Rocket Steers launch to new heights

The Graham Rocket Steers are launching into uncharted territory this weekend in Rockdale. This year’s team will be the first to represent Graham High School in the national competition that takes place June 12-13.

The Graham Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) team of sophomore Robb Grimes, junior Anthony Blodgett and recently graduating seniors Spencer McHenry, Austin Purvis and Chaucey Thomas are the first team in its 18-year existence to compete in nationals. The TARC team is sponsored by GHS teacher Michelle Lowrey. The students are mentored by Jack and Suzy Sprague of the Dallas Area Rocket Society (DARS) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).

Each flight must meet seven minimum requirements. The rocket must weigh at least 650 grams and the length must be at least 650 mm long. All parts of the rocket must remain connected throughout the entire flight. The motor must be TARC approved and contain no more than eight Newton seconds of total impulse. The rocket must hold one Grade A large raw egg and a TARC-approved altimeter. The rocket must make a safe flight and recovery under TARC rules and the NAR safety code. The egg must remain uncracked after the flight after a landing without human intervention.

For the rest of the story, see the June 9 edition of The Graham Leader.