone stage, which is the program’s first stage. In August they will complete and build the rockets for the Titan stage. During September they will build and finish the Saturn stage. Any training make-ups will be taken care of before the final launch date in October, when all cadets participating in the program will launch their rockets.
The Phoenix Composite Squadron hopes for outstanding weather, and the chance to have an entire day full of model rocketry activity.
The program has ten squadron cadets working on their rockets, and studying for their tests. Cadet 1st Lt. Benjamin Wright said, "I am very excited about our squadron being involved in the rocketry program, and look forward to launching rockets in the near future."
Cadet Capt. Mary C. Clark, CAP