Cracked Core Rocketry Team

BACKGROUND INFO ON THE CONTEST:	In honor of the 2003 Centennial of Flight, AIA and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) are sponsoring the first national model rocket competition for U.S. high school students. They are challenging teams to design, build, and fly a model rocket carrying two raw eggs to exactly 1500 feet. A grand prize pool of $59,000 in cash and savings bonds will be shared by the top five teams. In addition, the top ten teams will compete for three $2500 grants to design, build and launch an advanced rocket with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Each of the top 25 teams will be invited to send one of their teachers to an advanced NASA rocketry workshop.
===NEWS===
FEBRUARY 14, 2003 Update:	Things are looking good! The team is ahead of schedule on much of the project. The surplus of time doesn't leave us enough for rest though. We have to push on. There are few problems with the ignitors. In our rocket, we have two different stages of engines. The first engine ignites and at that same moment, a timer starts. Once the timer goes off, which should be after the first engine has burnt out, the timer will ignite the second engine (stage). The timer we have is not fit to ignite the second stage. We have therefore launched with one single stage. This put us above our mark at 1005 feet. The new ignitors on the other hand, should arrive on Wednesday. Otherwise, the experiment flight put us beyond our expectations, to which we are very excited. The recovery system worked out fine, with both eggs surviving the impact. To make sure they were still in mint condition, the eggs (as I was told) were thrown at Mr. Olejnicak's pants, after which they broke open; thus proving that they had been intact until that point. Other than all this, we need a coat of paint and we should be ready to go again. Also, as contacted by Steve Kohls and Nancy Vogt, I am told that the article on the team should appear in the Brainerd Dispatch on the 19th. That will get the name out. So, in conclusion: Ignitors are problem, arrive on Wednesday. Test flight proves well, beyond hopes. Recovery system is a go. Eggs intact. Article coming out on 19th. We work on.
FEBRUARY 19, 2003 Update:	A few troubles, but that won't let us down. We got a second timer from the cities delivered today, and the device would still not ignite properly. We've talked to company reps, and they seem to like to play the blame game. That is the only delay. We had thought of a possible launch today, but when the ignitor failed, we called it off. On the other hand, we have some good "news" in too. First of all, today we got our article in the local paper, the Brainerd Dispatch, to which we are thankful. READ IT HERE! So, we were all happy about that. Secondly, the group made some great advances last meeting. Fins were finally fused onto the side for final adjustments. A painting scheme was also applied. All we have now is the timer to set off the second stage and we are ready for trials!
FEBRUARY 25, 2003 Update:	TWO CONSECUTIVE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHES!!! Despite paranoia amongst the design of the timer, we launched both on February 24th, and 25th. Both times, successful with the timer! Watch the movie for yourself on our title paged titled "The Second Launch." After take-off within the footage, a small puff of smoke may be seen. This is the second stage, (after 3 seconds) being ignited by the timer. Worked beautifully! Both eggs survived as also seen in the movie. The height of the rocket met a mere 1020 feet. Not as much as we had hoped for, but an improvement with our added weight of the second stage. Wind was about 20 miles an hour, so you can see the rocket traveling in a large angle, taking from our height. Today, another launch was conducted with two of the larger engines. We do not have footage of this launch yet, but as I have been informed, the rocket returned safely back again; The second stage lit as planned; the rocket's height was this time, boosted by 130 feet, traveling up 1150 feet. Another improvement! Our team marches obstinately to our goal. We discuss reasons for the altitude reached now and are implementing these plans. Well, the voting has ended and our name is final. As of now, from the voice of the people, our team shall assume the name, "CRACKED CORE." We'd like to thank everyone for putting in a voice as we recieved a substantial amount of votes for name. Other than "CRACKED CORE" 's 17% of the vote, there was also "SMASH AND BURN" at 14% and "THE MILE HIGH CLUB" at 12%. We are in the process of working improvements to "tweak" the rocket to our destined point of 1500 feet. We're well on our way!
FEBRUARY 28, 2003 Update:	We've made several more launches in the past few weeks. As you migh have known, we've had clearance granted to us for the whole week from about 4 to 6 pm. That really helps... (Thank you code orange danger alert!) To get some highlights in, we've made significant progress... First of all, we launched on the 26th, which went pretty good. Our third launch, you can watch the footage at Cracked Core Studios. The rocket went fairly straight with a little angle after the second stage kicked in. The Rocket came down very smoothly, and landed about 4 feet from the launchpad. Perfect chute blast. Both eggs were fine and we got up to 1180 feet. Still not yet to the point we want to be at... The 26th forced us to take drastic measures with the rocket, such as lightening up the load, and "rifling" our flight trajectory. The 27th is where we got some leaps and jumps. We had put one shimmy on one fin in each set of four. This would cause the rocket to roll in flight, thus, a "rifling" effect would occur and the trajectory would be straighter. Our timer was set at 0 second delay after the first blow-out. Our first launch went very straight and floated down fine. We got 1235 feet up. We still wanted more. They went back into the Olejnicak NASA base (The garage) fixed, and went back out to get in a second launch. The second flight was straighter and went higher, but disaster took a toll. At the second blow-out, no chutes opened up. The rocket nose dived back to earth's surface. Significant damage was done to our initial rocket, and we should now rely on our backup which had luckily been in the process of construction at the time. The estimated altitude of the second launch was at 1400 feet. A very nice goal to attain. Still a few more things to try. We are looking at getting our goal in the nick of time!
