Southern Arizona Rocketry Association

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  • May Agua Blanca High Power Launch

May Agua Blanca High Power Launch

  • 11 May 2024
  • 09:00
  • 12 May 2024
  • 13:00
  • 32°17'26.8"N 111°23'09.0"W
  • 1

Registration

  • Required for access to the flight line. Covers BLM fees, launch support, and equipment maintenance. Groups should register a lead flyer and a number of flyers in the group.
  • Required for access to the spectator area without access to the flight line. Intended for spectators who are not flying rockets. Covers BLM fees and event support. Required for all spectators.

This high power launch at SARA's Agua Blanca launch site is in Ironwood Forest National Monument (INFM), at the West end of Manville Rd (~ 8 miles northwest of TIMPA). Ceiling for this launch is 14,838 ft above ground level (17,000 ft MSL).

About this launch Pre-registration is required!

  • Due to BLM daily use fees, all attendees (members, non-members, and spectators) must pay the fee.

  • Attendance will be granted on a first come, first served basis, so sign up as soon as you can.

  • No entry beyond flight line without a flyer wristband.

  • There is a waitlist available, so if you make a reservation and can't attend, please cancel your reservation up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund so someone else can use your spot.

  • Access to this launch site includes a poorly maintained dirt track that is directly in a wash in some places.

  • Seasonal disruptions to access are possible and unpredictable.

  • High ground clearance (7"+) required; modest SUVs or trucks should be fine.

  • Plan to caravan with the group so you have support in case you get stuck.

  • This is a waivered class 2 (high power) launch, subject to weather, sky, and field conditions.

  • Bring your NAR or Tripoli card as proof of certification. 

  • ALL FLYERS Must be individually registered!

  • ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!

  • SARA will provide launch gear required by registered flyers.

  • SARA policy requires rail guidance for F power and above.  SARA will have a tower launch pad available if your rocket does not support rail guidance.

  • Be sure to indicate what launch gear you will need during registration.

  • Please actually read the terms and conditions linked from the registration page.
    They are not just disclaimers, but contain important logistical information about this launch site and expectations of all attendees.

Launch Schedule

Please help with setting up or taking down launch equipment; the launch can't happen unless we have sufficient help with the logistics.

  • Saturday 9 am - 11 am
    Meet at the TIMPA Barn to collect launch and safety equipment
    Caravan to the Agua Blanca Launch Site
    Set up launch range
  • Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
    Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft above ground level (AGL)
  • Saturday 8 pm - 10 pm
    Night flights subject to SARA's night flight safety rules up to 3500 ft AGL
  • Sunday 7 am - 11 am
    Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft AGL
  • Sunday 11 am - 1 pm
    Take down the launch site
    Return equipment to TIMPA Barn

Launch and Camping Logistics

  • Plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 9 am Saturday to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site. 

  • We'll fly Saturday and Saturday evening, camp overnight, and launch Saturday morning.

  •  You're welcome to show for only part of the launch if that fits your schedule better, but it's a nice remote campsite.

  • Plan to carpool from the TIMPA barn if you do not have a suitable vehicle to navigate a rough dirt road with some significant potholes in places.

  • Launch operations will be broadcast on FRS/GMRS radio channel 18, so bring an FRS or GMRS radio to stay informed while out recovering.

  • We plan to RV and tent camp at the launch site Saturday night.
  •  There are no facilities, no water, and no ground fires permitted at the site.  Please practice Leave No Trace principles and leave the site better than you found it.
  •  SARA will have a rustic, portable cat litter style toilet available with a privacy tent. If you use it, you are responsible for your own cleanup. The TIMPA flush toilets are the closest other available facilities, about 15 minutes away.
  • 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, and closed toe shoes; bring plenty of water, a cell phone, an FRS or GMRS radio, and always recover rockets with a partner.

  • Watch out for gopher holes, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.

About the Launch Site


Range Officers

RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 L3

LCO: James Cramton and others as needed


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SARA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation based in Tucson, Arizona

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