Category Archives: Work Event

MTA work and launch event, 2023-02-19

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by Dimitri Timohovich, RRS.ORG

The RRS met at the Mojave Test Area from Sunday, February 19, through Tuesday, February 21st, primarily to continue working on the restroom. We also got a launch or two off on Sunday thanks to Keith Yoerg.

Returning rocket to the MTA courtesy of favorable winds

Here is a basic recap of what was done and what needs to be finished to get the bathroom up to working order.

On Sunday, 2/19/2023, Keith and I installed 5 of the 6 unistrut segments on top of the Dosa building. The last piece was accidentally left behind and will be installed on the next trip out. Dave Nordling assisted with installing the lighting in both bathrooms which were tested. 4-hour mechanical timer switches were used to avoid wasting power.

Dave Nordling also cleared brush in the western part of the MTA property that day.

Mechanical timer switches used in both restrooms.
Dual LED panels from recreational vehicles provide excellent low-power lighting.
Good quality light from just two panels.

On Monday, 2/20/2023, I welded and installed the four-inch sewage drain passthrough and attached the sewage drain line to the passthrough. I started welding the other two passthroughs.

On Tuesday, 2/21/2023, I continued welding passthroughs until the wind came up and had to stop. From there, I continued installing the water intake line on top of the container and continued hooking up Pex pipes inside the container.

What’s next will be finishing the 4-inch drain line and starting the 2-inch drain line in the ground. The 2-inch passthrough must be welded in to the container wall. Attachment of the intake water line to it’s passthrough will follow, then attaching the water line from passthrough to water pump. We must also finish attaching the water lines from the pump to all fixtures.

We will temporarily attach the water pump to battery power and test the lines. This will get the bathroom to interim working status which is a major goal of the project. The date of the next work event is not known at this time but will be coming very soon.

MTA work event, 2023-02-08

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by Bill Claybaugh, RRS.ORG

The first elements of the new launch rail were brought to the RRS MTA from Colorado. This included the base, modular guide rail and the hydraulic lift system.

Unpacking upon arrival at the RRS MTA
Base mount sitting on the new pad, anchors being made ready

More work to the mounting (bolts) and changes to the hydraulic lift fluid system was necessary. A list of items and tasks were generated for later completion. At this time, the launch rail is not ready for use. Also, the design does not allow the rocket to be mounted and lifted from the horizontal position. The rocket is loaded vertically and attached to the rails by a pair of bellybands similar to the previous launch.

Partial deployment of the new launch rail system, more work required

Launch preparations including mixing, pouring and casting will take place in late April this year as planned. Completing the new launch rail will be added going forward.

Thanks to Joe Dominguez and Rushd Julfiker for their assistance.

MTA work event, 2023-01-22

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by Dimitri Timohovich, RRS.ORG

The RRS held a work event at the MTA to continue the work on the restroom. It was a four day event starting, Sunday, January 22nd and ending Wednesday, January 25th. Several members came out throughout this event to help.

On the first day, we cleaned up the Creosote bushes around the Dosa building and between Dosa building and the pit toilet.  The pit toilet platform was releveled. Our pit toilet has always been a simple stopgap measure until our more grand facility goes into service.

Several people got trained in using the loader to scrape and smooth out the area. I put together scaffolding and prepped the jobsite. Started to install electrical in both bathrooms.

Less bursh means more space at the MTA.

On the second day, we installed shelves in maintenance area and mounted the water pump and water heater. Started to put together the drainage pipes inside the container and assembled the shower drain.

Batteries, water pump and water heater installed.

On the third day, Installed hand rails around toilet in handicap bathroom. Installed sink braces and Installed storage cabinets in both bathrooms. Finished up drainage pipe inside the container. Rented trencher and started laying in the conduit from Dosa building to container.

Sewer header

On the last day, I finished trenching and returned the trencher. Finished laying conduit into the trench then covered up the trench and packed the dirt down.

All in all, a successful event, but there’s more work before the restroom is operational. We’ll have another work event in mid-February 2023. Details to follow later.

Many thanks to Keith Yoerg, Leanna Lincoln, Bill Inman, Osvaldo Tarditti, Joe Dominguez, Waldo Stakes and Dave Nordling who helped.