MN SFS decided to try for the Rocket Rover Lander Challenge contest.
...Lander Challenge requires a competing team to launch a sport rocket containing a simulated lander, to safely land the lander, and to deploy a rover. The rover must then be remotely navigated to a predetermined spot on the flying field...
So we used an "off the shelf" Plantraco table top rover with PTV and an off the shelf rocket kit.
We used the rocket range of Tripoli Southern Minnesota High Power Rocketry Club Chapt #112. Just outside rural Maple Island, MN.
(Click on any thumbnail to see a larger 640x475 JPEG image)
 Hwy 251 Exit#18 |
 Downtown Maple Island |
 Craig applying MNSFS logo |
|---|---|---|
 Craig & Rocket |
 Craig & Rocket |
 Tom inspects the rocket |
 Craig Packs chutes |
 Launch Control Officer (LCO) & Range Safety Officer (RSO) |
 Launchpads |
 Dave helps Craig with paperwork |
 Eric shows his rocket TV Cam |
 TV Cam Rocket |
 Rocket Grill |
 Wait Craig! |
 More Paperwork |
 Craig wires the rocket |
 Awaiting T-0 |
 "The Goal" |
 Launch |
 Crash Landing |
 Booster Damage |
While the launch went well, the rover experienced 'premature vehicle separation' and exited the rocket during chute deploy and fell about 1100 ft. winding up in a 'non-functional mode'. Sorta like the Mars Polar Lander :(
Oh well, try again next year.
Photos by Ben Huset
Last revision June 28, 2004
by Ben
Counter started June 28, 2004 -
Comments welcome