Austin-area Scouts aim to smear model rocket launching record

The 1,000 hand-painted model rockets that Austin-area Cub Scout Pack 990 and Boy Scout Troop 990 are aiming to launch some 500 to 1,000-feet in the sky today aren't as technically sophisticated as some we've seen, but raising over $8,000 in an attempt to obliterate the current record of 399 is something to salute. Rather than pocketing the funds and heading off to Philmont or using this fine weekend to complete that 50-miler via canoe, these two crews have their sights set on deploying a full thousand rockets (shown again after the jump) within five seconds of each other in order to firmly establish a new world record. Interestingly enough, the event has drawn such buzz around the area that Congressman Michael McCaul and Austin City Council Member Lee Leffingwell will actually be speaking at the venue before watching the fireworks -- and if any of you just happen to be in the area with a few extra frames left on your digicam, grab a few shots, will ya? Oh, and we recognize that true Scouts already know the motto, but considering the pyrotechnics you're playing with on this one, we're really stressing that "be prepared" bit.

[Nick C @ May 12th 2007 9:36AM]

They should have just went to Philmont.

[Mike @ May 12th 2007 12:59PM]

srsly, if they don't go to philmont eventually...omg

I can't imagine not going to Philmont...it was rediculous...

[Ed @ May 12th 2007 1:55PM]

Pictures of the launch can be found at geeked.info

[Ed @ May 12th 2007 1:55PM]

err here: http://www.geeked.info/world-record-rocket-launch/

[Dave @ May 12th 2007 3:56PM]

Really, Philmont is better

[scott @ May 12th 2007 5:28PM]

Really? theres nothing better they could have done with that money?

[Mikey @ May 13th 2007 3:45AM]

I hope they used this as part of the Space Exploration merit badge(Requirement #3). Besides, the Cub Scouts are too young for Philmont...

[fredthompson @ May 13th 2007 9:52AM]

Jealous, aren't you, scott?

It's THEIR money, they can do what they want with it.

You can use YOUR money to create more angst for yourself.

[Steve @ May 13th 2007 1:12PM]

Take a close look at that "bulk firing". A significant number of those rockets are turned sideways. Must be interesting to be nearby... :)

SRP

[Austin @ May 13th 2007 9:15PM]

Finally, a better way to raise money for the scouts other than crappy popcorn!

[Matt @ May 14th 2007 10:11AM]

I'm partial to the popcorn, having sold it for way toooooo long. And Philmont rules too--619-G3!