Launches

This page was last updated on September 1, 2010 at 20:26
Note: This page is kept as up to date as possible but I am not responsible for last minute and unannounced changes. Please send additions and corrections to rocket877@aol.com
Texas Launch Sites with maps,GPS coordinates and other info - Texas Burn Ban Map

Texas Launches
September 1, 2010	San Antonio Rocket Society (Tripoli San Antonio#55) Monthly Meeting @ Chester's
September 4, 2010	AARG Class 2 Launch @ Hutto
September 4, 2010	NASA Houston Rocket Club Normal Launch @ Johnson Space Center
September 11, 2010	DARS Business Meeting @ Christopher A. Parr Library 4:00 pm map
September 11&12, 2010	Tripoli Houston #002 Class 2 & Research Launch @ Hearne, Tx
September 11, 2010	Alamo Rocketeers Monthly Class 1 Launch @ China Grove, Tx
September 18, 2010	DARS Class 1 Launch @ Frisco, Tx
September 18, 2010	NASA Houston Rocket Club Normal Launch @ Johnson Space Center
September 25 & 26, 2010	WTR TRA Research @ Girvin, Tx
October 16, 2010	Medina Valley High School Cornfield Classic @ Castroville, Tx
National Launches
September 11-19, 2010	XPRS eXtreme Performance Rocket Ships @ Black Rock, Nevada
September 24, 25 & 26, 2010	BALLS 19, World Class Experimental Rocketry @ Black Rock, Nevada
March 12 & 13, 2011	NARCON 2011 @ Seattle, WA
June 10-12, 2011	NSL 2011 @ Lucerne, CA
July 23-29, 2011	NARAM 53 @ Cincinnati, OH
September 1-6, 2011	LDRS 30 @ Argonia, KS

??? :a monthly club launch is usually scheduled but I haven't seen an official club announcement yet.
Types of Rocket Launches

Class 1, Model Rockets	Rockets are limited to 1,500 grams (3.3 Pounds) total weight and no more that 125 grams of propellant in commercially made and certified motors. No individual certifications are required. Some restrictions may apply however based on field size and other considerations.
Class 2, High Power Rockets	Rockets may be larger than 3.3 pounds total weight. The upper weight limit is determined by the motor used. The motors must be commercially manufactured and certified between "H" and "N" (great than 160 N sec and less than 40,960 N sec) impulse. Maximum altitude and impulse is determined by the FAA waiver in effect and field size. Individual fliers must be certified by NAR, TRA or CAR if the launch is hosted by one of these organizations. Some clubs allow model rockets to be flown at their high power launches but is best to check with club officers before showing up.
Research	Hosted only by TRA clubs. All fliers must be current TRA members and TRA High Power Rocketry Certified Level 2 or higher to fly research motors. Commercially manufactured motors may be used, consistent with the certification level of the individual. Class 2, Maxiumum altitude and impulse are determined by the FAA waiver. Some clubs allow unaffiliated and uncertified spectators at Research launches but it is best to check with club officers before showing up.
Freedom Launch	Family friendly, children of all ages are welcome. NO club affiliation or certifications needed. All rockets and motors appropriate to the field conditions and FAA waiver are acceptable. Both commercially manufactured and homemade motors are welcome. All flights must be approved by the Range Safety Officer (RSO). These launches are uninsured and each individual attending the launch must sign a liability waiver.
Meet or Competition	Rocket competitions sponsored by NAR clubs. The United States Model Rocket Sporting Code or "Pink Book" establishes the rules. Rockets are limited to 3.3 pounds propellant and "G" or less impulse. Meets can be classed as Local, Open, Regional or National depending on the scope of the meet, i.e. the number of participants and sections. Regular sport (non-competition) flying is usually allowed.

