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Blast Off! Enthusiasts Launch Handcrafted Rockets

   Written by on August 11, 2016 at 9:41 am

By Shelley D. Sheets
For the Southside Messenger

BURKEVILLE – On Saturday, August 6th at noon, members of the Heart of Virginia Association of Rocketry, (HOVAR) met in Burkeville, Virginia to launch their handcrafted rockets. It was quite an interesting experience. So much goes into a launch, so much more than I ever considered.

For more photos of this event, please go to http://southsidemessengerphotos.shutterfly.com

For more photos of this event, please go to http://southsidemessengerphotos.shutterfly.com

Dr. Kevin Dunn, President, and member Tim Raney assisted new member Steve with assembling the launch pad, connecting the necessary launching wire to the control pad and preparing his rocket for launch. In addition to setting up for the launch, Kevin, Tim and Steve had to run safety checks on all of the equipment being utilized. As it was mentioned several times throughout the day, safety is of the utmost importance. In fact, the launch was relocated from the original location to a neighboring site just a couple miles down the road. The gentleman that owned the land on which the launch was first scheduled to occur warned the club members that he had Angus cattle in the fence in which we were confined, and even though they were out of sight for the moment, the sound of the launch may startle them and cause them to charge out of fear. With that tidbit of information, the HOVAR members agreed unanimously it would be best to change locations.

Steve’s rocket was a rod type made primarily of cardboard tubing and because of the lightness of the material utilized, it was anticipated that the rocket would travel higher and/or further than if it had been made of heavier materials. Other members prefer to utilize the lighter weight material for construction as well because it has the capability of going a greater distance. The president of the club disagrees as he likes to build his rockets out of fiberglass because it is heavier; therefore, the aircraft does not travel as far. As he shared, when the rocket doesn’t go as far, it is usually easier to find.

Steve is currently working towards obtaining his level 1 certification in rocket launching. In order to do so, he must meet numerous criteria including building his own rocket (from scratch or kit), preparing it for launch and he must launch with level “H” power. The level of power the rocket is flown with is in direct correlation with the alphabet. So, level “H” is more powerful than “G” and “I” is more powerful than “H”. President Dunn was pleased to report that HOVAR had launched at least one “I” powered rocket previously.

If you have a desire to learn more about rocket launching and/or are possibly interested in joining the fun times that the Heart of Virginia Association of Rocketry has, please visit their website at www.hovar.org. On the site you can find upcoming launch dates and location, more information about the club and how to contact President Kevin Dunn.

Kevin Dunn puts it like this: “Rocket launching is a lot like golf…there’s a lot of waiting and there’s a lot of walking. The difference is you can talk while preparing to launch a rocket.”

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