Wilfred Ashley McIsaac's Astrobee D III
The ASTROBEE D III rocket is a modified version of Aerotech's Astrobee D that included 3 strap-on boosters as well as an electronics compartment in the aft section of the main booster. The unique strap-on booster system allows the little booster rockets to drop away from the main vehicle during the flight had everything worked properly. Unfortunately the three strap-on boosters failed to ignite during the lift-off and two of them were later recovered at the crash site several hundred yards away. The ASTROBEE D III mail rocket was retired after only one flight however the overall configuration of the 1 1/2 stage rocket is considered a success.
Wilfred Ashley McIsaac with his Astrobee D III rocket moments before lift-off.
Last second igniter inspection.
The Astrobee D III crash site in a cornfield southeast of the launch pad.
Crash site crater
More wreckage.
Crash site photos.
Crash site photos
Seven pieces of mail with minor damage was retrieved from the payload near the center of the rocket.
Last minute inspection before the doomed June 29th flight.
Crash site photos.
Crash site photos
Moments before lift-off of the Astrobee D III rocket.
Astrobee D III booster section with 3 strap-on mini boosters attached.
Astrobee D III being tested.
Wilfred Ashley McIsaac with his Astrobee D III rocket.
Flights
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