Vol. 49 No. 49 December 18, 2009 Photo by Rachel Boettcher Congratulations, lieutenants! Air Force Academy graduates celebrate receiving their commissions and Bachelor of Science degrees during a ceremony in the Arnold Hall Ballroom here Wednesday. They are (front to back): 2nd Lts. Robert Mobley Jr., Robert Manning, Nathan Liptak, Matthew Campbell, Rudolph Bowen II, Jordan Barber and Thomas Avolio. Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould delivered the commencement address. Igniter caused FalconLaunch6 malfunction By Staff Sgt. Don Branum The cadet team changed the current Academy Public Affairs FalconLaunch8 propulsion system to reduce the risk of a repeat occurrence in Cadets and staff with the Astronautics the current rocket’s motor. One change Department here concluded that an aft- includes installing the igniter near the installed thermite igniter was the most top of the rocket, rather than near the likely cause of a malfunction in nozzle. FalconLaunch6 that destroyed the rocket FalconLaunch8 is scheduled to during a static fire test Nov. 4. undergo a test fire in Jacks Valley here in Observations made from high-speed January. A successful test will lead to a imagery and data collected after the planned April 2010 launch of the rocket malfunction suggest that the motor case from White Sands Missile Range, N.M. experienced a rapid rise in pressure within Cadets expect the vehicle to travel faster the first second after launch, according than Mach 3 for more than five seconds. to the investigation. FalconLaunch8 will carry the The most likely probabilities are that program’s first Department of Defense the igniter released more energy than Space Test Program payload: instru- expected, detonating solid rocket fuel mented winglets designed for per- that was weakened by the igniter’s place- formance testing at high speeds. The Photo by Mike Kaplan ment within the rocket, or that dislodged winglets could be used on future reusable Cadets 1st Class Daniel Richardson and Sean Foote prepare FalconLaunch- fuel and the expelled igniter blocked the space vehicles and other hypersonic 6 for a static test fire in Jacks Valley Nov. 4. A malfunction that destroyed the exhaust nozzle, the investigation systems if they prove successful on the rocket during the test fire was traced back to the igniter. Cadets Richardson concluded. FalconLaunch project. and Foote are part of the FalconLaunch8 propulsion team. WEEKEND WEATHER FRIDAY 39 21 Close Encounters Cadet EMTs to the rescue In the Stairwell MOSTLY SUNNY SATURDAY FalconSAT-3 makes a close rendezvous with a Cadets use their emergency medical technician It’s not just a name — it’s also where the 41 21 Department of Energy satellite. training to save lives. Academy’s a cappella group got its start. MOSTLY SUNNY Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 SUNDAY 44 22 MOSTLY SUNNY 2 December 18, 2009 SECAF,CSAF,CMSAF send holiday greetings By Michael Donley, To our deployed Airmen, your welcome them into your holiday celebra- To responsibly inform and educate the Gen. Norton Schwartz commitment to the defense of America tions in the spirit of giving and support Academy community and the public and Chief Master Sgt. James Roy about the Air Force Academy and her ideals, and your families’ quiet that makes our greater Air Force family Lt. Gen. Mike Gould — sacrifice that sustains your service, are so special. Academy Superintendent WASHINGTON (AFNS) — To the worthy of our deep and enduring respect. Finally, we ask that you consider Capt. Corinna Jones — Deputy Director of Public Affairs Airmen of the United States Air Force: Know that millions of Americans are safety during all of your holiday activities. Staff Sgt. Don Branum — During this holiday season, please truly thankful for your courage and sacri- Take extra time to ensure your travel NCIO in charge of Internal Information take the opportunity to reflect on our fice and pray for your well-being and safe plans don’t put you or your loved ones at [email protected] Ken Carter — Editor blessings as Americans and to remember return to your families. risk. Each year, we lose Airmen to [email protected] the many people who enrich our lives. As For those of us with the good fortune preventable accidents, so we ask you to Butch Wehry — Senior Staff Writer we celebrate the holidays with more than to celebrate at home with family and redouble your efforts to think about [email protected] Ann Patton — Staff Writer 36,000 Airmen — as well as our joint friends, please remember our fellow safety — for you, your families and your [email protected] partners — engaged in combat opera- Airmen in harm’s way and the family Wingmen. Denise Navoy — Graphic Designer tions across the globe, we are thankful for members who miss them. Especially In all of the joyous ways that this holi- The Academy Spirit is published by Colorado the men and women who have answered during this Year of the Air Force Family, day season is celebrated, we wish you and Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under our nation’s call in a time of war and who we ask that you reach out to those fami- yours the very best — during this special exclusive written contract with the U.S. Air Force selflessly serve to ensure our freedom. lies as well as our single Airmen and time and throughout the New Year. Academy. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspa- per is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Academy Spirit are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense Keep your holidays from going up in flames or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute By Hal McLelland offers the following advice for picking, endorsement by the Department of Defense, the 82nd Training Wing fire inspector Department of the Air Force, or Colorado Springs placing and lighting the tree: Military Newspaper Group, of the products or servic- — Make sure artificial trees are es advertised. Everything advertised in this publica- SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, labeled, certified or identified by the tion shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, Texas — For most of us, the holiday manufacturer as fire retardant. national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, season is a time for family festivities and — If you use a fresh tree, make sure political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The printer reserves the good cheer. What few of us consider is the the green needles don’t fall off when right to reject any advertisements. increased risk of home fires. touched; before placing it in the stand, cut Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the U.S. Air Force Academy Directorate of Public Many households engage in holiday one or two inches from the base of the Affairs. The editor reserves the right to edit articles activities that serve as some of the leading trunk. Add water to the tree stand daily. to conform to Air Force policy and Associated Press style. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos causes of U.S. home fires, such as cooking, — Make sure the tree is not blocking unless otherwise indicated. Christmas trees and candles and holiday an exit and is at least three feet away from decorations, all of which significantly any heat source such as a fireplace, space Submissions contribute to the seasonal causes of home heater, radiator, candle, heat vent or Send submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 fires. incandescent light. Cadet Drive, Suite 3100, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-5016 or deliver to Suite 3100 in Harmon Hall. As everyone gets busier during the — Use lights that have an inde- Deadline for free classified ads on a space- holidays, we often become rushed, pendent testing laboratory’s label and available basis is noon every Tuesday for that distracted or tired and that’s when home know whether they are designed for week’s publication date. Paid classified advertising is accepted by the publisher at 329-5236. The number fires are more likely to occur. Fortunately, indoor or outdoor use. to call for display advertising is 634-5905. with a little added awareness and some — Replace any string of lights that Deadline for all stories is noon Friday, one week prior to the desired publication date. Refer minor adjustments to holiday cooking Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel has worn or broken cords or loose bulb questions to the Academy Spirit editor at 333-8823. and decorating, the season can remain candles. The National Fire Protection connections. Connect no more than three The Academy Spirit also accepts story submissions by fax at 333-4094 or by e-mail: festive and safe for everybody. Association’s statistics show that more strands of mini-string sets and a pa.newspaper@ usafa.af.mil. With unattended cooking as the than half of all candle fires start because maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. leading cause of U.S. home fires and home the candles were too close flammable — Never use lit candles to decorate fire injuries, stay in the kitchen while objects. Consider using flameless candles, the tree. The Action Line is a direct link you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. but if you do use traditional candles, keep — Always turn off tree lights before to USAFA's senior leadership.