Where is the X-98?

[eebert]

The X-98 is a Phenomenauts-themed rocket I am building.   If all goes well, on September 20th it will be  27,000 feet AGL over Black Rock, NV. I've been tracking the construction at this page: http://www.eebert.com/Rockets/X-98/ The web page has gotten pretty out-of-date as I've concentrated on getting the rocket ready on time over keeping the web site up-to-date, but the early stages of the construction are documented. This will be part of XPRS, our club's biggest annual launch.  Not nearly as big as Burning Man, but several hundred hard-core rocketeers gather in the desert for some serious fun.  Details of the launch are here:  http://www.xprs.org/ Spectators (and participants) are welcome. (I know, it should be the X-38, but a 38mm (diameter) motor won't get it to 27,0000 feet...)

Here it is, minus the Phenomenauts stickers:

[cadetbat]

awesome!  good luck on the launch.

[eebert]

Thanks.  Some updated pictures.  We are still go for launch Saturday. September 20th, probably mid-morning. Phenaumanauts are cordially invited to participate in pad operation and/or push the big red button.   -- Erik

[SuburbanZombie]

you should definitely take video of the launch & post it.

[cadet katz 2.0]

would love to see its takeoff.

[eebert]

Well I'm back, and semi-recovered from the launch.  Everything worked great.   27,500 feet,  mach 2, melted the paint off the nosecone, recovered successfully about 3.5 miles due east of the range head.

I've uploaded the videos to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/eebert3

There's onboard video, ground video, and close-up, and high-speed video of the ignition.

Still photographs are still at Longs (I know, film is so old school).

  -- Erik

[cadet katz 2.0]

That on board camera was Fuckin awesome. That was one of the greatest thing on youtube i've seen in a while. I would to get into building rockets. I've made one, but it only went about 500 feet.

[eebert]

Come see the X-98 at the Maker Faire in San Mateo this weekend  (May 30-31):

http://makerfaire.com/pub/e/2359

-- Erik