Although it failed to reach its target altitude of 70 miles, the May 2 lift-off of a rocket carrying experiments by middle and high school students yielded some important lessons for the burgeoning young scientists and engineers who participated in the CCAT-led LaunchQuest program.
UP Aerospace's 20-foot long, 700-pound SpaceLoft XL rocket took off from New Mexico's Spaceport America and initially appeared -- at least to onlookers -- as a successful launch. However, radar tracking indicated that an anomaly occurred shortly into the flight. According to UP Aerospace, examination of data later showed that incorrect flight parameters caused the rocket to separate from the engine around 40,000 feet into the air.
The rocket was carrying experiments designed by students to test the effects of launch conditions, such as G-forces and near-weightlessness. The students were to conduct post-launch analysis to determine the results. Although the rocket experienced a "hard landing," payloads have been recovered and experiment containers will be returned to schools for examination.
The goal of CCAT's LaunchQuest program -- which has worked with over 1,000 students in more than 50 schools since its inception -- is to find innovative methods for improving the quality and variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, particularly in the area of aerospace.
"Although the most recent LaunchQuest flight was less successful than previous launches, it has provided students with a very unique opportunity to design experiments and to expand their interest and familiarity with aerospace and rocketry," said Elliot A. Ginsberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of CCAT. "Programs like LaunchQuest are tremendously important in improving STEM education efforts."
ABOUT CCAT
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. is a non-stock, tax exempt corporation that provides services and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses, and through collaboration with industry, academia, and government, helps companies innovate and compete, thereby strengthening our nation in the global market.
CONTACT: Elinor Hargreaves, (860) 282-4283, ehargreaves@ccat.us
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