launch 24/9/2011

RKT1's electronic system has been upgraded with my latest software/hardware device D.A.V.E (dynamisch analytisch veiligheids element) to garantuee Bob's safe launch and reentry. D.A.V.E is named after my neigbourhs dog. Dave (a Pinscher) was my first volunteer who due to a system malfunction did not survive reentry from low orbit. You can see more of late Dave here

latest calculations of RKT1's expected landing (or zone of impact if things go wrong..) based on todays , 23/9 weather predictions for tomorrow.

Another international participant of October Sky 2011; Bryan Mars, rocket: Agent Orange, payload: Carassius auratus auratus

Another international participant of October Sky 2011, Dave Blister, UK Rocket: thin lizzard payload: Xantusiidae

Another international participant of October Sky 2011, Ricardo Gomez from Chile. Rocket: endburner, payload: unknown.&t;br /&t;

Another international participant of October Sky 2011, Werner Schwarz from Germany. Rocket: Aquarius, payload: Drosophilidae

RKT1 at the launchsite

last preparations before Launch at 14:17

last glimpse at Bob before closing the crew compartment

RKT1 did sucessfully lift off at 14:25:44

RKT1 rapidly ascending. You can see the failsafe launch abort cable still attached not having reached the point of no return yet.

still accellerating rapidly, at this point bob will have to endure the greatest G-forces.

SONY DSC

bert simons