March 4th, 2003 Update:	We had our qualifying launch on Saturday. A few troubles, putting us into somewhat of a connundrum. I can thankfully say, that this was not the fault of the team itself, but rather some coincidental and fateful circumstances. At the launch, only one other team showed up - Apple Valley. They extended the competition one week longer, but no one on the team will be present to do it because of either spring break or band trip. We made due. Their rocket, from what I've heard, was quite unsteady. First Launch - We have to decide before hand whether it will be a qualifying run or a practice run, and with the superior weather conditions in our favor, we went with qualifier with our first run. New rocket, never tested. Went up, curved into the wind, and travelled 1260 feet, came back down...one egg was cracked. They deducted 50 points from our score (scored like golf, lowest score wins. 1500-1260 +50). 290 points. Not too bad, but we expected better. They [Apple Valley] took a qualifying run and they got up to 1140 feet I believe... Next run we went as practice run. We pulled out the old rocket and shot it up. Went up 300 feet and "exploded" as I'm told. The second stage engine was faulty and lit up the rocket on it's 300 foot maiden voyage... The side was burnt out and destroyed. We went for our third run. This time, we decided to go against convention of pointing into the wind (as told by reliable rocketry resources)and pointed away from the wind. The launch was "spectacular." Estimates are at going beyond 1500 to 1600 feet. A beautiful launch. The parachute opened just fine... Too fine... The gusts of wind at about 1500 feet up caught it and brought it blocks away. People (apparently apalled by the power of our seemingly inferior rocket) began shouting that the rocket was not falling correctly and shouted false aquisitions of disqualifications. The judges carried on beyond their incessent claims. We sent out groups to find the rocket. With close proximity to a major highway, the parachute attached to a piece of plywood was found. The rocket wasn't there.... We couldn't find it. No altimeter, no eggs, no rocket... We assume that it landed on that highway and was either hit or picked up by someone. So, as of now, we are ranked number one in the state with our first qualifying run beating the acclaimed "best" team in the state. The black horse prevails to follow the American dreams of underdog triumph! Congratulations to "Cracked Core Rocketry Team"!! We await further results though, but until then... NUMBER ONE!!!
MARCH 7th, 2003 Update:	This Friday, marks the beginning of our spring break. Thanks for sticking with us here. We hope everyone is, bottomline, relaxing over the week. No matter where you are. Just get some time away... We know the mental strain... We know how much pressure we've all had this week. Today for example, just excruciating. I must've watched 45 minutes of video, played Tribond, and swam in the pool. I'm telling you, they're working us too hard... But seriously here everyone, get out and enjoy the week! We're off, we're proud to do nothing! Enjoy your break and we'll bring you news (good news) in a week's time!
March 17, 2003 Update:	We're back in business here... Spring break is over and we are back into the swing of things, which at the moment, is waiting. Everyone seemed to enjoy the time off, and I'm sure we all benefitted by one simple thing, at the least... "Sleep." SO, a few updates for you. First of all, we'd like to thank MaryAnn Holsman for sending us some support from Big Forks in an email: Brainerd team;; I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to vote... In my book you are number one...... Don't worry about the voting, thanks for the support! We're looking for all we can get! We also got mail from Davis Law Firm over the week, offering a pledge for donation. Thanks so much!! Right now, our budget hasn't been reimbursed yet, and we will still pay for much through members' families. We need all the help we can get! So thanks for the support, you'll surely get the recognition! For all other potential sponsers out there, keep us in mind! Back onto the team's updates, we'll have some movies out soon hopefully. We've had a few problems dealing with software (already sounding intimidating...) but hopefully we will get through those soon enough to get you, the viewer, results! Right now, we are one of about 200 teams registered in the nation, and tomorrow is the deadline to get qualifier runs in. Sit... sit and wait we shall.
MARCH 21th, 2003 Update:	Well, results are out today, and came as a two way surprise. First of all, we got 109th out of about 873 national teams. Quite the accomplishment. Making the list made the adventure a feat for our team, but we are not close enough to finals as expected. We are the 9th alternate for the competitions in early May in The Plains, Virginia. We are skeptical that all teams will make it as the organization didn't get as many entries as expected an not as many have finished on the due date. We are still anxiously awaiting further updates as to our condition and possible participation in the contest. Keep posted with us, and we will keep you up to date.
