ROCK's May, 2008, Launch

2008-05-03 ROCK Launch

The theme of May's launch was boost-gliders. A number of the winged rockets took flight.

Boost Glider Launch

Carl Campbell announced that his Intrepid boost-glider would make it's last flight.

2008-05-03 ROCK Launch

But since it turned in a nice performance, he may change his mind.

Robb and Malcolm entertained us with a series of Cosmic Cobra drag races.

Cosmic Cobra Drag Race

I spent most of the day experimenting with my new Casio EX-F1 camera.

Estes Goblin Launch

The camera takes still images at up to 60 fps. You can set it so that you can press the shutter release when you see the rocket launch and have the camera save images from just before that moment until you release the shutter. Using this feature, I can capture a good shot of almost every launch.

2008-05-03 ROCK Launch

Even those small fast-moving rockets are easy to capture.

Superphoto Man

In addition to taking stills, the new camera takes high-speed videos at up to 1200 fps.

Click to View Video

The above video combines all the high-speed videos I took Saturday. My favorite segments are the Space Shuttle which does a slow, realistic roll, and Ryan's Atlas 5 lifting off majestically under power from three D12 motors.

Additional photos from the May launch are in the gallery at:

http://www.payloadbay.com/gallery/v/rock/2008-05-03/