In the manner of Robert Goddard

ISU Space Studies Program Rocket Launch

Each year more than a hundred young rocket scientists from governments, adademia, and industry gather in some city in the world for the summer-long International Space University Space Studies Program, where they study advanced spaceflight-related topics.

But the students, from dozens of countries, also undertake some non-book projects, including the rocketry competition.

In 2015, through the ef…  (read more)

18 Jul 2015

146 visits

In the manner of Robert Goddard

Dr. John Connolly, NASA engineer and director of the annual International Space University Space Studies Program, poses with the faculty-built rocket that was to be launched after the student team rocket competition.

18 Jul 2015

132 visits

Checking the wiring at the launch pad

Dr. Connolly is joined by Dr. Dennis Irwin, dean of the Russ College of Engineering at Ohio University in making last-minute checks. Dr. Irwin is regularly involved with the ISU SSP and is the reason it came yo be in Athens, Ohio -- a much smaller place than the cities where it is usually held.

18 Jul 2015

88 visits

Liftoff looks good

18 Jul 2015

140 visits

Rocket on course

Each of the six student teams built a rocket. The competition involved their flying to exactly 1,000 feet -- neither higher nor lower -- and to parachute safely back to Earth.

18 Jul 2015

119 visits

Parachute deployed

Part of the contest specification was that onboard cameras and recorders made a record, from the rocket itself, of the launch and recovery.

18 Jul 2015

157 visits

Back on the ground

There was more: each rocket carried an egg, with a 2-ounce brass replica of a locally made brick attached to it, and the egg had to survive unbroken. In this case, it did. It landed on the taxiway of Bush Airport (closed during the launch program).

18 Jul 2015

134 visits

Another good-looking launch

18 Jul 2015

128 visits

Ripping skyward

18 Jul 2015

144 visits

Nosing over

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