PHOTO 64 -- Flight C-16 : Sept. 16, 1979
 | Beginning with this flight, my rockets were painted fluorescent orange, in entirety. This was done to increase visibility, and was especially effective in the light of dusk, when most launches occurred. The fins were made of minimal size, for two reasons: to minimize weathercocking (veering into the wind); and to provide dynamic stability, but statically "neutral" stability. This was done so that the rocket would tumble or descend "sideways" if the parachute system failed. Three rockets were, in fact, spared of serious damage by this philosophy. However, one errant rocket "tumbled" on the way up, as a result of "walking this fine line"!... |