Crimson Star

On October 14, 2023, I attended the Fall Fire rocket launch in Kitscoty, Alberta, hosted by the Saskatoon Rocketry Society.

In Canada, it is necessary to obtain an “Electronics Endorsement” before starting the L4 Certification process. This requires two, high-power flights using dual deployment in a different rocket for each flight.

I modified my Aerotech Mega-Initiator, adding an altimeter bay and an upper airframe tube for the main parachute. This flight reached an altitude of 1352 ft on an Aerotech 29mm I205. Everything worked perfectly, under the control of an EasyMini altimeter (primary) and a RRC3 altimeter (backup).

My second flight used the Highlander 29 DD, reached an altitude of 931 ft, but the main parachute hung in the airframe. The rocket landed safely on the drogue, and was prepped for another flight. This time, the rocket rose to 895 ft, but the drogue did not fire until about the same time as the main chute. Inspection revealed that the drogue was not properly armed, and was ejected by the motor ejection charge instead of by the StratologgerCF altimeter.

Even though I only completed one of my two required dual deployments, it was a learning experience and I had a good time. This was my first Fall Fire, and I really enjoyed meeting the local rocketeers.