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Test rocket explodes at Academy

Posted: Nov 4, 2009 5:20 PM by Andy Koen
Updated: Nov 4, 2009 5:20 PM

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It's not the outcome they had hoped for. A test-fire of a cadet-developed research rocket went awry and rather than a 10 and a half second burn, the rocket exploded milliseconds after ignition.

"Not exactly what we expected," said Cadet First Class Sean Foote shortly after the test-fire ended.

"However, we'll use this as a learning experience to determine what exactly went wrong and how we can prevent this from future occurences."

The Academy's FalconLaunch program involves cadets in the design and development of low-cost, low-power reusable rockets for the defense department.

The students will now analyze the accident and see what went wrong. Another test of a different rocket design is scheduled for January.

Topics: Test rocket, explosion, Air Force Academy, Department of Defense, C1C Sean Foote, went awry, ignition, FalconLaunch program, cadets, design, development, low-cost, low-power, reusable, rockets, analyze, accident

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