Texas Amateur Rocket Launch Sites - Burn Ban Map

Name	Longitude, Latitude and Elevation	County	Club Website	Normal Launch Window	Current Weather	FAA Waiver	Impulse Limit	Range Fees (may vary)	Contact
Asa	3125'51" N, 9702'18" W, 372 feet	McLennan	HOTROC	Saturday & Sunday October - March	Waco	11,000/24,999	N	MR:$7.50/day HPR:$10/day	Charles Barnett
Bastrop	3005'43.41"N, 9719'12.31"W, 362 feet	Bastrop	CenTAR	Varies	Bastrop	N/A	C	None	O. Lee James
Bertram	3046.048' N, 984.713'W, 1265 feet	Burnet	AARG	1st Saturday, April-August	Bertram	5280 feet	J	Class 1 $7 Class 2 $10	Stu Barrett
Bob Woodruff Park	3301'29"N, 9639'31"W, 530 feet	Collin	DARS	Varies	Plano	N/A	D	None	Jack Sprague
Chester's	2930'57"N,9827'31"W, 751 feet	Bexar	SARS	1st Wednesday	San Antonio	N/A	N/A	None	David Jones
China Grove	2923'03"N,9820'19"W, 634 feet	Bexar	Alamo Rocketeers	2nd Saturday	China Grove	N/A	G	None	John Lee
Frisco	3311'13"N, 9646'30"W, 776 feet	Collin	DARS	3rd Saturday	Frisco	N/A	G	None	Jack Sprague
Girvin	3100'31"N, 10216'16"W, 2310 feet	Pecos	WTR	4th Saturday & Sunday	Girvin	21,500' AGL	N	$5/day for members $10/day for non-members	Jay Holcombe
Hearne Municipal Airport	3051'38"N, 9637'18"W, 271 feet	Robertson	TH2	2nd Saturday	Hearne	12,500/15,000	M	$10/day	David Bachelder
Hutto	3036' 49" N, 9729' 51" W, 650 feet	Williamson	AARG	1st Saturday, September-March	Hutto	14,000' AGL	M	$7 Class 1(MR) $10 Class 2(HPR)	Stu Barrett
Johnson Space Center	2933'30"N, 9505'51"W, 16 feet	Harris	NHRC	1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday	Houston	N/A	G	NHRC membership required	Warren Benson
Roberts Ranch	2921'06"N, 9551'38"W, 75 feet	Fort Bend	Challenger 498	2nd Saturday	Needville	7000 feet	G	None	Mike McClellan
Waxahachie	3223'32"N, 9647'40"W, 555 feet	Ellis	Midlothian Rocketeer Society/DARS	Varies	Waxahachie	3000 feet	K	Unknown	Jack Sprague
Windom	3333'15"N,9558'51"W, 668 feet	Fannin	DARS	4th Saturday	Windom	17,000 AGL	M	????	Jack Sprague

Alamo Rocketeers Model Rocket Launch @ China Grove, TX
from 10 AM until 2 PM

This is a model rocket launch hosted under the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code. You don't have to be a club member to attend and participate and children are welcome. The launch will be held in the Fireworks Safe Area just off Highway 87 East in China Grove. There will be a prize awarded for the most successful flights during the launch. For more information contact John Lee (210)844-5600, john@jal3.net or join the Alamo Rocketeer Yahoo discussion group.
All are invited to Bubba's afterwards for lunch and to unwind. Bring friends. Bring rockets. Bring motors and let's launch.

Amateur Rocketeers of Texas Freedom Launch @ The Meek Ranch

Freedom launches follow the ARSA safety code. Children and rockets of all sized are welcome. No certifications are necessary or recognized. No club membership is necessary, just a desire to fly rockets safely. There are no Range Fees. You can fly any type rocket or motor including experimental motors. The only requirement is that it follows the ARSA safety code and the RSO approves it.
The impulse limit for the field is "J" and the FAA waiver is 12,500 feet with call-ins to 16,000 feet. The field is a treeless cow pasture and the closest comfort facilities are 10 miles away, Please dress appropriately. Boots, long pants and a long sleeve shirt are always a good idea. Bring sun block and lots of water to drink. This launch has NO insurance coverage and everyone, including spectators, must sign a Liability Waiver. To save time print the the waiver and fill it out at home and bring it with you to the launch. Launch cards will be used for each flight and will also be available at the RSO table. If you have any questions, please ask Art Applewhite, (830)896-6331

Challenger498 Model Rocket Launch @ Roberts Ranch in Needville, Tx

16703 Hubenak Road,Needville, TX 77461

The time frame we can hold the launch is 10 AM - 3 PM or whenever interest diminishes. Of course, we'll keep an eye out for any approaching precipitation in the area that may affect the go/no go status of these launch dates. The ground is relatively flat with short grass, very few trees in the vicinity." For more info contact Mike McClellan (m_superfly@hotmail.com)

DARS Model Rocket Launch @ Frisco, TX

The launch site is located on a Frisco Parks Department field located north of the city. All launches are conducted with permission from the City of Frisco Parks Department and are subject to the rules and restrictions listed below:
1. The site is limited to model and mid power rocket flights only with total impulse not to exceed "G".
2. Rocket weight must not exceed 3.3 pounds.
3. Rockets can be flown only as part of a sanctioned DARS Launch or Outreach Activity.
4. NAR Model Rocket Safety Code rules will be in effect at all launches held at this site.
Launches will be free of charge to all fliers and open to any member of the general public who is willing to abide by all rules and regulations required by both the City of Frisco Parks Department and NAR.

