Mission Goal
Build a reliable, school-safe water-rocket launch pad that can hold a bottle rocket, pressurise it (safely), and release it cleanly on command — with a clear, repeatable process.
Why it matters
Real launch services live or die by ground systems: stability, countdown discipline, safety zones, and repeatability. A great rocket on a bad pad is still a failed mission.
Inputs from other teams
- Command & Control: countdown roles, go/no-go calls, launch log template.
- Structures: stable base design, materials list, safe build methods.
- Comms: simple hand signals / callouts for noisy launch environments.
- Payload: any constraints on rocket size/weight that affect pad grip.
- Recovery: where rockets are expected to land; informs range layout.
Constraints
- Water rockets only. No combustion, no fireworks, no “chemical” propulsion.
- No dangerous materials: no glass, no metal pressure vessels, no shrapnel-risk parts.
- Teacher-controlled pressurisation and release. Students do not stand over the rocket.
- Launch outdoors or in a large open area approved by staff.
- Use a countdown and a clear safety perimeter.
What you must produce (deliverables)
- A working launch pad + release mechanism (demonstrated at least 3 times).
- A labelled diagram or photo with parts identified (base, guide, latch, hose, release).
- A one-page “How to launch safely” checklist for the class.
- A launch log template (date, conditions, pressure, result, notes).
Scaffolding Example (optional)
You are allowed to reuse structures and formats from other teams — but not their decisions.
Example: Launch Pad v0.9 (simple + repeatable)
- Base: plywood board (or thick cardboard laminated), wide enough that it can’t tip when the hose pulls.
- Guide: 1–2 straight tubes/rails so the bottle leaves the pad pointing the same way each time.
- Retention: a collar/clip that holds the bottle neck consistently (no wobble).
- Release: a string or lever that can be pulled from behind the safety line (teacher only).
- Markings: “SAFE LINE”, “PAD ZONE”, “NO STEP” taped on the ground.
Example: Launch roles (minimum viable ops)
- Launch Director (teacher): controls pressure + release.
- Safety Marshal: checks the line, calls “HOLD” if anyone crosses.
- Recorder: writes pressure/water fill and outcome in the launch log.
- Spotter: tracks flight and calls “ROCKET DOWN” + location.
Example: 30-second countdown script
- Safety Marshal: “Range clear?”
- Spotter: “Clear.”
- Launch Director: “Pressurising.” (pause) “Final check… 3…2…1… LAUNCH.”
Build & test steps
- Choose a pad concept: stable base + bottle retention + clean release + guide/rail.
- Prototype the latch (no pressure): can it hold/release the bottle smoothly?
- Add a guide (tube/rail) so rockets don’t tip at release.
- Add a hose connection to a pump (teacher-managed). Ensure it doesn’t kink.
- Dry-run countdown: roles, callouts, everyone knows where to stand.
- Low-pressure test (teacher): confirm no slipping, no wobble, no unsafe angles.
- Repeat 3 releases in a row without failures (no rocket required for the first few tests).
Launch-day checklist
- Safety perimeter marked; spectators behind the line.
- Launch angle agreed (typically near-vertical unless the range plan says otherwise).
- One person is Launch Director (teacher) — only they control pressurise/release.
- Comms ready: “Range clear?” → “Clear.” “Pressurising.” “3…2…1…Launch!”
- Recovery plan: who retrieves rockets and from where.
- Log sheet ready: pressure used, outcome, notes.
Success criteria
- Pad remains stable during pressurisation and release.
- Release is clean (no snagging) and repeatable.
- Countdown and safety zone are followed every time.
- Team can explain how the pad reduces risk.
Evidence checklist
- Photos of the pad from 3 angles.
- Short video of a safe countdown + release (even without a full rocket flight).
- Completed launch log for at least 3 test releases.
- Your one-page launch safety checklist.
Safety rules
- Eye protection for anyone within the operational area.
- No one leans over the rocket at any time.
- Teacher controls pressure and release; students stay behind the safety line.
- Stop immediately if the bottle deforms, leaks, or the pad slips.
- No “extra pressure for fun.” Use a staff-approved limit and stick to it.
Common failure modes
- Pad tips because the base is too small or too light.
- Latch snags — rocket launches sideways.
- Guide/rail is misaligned, causing a wobble at release.
- Hose pulls the rocket/pad out of alignment during pressurisation.
- No clear launch roles → unsafe crowd movement.
Stretch goals
- Add a simple angle indicator (marked degrees) and “standard launch angles”.
- Add a quick-reset feature so the pad can be reloaded rapidly and safely.
- Create a laminated range map showing safe zones and recovery routes.