It’s not a bird and not a plane. It’s a flying model rocket!
Since 2001, the Cambridge Rocket Club (CRC) has launched rockets and watched them soar to great heights.
CRC is a Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) sanctioned club, open to all ages and geared towards both families and individuals.
On Saturday, the Cambridge Rocket Club hosted its second launch of the year in a field in the north end of the city.
“We held a second season opener after the launch last week which was flown under less-than-ideal conditions due to high winds,” said Saverio Prato, president of the Cambridge Rocket Club.
“On Saturday we were greeted with clear skies, seasonal temperatures, and moderate winds.”
About 76 rockets were launched that day.
“It was a good turnout which is phenomenal. We are very close to being back to normal after the pandemic," Prato said.
Today, with about 65 members, Prato says the club is heading in that direction.
“Because of COVID-19, there were members who could not come out. And with restrictions going out to the field, it was tough. But so far, this year, it’s very promising,” Prato said.
“For this launch, we had CRC members present as well as several guests. After COVID-19, everyone wants to get out. During the winter months, I’ve been hearing from people that are building, and that they can’t wait to fly in the summer.”
The first two-season openers launch total was 113 model rockets launched.
“This is our best season start ever,” Prato said.
CRC typically flies once a month, from April to October. With ideal weather in the summer months, the club flies twice a month in June, July and August.
“Because of the novelty of it, it’s a great hobby. It’s something different, and the fact that you build it, and see it fly, it really is satisfying,” Prato said.
Dylan Gaspick and his daughter Andy could not wait to launch their first rocket as new CRC members.
“I used to do this as a kid. My daughter has an interest in space and rocketry, so here we are,” Gaspick said.
Not only can you spend time to build and launch a rocket, but you can also learn about space travel.
One excited 12-year-old, Weston Yoo, said he was excited to see his rockets fly.
“I’ve always liked space. I’ve brought a few rockets here today,” Yoo said.
All flyers are members of the Cambridge Rocket Club and MAAC. But Prato says, viewers and guests are always welcome.
Launch rods and ignition equipment is provided by the club.
Prato has been a member of CRC since 2012, but his love of rocketry, began much earlier.
“I started in 1968. It was January 27. That was my first launch. I remember it very well. I grew up in the space age when Americans were going up onto the moon. And obviously my interest was there, the hobby was there, and they just meshed. I’ve been doing it ever since,” Prato said.
“There is also a competitive aspect. I belong to the Canadian Space Modelling Team. And we compete in the United States and International events. And in 2016, I was in Lviv Ukraine for the World Championships. And that was an amazing experience. There are teams all over the world that compete.”
Today, Prato says rockets are mostly made of plastic, and some even come with pre-assembled parts.
“You can even get some that are already pre-built. In my day, rockets were made of wood. You had to cut, sand, seal, and assemble. They were very light, but also very fragile. Today, 3-D printing is very popular,” Prato said.
Prato is currently mentoring three grade 8 classes.
“We are doing an in-person build and then they will be launching their rockets. This is part of their STEM program,” Prato said.
CRC member Billy Gee has been involved in rocketry for over 52 years.
“I’m going to launch my eight-year-old rocket. I’ve lost it a few times. It’s been caught in trees, but it still lives. I’ve rebuilt it, and it is going up for the first time since then,” Gee said.
Prato said model rocketry is a sport, it’s fun, and it’s inexpensive.
“Anyone can buy one and fly it. As a club, we have the authority to fly it on someone’s field. And we provide insurance for him through the MAAC,” Prato said.
“We are all members of MAAC. They govern radio-controlled airplanes throughout the country. We are just a small part of MAAC. Membership in our club is contingent on membership with them as well.”
Members need to obtain a membership with MAAC to fly with CRC. When it comes to guests, they can fly one rocket under CRC supervision. If they want to continue flying, they can join CRC for a fee of $25 or $10 for those under 16-years of age. They can then obtain a MAAC membership.
“Once you have both, you can fly with us as often as you like,” Prato said.
“We are only authorized to launch on pre-scheduled launch dates. That’s why we encourage guests to come out and give it a try first.”
New members are always welcome.
“This year, we have already had eight new members and the season has just started,” Prato said.
“When you build a rocket, and you look up and see it fly, there is such a sense of accomplishment.”
For more information about the Cambridge Rocket Club, visit here.
