On April 21, 2013, Orbital Sciences success launch the uniquely configured Antares Rocket at Wallops Flight Facility,VA.

So what does this really mean to the transition of the Space Community within the USA? We all know the space frontier is global now. ESA is building their program and has invested heavily in space and engineering education and programs. Africa has improved their capabilities and has a focus on communications and space focus. Even China and South America are well within the game now. What was once a USA led adventure, is now a global effort. But where does this leave the US? As Lori Garver stated in a press conference on at the NASA Wallops Facility. “the US Space Program is alive and well.” She also continued to tell us that we are still leaders and the commercial programs are good indicators.

In the last 30 years, there has been marked concern about where our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs within the upcoming generation. The concern has been the lack of interest in these fields. Let’s be real, for many, the math required to do these subjects is hard. The concepts of physics, dynamics do not seem “fun” topics to the average person who lacks a focused passion towards engineering and space. As Culbertson mentioned, our goal must be to instill the passion into our youth — so they can become the inspired next generation scientist or engineer.

The Federation of Galaxy Explores has had this same passion to inspire the next generation for over a decade. Can we do this… yes, we can. The commercial launches are proof that we have the technology, the know how, the savvy and the intellect. We are proud of our government and commercial endeavors. We seek to inspire the next generation so that we too can continue to be the world’s leaders and participants in the global effort of Space, the frontier of our future explorations.

Congratulations to the winning teams for the 2013 Battle of the Rockets!

Target altitude: University of Texas at Arlington. Score: score 21. Second Place: Chantilly FoGE, Score 28.

Astro-Egg Lander: Yale University team 1. Score: 71 pts.

Mars Rover: University of Texas at Arlington with all markers displayed!

There were three different competitions competed upon by Universities and High School students.  There were:

Planetary Rover Event

Design a rocket and mars rover to launch to at least 1000 feet and deploy the mars rover. The mars rover must be fully contained in the rocket before being deployed. Once deployed, the mars rover must return to the ground safely. Once landed, the mars rover shall release a bright colored marker that can be easily found. The marker must be placed at the point of landing. It cannot be tossed, shot, or projected beyond its landing location. Once released, the rover must then travel 10 feet and release a second marker. The rover then must turn 90 degrees in either direction and travel 10 feet. Travel must be completed within ten minutes. Time starts at the time of landing. Method of travel is up to the team.

Astro-Egg Lander
Design and build a rocket and a lander to be launched to 1200 feet and deploy the lander. The lander must contain one large grade A hen egg and return to earth safely without damaging the egg. The method of descent control shall not use parachutes or para-foils. The descent rate must remain under 30 feet/second.

Target Altitude

Design and build a rocket to reach as close to 1700 feet as possible using a G motor. Two successful flights must be made out of three attempts. The score is the absolute difference of the altitude reading and 1700 feet. Qualifying altitudes must be between 1300 and 2100 feet. Both successful flight results are added together for the final score. The lowest score wins.

To sign up for next year — follow this link to the Battle of the Rockets webpage and be looking for the criteria around December.  This way, you can get your registration in on time.

Registration will begin in early February with an announcement of our award winners.

If you have any questions about ticketing, contributing to our silent auction, or the event in general, please contact us at Linda.

We would like to thank our sponsors, our supporters and our Volunteers for all you do. You are what makes FoGE rock this world.

We are booking now for our Rockets and Payloads Camp in Arlington, VA August 5-9 now. Cost: $200.00.

Please keep looking back as we confirm our dates for our other camps.

For more information, contact: info@foge.org

Mission Team Leaders can access Mission Plans, order supplies, and share ideas and results through the new private site http://www.foge.org/mission-teams/secure (email info@foge.org for access).

Interested in our events? See what we’re up to here.

Want to know why FOGE exists, who we are, and how we operate? Our About Us page gives you all the details.

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