Preparing to load the WAC onto the launcher
Waiting to load
Raising the WAC to vertical on Ron McGough's hydraulic trailer launcher
A break in the action...
Working on the hybrid ground support equipment
A final pre-flight pose...
The Lyzengas on the flight line
Arming the flight electronics
Loaded for final countdown
Ignition...
Liftoff!
Tower clear!
Liftoff viewed from the south (photo courtesy Chuck Lahmeyer)
Climbing out
Still burning...
Recovery sequence (clockwise): apogee separation, booster coast, drogue deployment, booster flip over, descent under inflated drogue
Descent under drogue... by now the main chute should be out, but the pink strap cushion has become stuck on the piston (darn!) Brace for a hard landing...
Payload descending nicely under chute...
Flight data indicates a peak altitude of about 3800 feet, and a hard landing speed of 45 ft/sec 100 seconds after launch
Landing site of the booster section
The fin has taken some minor damage from the hard landing, and the motor retaining straps let go; the worst damage though is to the upper end of the airframe tube
Gathering up the parts...
...and heading back to camp
The payload section makes it way home too