In rocketry, as in life, there are distinct ups and downs. For example, a day of spectacular flights can be overshadowed by a devistating crash. Sometimes it can even be in the exact same flight. For example:
This is the "up" part. A beautiful launch of my Aerotech Arcas on a G80 in about 1990... I also managed to get a pretty crisp picture of it! Yes, all was right with the world! ....until....
The ejection charge completely failed. Talk about a "down" time, this was "down with a vengence!" My friend Richard Christian holds up the few remains. Actually, it almost looks like a cartoon explosion, the way the tube shredded. Total destruction.
That being said, there is another "up" to the story. Aerotech replaced both the rocket and the single use motor, so it all worked out! It just goes to show you that even when things look grim, it can all work out in the end!
Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!
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