This is a Class 1 launch at SARA's Agua Blanca launch site, in Ironwood Forest National Monument, at the West end of Manville Rd, about 15 minutes northwest of the TIMPA facility.
Pre-registration is required. Attendance will be granted on a first come, first served basis, so sign up as soon as you can.
There is a waitlist available, so if you make a reservation and can't attend, please cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund so someone else can use your spot.
Access to this launch site includes a poorly maintained dirt road that is directly in a wash in some places. Seasonal disruptions to access are possible and unpredictable. While a Honda Insight has successfully navigated the route, a Toyota Corolla has become stuck before. Use your judgement, and arrange a carpool with a modest clearance SUV or pickup if you doubt your vehicle's abilities. High clearance 4WD is not a requirement, but certainly wouldn't hurt.
This is a class 1 launch, subject to weather, sky, and field conditions. Class 1 flights have a pad weight of 1500 grams (3.3 lbs) or less, and the motor must have 125 grams of propellant or less. Some H motors qualify, as do all motors G and below. No FAA waiver will be in place for Class 2 high power rockets for this launch.
We plan to camp at the launch site Friday evening. There are no facilities, no water, and no ground fires permitted at the site. We have seen RVs in the area, though mostly trucks with in-bed campers and vans. This is a trial run of the camping experience; SARA will have a rustic, portable cat litter style toilet available with a privacy tent.
Goals for this launch include gaining first hand experience launching and recovering rockets on this range, further developing guidelines for ground tests and logistics of camping at this site.
Plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 4 pm to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site. We'll camp overnight Friday and launch Saturday morning. You're welcome to show for only Saturday's launch if that fits your schedule better.
Carpooling from the TIMPA barn or the IFNM access point are recommended.
Ground fires are not permitted at this location. Fires are permitted only in portable fire rings; pack out all ash. Gas cooking is fine.
Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, closed toe shoes, plenty of water, a cell phone, and always recover rockets with a partner. Watch out for gopher holes, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Access Point (carpooling site) https://goo.gl/maps/Wkzqt6kMNe3dJt7UA
Entrance gate coordinates: https://goo.gl/maps/zaQ5zehxKmmEYHhBA
Area overview:
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