Cleared for liftoff: Space studies participants to launch rockets at OHIO Airport

ATHENS, Ohio – For one of its final public events of the summer, International Space University’s (ISU) 28th Space Studies Program (SSP15) invites the public to the Ohio University Airport near Albany to witness participants launch their mid-powered rocket designs on Saturday, July 18, from 1-5:30 p.m.

Multiple rockets, each more than three feet long and capable of traveling more than 1,000 feet into the air, will be launched throughout the afternoon. SSP15 Director John Connolly, with Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean Dennis Irwin, will emcee the event.

“The launch should be a fun experience for the community,” Connolly said. “Lots of kids launch small model rockets, but we're going to be launching ‘mid-power’ rockets that use much bigger motors, produce a lot more fire and smoke at liftoff, and are spectacular to watch.”

Part of SSP15’s departmental activities, the project tasked participants with designing a rocket to reach a peak altitude of 1,000 feet and return a piece of cargo safely to the ground. To add an extra challenge, a fragile chicken egg and a miniature replica of an Athens Block brick will serve as the cargo.

“We like the idea of having a very fragile payload and a heavy, unbreakable payload like the Athens Block,” Connolly said. “The combination gives the SSP participants the challenge of protecting a payload from the g-forces and inertia of the brick, and it also gives a touch of local flavor to the launch. I'm certain that the mini bricks will survive the flight – I'm not so certain about the eggs.”

Free parking and restrooms will be available onsite, although no refreshments will be provided. Inclement weather will cancel the event. The OHIO Airport is located along State Route 32/U.S. 50 in Albany, about 10 miles southwest of Athens.

ISU’s nine-week professional development program for future leaders of the global space community is being hosted at OHIO this summer and will showcase various public events.