Rocket Launch 03/02/2024

Kevin started the launch with his scratch built Thetan OT 8 on a C5-3. A Thetan OT 8, in the context of Scientology, refers to an individual who has attained the highest level of Operating Thetan, the spiritual advancement levels within the Church of Scientology. OT 8 is considered the pinnacle of the OT levels, representing a state of spiritual awareness and ability believed to be beyond the influence of the body or the physical universe. Achieving OT 8 involves completing a series of confidential and advanced auditing processes,

addressing deep-seated spiritual issues and traumas. The specifics of these processes are closely guarded within the Church of Scientology. The term “Thetan” refers to the immortal spiritual being, according to Scientology doctrine. It is important to note that information about OT levels is generally proprietary to the Church, and some critics argue that the secretive nature of these teachings raises ethical concerns. References to the Thetan OT 8 and Scientology doctrine can be found in the works of L. Ron Hubbard,

the founder of Scientology, including his writings such as “The Bridge to Total Freedom” and the “Advanced Clinical Courses.” Additionally, official Scientology publications and websites provide information on the OT levels and Thetan concept.

Kevin flew his scale model of the LTV Scout on a C6-3. It was an Estes kit from the production years 1971-1982 and sold from $6.00 to $9.50. The LTV Scout is a 1/24 scale model of the Italian version of the LTV Scout and is a Level 3 kit with well detailed plastic parts and realistic color decals. The kit #1287 contains four body tubes, one balsa nose block, a plastic nose cone, two molded plastic transition sections, a plastic fin can, an 18mm engine mount and tube stuffer system, an 18″ parachute, launch lug, decal sheet, clay weight and instructions.

The original Scout, a backronym for Solid Controlled Orbital Utility Test system, was designed in 1957 at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA’s Langley Research Center. Developed as a cost-effective and reliable launch vehicle for small payloads into space, the Scout rocket utilized solid rocket motors for its propulsion system. It played a significant role in the early years of space exploration, launching various scientific and technological payloads.

The Italia version of the Scout, known as Scout-Italia, was a collaborative effort between NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The Italia version involved modifications to the Scout design to accommodate specific mission requirements and payload capabilities. The Scout-Italia contributed to Italy’s space program, supporting scientific research and satellite deployments.

References for the original Scout’s development and the Scout-Italia version can be found in historical NASA documents, space exploration archives, and publications detailing international collaborations in space research and technology. Additionally, records from the Italian Space Agency may provide insights into the specifics of the Scout-Italia program.

Kevin flew his Flis-Kit Praetor 2-stage tocket on a C11-0 to a C6-5. The booster engine CATO’ed about 100 feet above the pad but lit the second stage for a successful flight. There was some minor damage to the booster coupler but I was able to get some great photos. A CATastrOphic failure 0r CATO is defined as: A motor failure, generally explosive, where all the propellant is burned in a much shorter time than planned. Obviously, a manufacturing error can cause the CATO.

These motors will fail brand new, right off of the hobby sales shelf, and should be reported to the manufacturer. There is a website, MESS Reports, the Malfunctioning Engine Statistical Survey (MESS) a joint organization program that