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
All flyers must individually register.
All attendees (members, non-members, and spectators) must register.
No entry beyond the flight line without a flyer wristband.
Attendance will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
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 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, but please let us know if you require the use of the tower.
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. Sunrise: 6:15 am Sunset: 6:12 pm Typical high temperature: 90 F Typical low temperature: 67 F
Launch and Camping Logistics
Friday crew, plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 3 pm Friday to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site.
An early set up crew will camp overnight Friday, and be prepared to support flights staring at 6:30 Saturday morning.
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 transmit on FRS/GMRS radio channel 18, so bring an FRS or GMRS radio to stay informed while out recovering.
Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants, 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.
April 27 2024 road conditions video; the first 1/2 mile is the roughest, with a primarily sandy but smooth single lane road in the later 2 miles.
Immersive 360 degree video of a rocket flight from this launch site to 2300 ft AGL
Ironwood Forest National Monument Access Point (alternate carpooling site) https://goo.gl/maps/Wkzqt6kMNe3dJt7UA
Launch site entrance gate coordinates: https://goo.gl/maps/zaQ5zehxKmmEYHhBA
Area overview, with the IFNM Access Point at the yellow pin in the center right of the map. Launch site spectator area is in the green triangle near the junction of the two dirt roads.
Range Officers
RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 / TRA 16127 L3
LCO: James Cramton and others as needed
Copyright © 2022 Southern Arizona Rocketry Association (SARA)SARA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation based in Tucson, Arizona
