Thursday, May 29, 2008

Rocket Science

The first ever experiment I engaged in, I seriously underestimated the force of the explosion. Upon ignition, the combustion/explosion triggered failed to propel the rocket to the intended flight and after a 3 second flight, exploded in a flash of light and debris. 

The second test flight wasn't successful either. The detonator did ignite but due to the poor wiring, failed to ignite the rocket fuel. Upon fixing the wiring and replacing the detonator, a subsequent test flight was initiated. This time round the detonator was faulty and after a series of pops, failed to ignite the fuel too. The arrival of the monsoon season hindered further proposed flights for the season.

The third official test flight just commenced a month back. Despite the rocket being in working conditions and all previous technical issues sorted out, a series of unfortunate events has grounded the test flight. The crew seems to be divided in two with regards to when the flight should be carried out and the type of payload to be placed in the rocket. The test flight will be postponed indefinitely till the team can get its act together. 

I am hopeful that the third flight will be successful. Nevertheless, I maintain my earlier stance that rocket science is a tricky affair and that a failed third attempt will not dampen the spirit of the crew in general. It is disappointing to have failed a third time, but good things don't come easy. We're still deciding whether to proceed with the third test attempt and we're hoping for the best.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

yaya.. rocket science my ass.. haha.. i know what you're referring to dude. :P