SPECIAL EVENTS

Students from 26 high schools will launch 45 rockets near Fredericksburg
Ignite adds Middle School day with rocket activities
For release Mar 15, 2009
Contact: Michelle Woods
P.O. Box 2648
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-3567 mwoods@igniteeducation.org

Click here for the flyer

The public is invited to feel the roar as hundreds of students from 26 high schools across Texas gather near Fredericksburg to launch 45 rockets they designed and built as part of the SystemsGo Aeroscience program.

Student teams will meet over three days from April 24 - 26, 2009 for the "Rockets 09" launch on the Paul Meek Ranch south of Fredericksburg. These rockets will soar one mile high and carry 35-pound payloads. Several "second generation" rockets will break the sound barrier and reach heights of 12,000 feet.

New this year is "Middle School Day." On Friday, April 24, groups of students from area middle schools will tour the prep and testing areas, visit with high school students and teachers, and build and launch their own model rockets. Tours, testing, and demonstrations are open free to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.

Students from the University of Texas Longhorn Rocket Association will join on Sunday for testing of rockets they built. In addition, representatives from NASA's International Space Station program will be present throughout the event.

Rockets '09 is the culminating activity in the innovative SystemsGo Aeroscience program, developed over 10 years by Brett Williams, technology teacher at Fredericksburg High School. The program guides students through hands-on research and design and development instruction within the engineering and technology fields.

Students have launched research payloads from White Sands Missile Range, and hold records for altitude and speed. Through these experiences students pick up valuable life skills such as problem solving, testing, analysis, documentation, reporting, project management, teamwork, and communication. The program is recognized by the Space Foundation, NASA, and the aerospace industry for developing student interest in engineering.

The general public is invited to attend at no charge. Free parking, security, and concessions will be present on site. NBC Nightly News covered the 2008 launch.

Ignite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to help spread the program to other high schools in Texas. Anyone wanting to start a program, to provide support, or to learn more about Ignite can visit www.igniteeducation.org or call 830-997-3567.

Texas high school students finish out design elements on their rockets in anticipation of the Rockets 09 launch. Students from 26 high schools will send up 45 rockets on April 24 - 26, 2009 at the Meek Ranch near Fredericksburg. They will be joined by Middle School students and students from the University of Texas Longhorn Rocket Association. The public is invited to attend.