HOTROC High Power Launch @ Asa, Texas

The field is great. 24,000 ft waiver. Launch Fees: HPR adults - $10 one day per family, HPR adults - $15 two days per family, Low Power adults - $7.50, Low Power - FREE for kids, Observers - FREE.
HOTROC hosts independent high power launches at a very large field Asa (near Waco) Texas during the winter months.
HOTROC Launch Schedule , Info about Asa Launch site , Commercial Flight Card , Research Flight Card , Liability Waiver
Charles Barnett, pres HOTROC

NHRC Normal Launch at JSC

We fly on the first, third and fifth Saturday of each month at the Johnson Space Center. It has an approximately 1.25 square mile wide open field with only a few trees. It's a great place to fly! Access is granted via presentation of a NHRC gate pass at the Saturn Ln. guard house. After entering the gate, drive past the mighty Saturn 5 and turn left into the driveway immediately after the first building (this is building 14 and is approximately 1/4 mile from the guard house). Follow the driveway around to the back of the building and continue onto the driveway as it continues out into the field. Two groups fly in the field, R.C. airplanes and rockets. The R.C.ers ask that we drive to the left behind their flight prep area and avoid the concrete part of the road which they use for a runway. To get a gate pass you must be a member of NHRC. Our yearly dues are $15 for individuals or $20 for Families.
To join the club, just print out this APPLICATION and mail with a check made out to the address on the application.
Here is a Map to the JSC Launch Site.
See "http://nasahoustonrocketclub.org" and "http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NHRC-General" for details ...

Launch Announcement Tripoli Houston #002
Two-Day Launch,Saturday Commercial, Sunday EX
Tripoli Rocketry Association sanctioned – fully insured

Hearne Municipal Airport, Hearne TX.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Waiver: 12,500 feet, with call- in to 16,000 feet.
Map: http://www.tinyurl.com/bagtj

Launch Status

Always check the Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tripoli-Houston/ on Friday before the launch to verify the launch status. You should join the mailing list to get any updates emailed to you directly.

General Information

Tripoli Houston will have launch equipment on hand to support any flight from model rocket to High Power. We will be setting up low-power pads, H&I pads and J & K pads. The "L" and "M" pads will not be set up, unless requested. If you are flying a rocket with a motor in the L or M class please request the equipment ahead of time, or be willing to set it up prior to your launch. Send all special requests to the launch director.

We always welcome help with set up, tear down and everything in between at our launches, so please pitch in.

Quick Weather Check: http://www.tinyurl.com/8tyfx

Things to bring
shade/shelter, sunscreen, water, hat, light color cotton clothing, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots, cell phone. Please leave your cell phone number with the LCO if you head into the wilderness chasing rockets. This is a safety issue

About the field
1) Camping is allowed, tents or RV.
2) Public restrooms are within walking distance.
3) Dump and fresh water utilities are available for RV campers.
4) There are motels and restaurants in town.

Vendors Possible
CLE Enterprises: Chad 281-914-6120; ce96354@yahoo.com
QuickBurst: Dave 979-373-6601; info@quickburst.net

Tripoli Launch Requirements
If you are planning to fly with us, please review the Tripoli High Power Safety Code.
http://www.tripoli.org/Launches/Safety/HighPowerSafetyCode/tabid/185/Default.aspx

If you are planning on a research flight please review the Tripoli Research Safety Code.
http://www.tripoli.org/Launches/ResearchLaunchInfoForms/tabid/86/Default.aspx

If you are planning a TRA or NAR cert flight, make arrangements with NAR or TRA folks in advance.

Launch Director Contact Information
Brad Winbigler 832-642-6435

The Competition Consortium
NAR CONTEST INFORMATION, TIPS, AND NATIONAL RECORD ANALYSIS

Please send updates and corrections to rocket877@aol.com