Monterey, VA -- It was day of learning through experience and planning for the future as the FMS Rocketry squad hit the range again last Saturday, literally.
The cadets had two rockets fail to deploy chutes and both became one with the Earth during their first launch of the 2019-2020 season. Unfortunately, the Rocketeers lost altimeters, eggs, and rockets during these two mishaps.
Pressing on, the boys had a great overall day of launching with 8 flights and some very useful observations about what they need to build and adjust for our November-2 launch. In fact, one of the mentors from another group mentioned that the FMS team is ahead of most of the TARC teams he has seen in terms of accuracy at this time.
The next steps for the cadets will be to analyze their flight data, recreate the failed chute situation, and begin some redesigning and rebuilding. The team should be closer to the mark at the next launch and expects to be ready to qualify early next season if they continue their current level of activity.
FMS Rocketeers in attendance:
Aiden Smith (freshman - Arlington, VA)
William Sanderson (junior - Apex, NC)
Wesley Loe (junior - Silverdale, WA)
WIlliam Waddell (8th grade - Bridgewater, VA).
Fishburne Military School - founded 1879
225 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro VA 22980
For information, please call 1-800-946-7773
Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest of the military schools in Virginia for boys. Its college-prep curriculum is built upon the structure of an Army JROTC program. FMS is designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and may nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academies. Fishburne hosts one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation, accredited by US Army Cadet Command.
