General MSJ TARC 2015-2016 Information
Katherine Xiang
Hello all,
Below is the general information about TARC as well as MSJ's TARC Program. Remember, this is an overview. More specific information about TARC and model rocketry, as well as MSJ's TARC Program are in the rules document and the MSJHS TARC Handbook in Google Drive, respectively. The MSJHS TARC handbook is also attached to this post.
Basic TARC info:
TARC is an annual nationwide model rocketry contest. Each team of three or more students (Grades 7-12) builds a rocket and launches it to meet certain targets and specifications. The rockets are launched with a payload of two raw hen eggs of 55-61 grams each, which must be recovered safely separate from the motor stage. One egg must be positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the rocket body, and one parallel. Recovery is done by at least one parachute, and all parts of the rocket must return safely and connected. Scoring is based on proximity to a target altitude and time range (from launch until touchdown). For 2016, the target altitude is 850ft, and the target time range is 44-46 seconds. The score is calculated by adding the absolute difference between the achieved altitude and the target altitude and 4 times the lowest absolute difference between the achieved time and the targeted time range. The lower the score the better.
Each team has a maximum of three qualification attempts, which are then submitted, and are then judged based on the two best scores. The teams which score in the top 100 are then invited to nationals, which occur in May, in Virginia. The teams there compete for the national titles.
Basic program info:
The MSJHS TARC program oversees all of the TARC teams registered under MSJHS. All members and teams in the program meet several times a month during TARC season to go over general topics concerning the program, model rocketry information, and training. Each team then has its own meetings for designing and building their own rockets. Teams are directed by their team captains, who report to the program director. Team captains are responsible for running their own teams effectively, and the director manages the entire program - education, logistics, and organization. Meetings will begin during the summer.
As of now, we operate under the Tech and Robotics club of MSJHS. This will allow us to take advantage of the benefits of a club at MSJHS.
Time and monetary commitment:
TARC, as an engineering competition, does require a significant time commitment. Do not join unless you can make this commitment and truly want to participate. Joining on a whim and then dropping out later will only result in a waste of time and resources for yourself and your team members. Members can expect to initially spend at least five hours a week on TARC, not including launches. However, each team is responsible for arranging and managing its own time, which means that team members can easily work out agreements on meetings and assignments with their teams as necessary to accommodate for their personal schedules. Launches are with the Livermore Unit of the NAR, whose calendar is here. Launches at Moffett Field take up entire Saturday mornings, and launches at Snow Ranch take up the morning and most of the afternoon. Parent drivers will also be needed for all launches, although a carpool arrangement will be worked out.
Each team should expect to spend around $300 in the first year of operation. This includes registration, rocket construction materials, and launch supplies. After the first year, teams should expect to spend less than $300, the extent at which this occurs depends on each team. (This does not include the price for airplane tickets in the event that a team makes nationals.) The program does plan to have fundraising events to defray the costs in part, as well as obtain additional financial support from Tech and Robotics club.
All other information should be in the TARC folder in Google Drive. (https://goo.gl/1mov6c)