We Got A Problem, Houston

Well, I was having my coffee this morning when I realized I was an idiot. Jackie Linevsky, a brilliant and talented team member, had suggested something I would have tossed to the side without a second thought. She said to make the rocket into one continuous cylinder, rather than sections that are joined with connectors. So simple, right? Well, not really. Gluing the sections together is rather stressful, because you need to keep everything straight.
So why did I toss out Jackie's idea before? Well, I had thought the glued sections would leak a little bit, so the less glued sections the better. What I did not think of was that the glue used for applying the carbon fiber would seal EVERYTHING. C'mon, let's give it up to Jackie for this wonderful innovation!
PS: I added a slideshow of some pictures I had to the right. Check it out!

Explosions, Money, and Unfortunate News

As you all know, a few days ago we had a big explosion of the FTC pressure vessel. Right now the team is trying to repair or remake the FTC part of the rocket, but it seems hard. Also, the launcher exploded after an overload of pressure tests. Instead of reinforced PVC, we will be using steel pipe rated at 3000psi. We will launch at around 2000 psi for the FTC, and 200 psi for the booster. However, this all relies on the factor that we can actually repair the FTC portion of the rocket. If we can't, we may have to resort on using a full-blown 2 liter bottle "stack" rocket (a rocket constructed using 2 liter bottles).
For the money part, the team needs funds. So until we can get a good stack of fundraisers, we're going to need a "transition fund." It will basically be a pizza sale, so if you want to donate, buy a slice! More info about this will be posted. Well, anyways, stay tuned for more info! By the way, if you don't understand anything I just posted, it's okay. I'll post some explanations later on.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

As of Thursday, November 5, 2009, part of the Carbon Fiber FTC sustainer died. During pressurization, one of the splices delaminated and failed. The rocket shot up straight for 200 feet, and then exploded at 1500 feet. Research and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Next, Lockheed Martin decided to not sponsor us. This means we may have to resort to fundraisers. Fundfactory.com is a website that buys used ink toner cartridges and cell phones, so if you have any, please donate it to me during any of our meetings. IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! That is all.