Copyright © 1964-2022 Tripoli Pittsburgh, Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc.
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh Launch Report
July 9,10 2022
Sunday
Sundays weather was clear blue skies with puffy clouds. Winds were light all day. Temps in mid-upper 80's.
Saturday
Saturday had hazy, grey clouds with occasional breaks of sunshine. 30 mins of light rain did little to slow operations. Temps in low-mid 80's
14 Flyers
45 Flights
|
Motor
|
Number
Flown
|
|
B
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
M
|
2
2
3
13
9
9
4
2
1
|
Launch action was slow to commence as an issue with the launch system had the specialists scratching thier heads. After collecting a dozen extension cords, the flights began.
The L1
TR Garman
The L1 flew both Saturday and Sunday on an H-219 to around 1500'.
The L1 carries four cameras that capture 4K video. Two of the cameras point up on the rocket and two point down in order to get maximum coverage. The orange cameras are mounted in a custom 3D printed black band toward the nose.
It was designed to be a basic Level 1 Cetification-type rocket that can shoot video as well.
Scott Kissinger
Scott Kissenger and son Kian
The Red Dragon
On Saturday the L1 lifted off with four cameras onboard to an extremely nominal flight with one exception: it returned with only two cameras. The other two cameras are still in the brush.
Four cameras were reloaded onto the L1 (with improved mounting) and launched on Sunday with all four cameras returning to terra firma. Due to operator error, the parachute slipped out of the Chute Release at apogee. Winds were light enough for the drift to be minimal and recovery was a short walk into the thorny bushes.
Motor: M-1533
The TRIPOLI Pittsburgh club rocket, the Red Dragon launched on Saturday on an M-1533. The motor, brewed by motor expert Joe Pscolka (loading at left), was composed of NASSA Violet propellant.
Scott Kissinger was present for both Saturday and Sunday flying a number of large rockets.
Scott is seen here returning to the pits after another successful recovery.