Houston, we have ... a bit of a problem.

Shortly after take off, the model rocket that Chris Schwinof and five or so of his companions designed, built and tested Saturday morning at the Old National Pike District Park veered horizontal and then dove into what looked like a nearby pond.

SLIDESHOW: Members and guests of the National Association of Rocketry Headquarters Astro Modeling Section No. 139 set off model rockets at Old National Pike District Park on Saturday afternoon in Mount Airy. Photos: Travis Pratt.

Teenagers from Montgomery County, Schwinof and others braved the frigid, blustery conditions at the monthly gathering of the National Association of Rocketry Headquarters Astro Modeling Section No. 139.

They were there practicing for this year's Team America Rocketry Challenge. They had to build a rocket that would carry an egg placed sideways 750 feet in the air, with a total fly time of 45 seconds.

Their first attempt was a disappointment as they over corrected for wind speeds of about 15 to 20 miles per hour, and then the parachute didn't deploy, Schwinof said. But they were going to try again, putting the math and science skills they've honed to good use.

James Miers, of Greenbelt, a NARHAMS launch pad manager, said he expected about 40 or so Boy Scouts from the Frederick area throughout the day. Not all of the rockets were carrying eggs or destined for the Team America challenge, but most made it past launch.

Christopher Kletz of Fairfield, Pa., spent about two months building his first rocket, which hurled enthusiastically into the air and parachuted down nearby. A successful launch.

"It was good," Kletz said. "I'm going to go again."

Doug Lowe, of Thurmont, has been bringing his two sons, Stephen, 10, and Thomas, 6, to test their rockets with the NARHAMS group for about a year, he said.

Lowe said his boys aren't rocketry fanatics, but enjoy the friendly instruction of the NARHAMS members.

He said he enjoys the fresh air and family time.

Mark Wise, of Langley Park, has been practicing rocketry on and off since 1973. He brought his son to Saturday's launching.

He said all little boys are, to some degree, pyromaniacs, and rocketry is a safe, inexpensive hobby — the average cost for a beginner's model is about $15 to $25 — that helps scratch that itch.

Copyright © 2008, The Frederick News-Post.