April 6th, 2003 Update:	WE'RE BACK, although we never left. Still anxiously waiting for the roster for the national competition. We've made great progress. A new rocket is very close to completion made of some parts salvaged from the other rockets, which had suffered a little bit of battle damage. As for the website, you may have seen many changes take place. First of all, we have a little Q&A opportunity to all those who check the site. Please put in your comments about the site. Secondly, we have 3 new movies up and running on the site: "Launch 4," "Cracked Core's First Qualifier," and our newest promotional film "Cracked Core Studios Investigative Reports: The Rocketry Thief." Please stay tuned for our next films, including the next promo, "Got Rocketry?" Keep with us, and you'll love what you see! A special thank you to Paul Cibuzar who graciously donated to sponsor the team today! Until next time... "April is a promise that May is bound to keep." (Borland, Hal)
APRIL 22nd, 2003 Update:	We are still eagerly awaiting results. At least a few teams have dropped out of the competition, replying to the Rocket Contest HQ that they would be unable to attend the official national competition. We were even moved up in the rank one spot in the alternates list. We're awaint our official email from the association. Other than that, work continues. One rocket is complete except for some minor tweaking to the weight. We may have to trim some length to get a lighter rocket. We have also recieved donations from new sponsors including the following: Nature Vision Inc., Madden's Resort, and Brainerd Medical Center. Thanks so much for your gracious support of our team. Other than that, we have new movies out that you'll want to see. First, our newest promo film "Got Rocketry?" was released, as well as just recently, "The 7th Flight Project." Check them out. There are at least 2 or 3 more to come, including "Office Hours" and "Basics" - to be out soon. And in some other big news, as of Easter this year, are website hit the official 1000 visitors mark! Thanks for keeping updated! Make sure to check out all our sponsors as well! Thanks everyone!
APRIL 24th, 2003 Update:	In my own reflection, I look back upon good times, spending unseen hours fly by, the debates and constant race for the top-dog design for the payload return capsule. I saw surprises, exhiliration, tragedy, and rebounds. I remember a team of 8 students, disbanded through school, erratically bumping into eachother,coming together for one passion. We worked as hard as we could. Dedicated unnumbered hours to solving problems probing our minds and obstructing our accomplishment. We searched for answers to problems. There were nights spent entirely on building a rocket. But none shall deem this time lost to the ultimate end. Along the way we met those who appreciated our effort and cause and were willing to stand behind us for the whole trip. We are deeply touched by what our sponsors have done for us. We saw parents who went out of the way to cheer on the team and offer hospitality to the efforts of our meanings and even fill our appetites when we missed a meal. We are always in debt to their actions. Nothing was lost. By five spots, we were unable to take a weekend trip to Virginia to chance our design. Of 873 teams registered, we were listed on the site. We've recieved annonymous emails from supporters out of state. We have sponsors out of state. Our website averaged about 25 visitors per day at some points. We amassed 1000+ visitors total. We did not finish in Virginia, but that is only belittled and debased by the accomplishments we have found in through our journey; an adventure we would not give up for anything. I myself am certainly proud of the team. Every effort was given to push to the last mile and endure the final barrier. Matthew Logering put it economically best when he said, "We did good, and without the team, no one would have accomplished anything." A team of 8, pushed by everyone, advancing and leaving none behind. Thanks for a great time. We will plan on scheduling a final launch, and we will get into contact with you for that. Sponsors will be contacted for possible attendence if they please. We still have more movies, keep checking us out. Once again, thanks to everyone for a great time. The sky became unnattainable, but our accomplishments rested in mind and soul.
MAY 4th, 2003 Update:	I was online here, so I thought I would keep everybody updated. First of all, if you haven't checked them out, our two newest movies, "Office Hours" and "Basics" are in. Also, we have another poll going on right now, asking for your nominee for the best film of the year. Cast your vote and keep checking to see if you were right. We are in the midst of planning for our final launch. The last date we tried scheduling was, in fact, yes, Mother's Day. So, to be courteous, to well, mom, we decided not to go through with that date. We will soon have a time set where we can get the final launch off. Please come and join us when we do! Until next time...
NOVEMBER 20, 2003 Update:	I thought it may be a while til I was here again, typing on the website. It's been half a year, and I'm here in Michigan at college. We've all moved our separate ways, to institutions of higher learning and training. Now that I look at it, the rocketry team seems like the last hazzah before we were transformed from High Schooler in cap and gown to adults, walking different paths. My "eventful" return was inspired by two messages. First of all, from Matt, informing me that we would try and make one more launch when we returned from college on break. This would be a promotional event for all who sponsored our team's run in the competition. We can still not thank them enough for what they have done for us. Secondly, from an email I recieved from a student down in Illinois. Apparently, some physics classrooms have been looking into our site. To all those who visit this site for enjoyment and or educational purposes, you are more than welcome! Enjoy what we have, and please do email me (Peter) on how we can better improve this site to make it more geared towards helping out in any way. Hopefully, we will soon have that next flight to talk about, footage and so on. Speaking of that, I did put out a new video. It was previously made, unreleased and forgotten. A film of bloopers and outtakes from other movies. Check it out at Cracked Core Studios. Questions and comments are appreciated. Get the word out, refer the site! Thanks to all new and inspired visitors! Go Manteno Panthers!