CANCELLED: May 2025 Agua Blanca High Power Launch

UPDATE 22 May 2025: BLM enacted State 2 fire restrictions that prohibit launch activities at the Agua Blanca Launch Site until the restrictions are lifted. Accordingly, we've canceled this launch and refunded registrants.

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

Because of low attendance and anticipated heat, we are not camping overnight, and we are flying just between 6 am & 10 am Saturday. 

Sunrise: 5:21 am
Sunset: 7:20 pm
Typical high temperature: 93 F
Typical low temperature: 65 F

• Saturday 5 am: pick up launch equipment @ TIMPA barn
• Saturday 6 am: set up launch site
• Saturday 6:30 am - 10:00 am
  Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft above ground level (AGL)
• Saturday 10 am - 10:30 am
  Take down the launch site
• Return equipment to TIMPA Barn

Launch Logistics

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

• There is no organized camping this launch due to low attendance and high heat.
• 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.
• No fires are permitted under Pima County's current Stage 2 fire restrictions.
  

• 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.

• SARA is permitted to use this launch site by the US Bureau of Land Management under permit number 2024-01102. Use of this land is subject to provisions described in SARA's Agua Blanca Event Terms and Conditions.
• SARA has obtained authorization to fly Class 2 Amateur Rockets under FAA waiver CSA 23-070 RKT.
• This waiver permits flights under SARA launches up to 14,838 ft above ground level. Details of specific terms and restrictions under this waiver are described in SARA's Agua Blanca Event Terms and Conditions.
• April 19 2025 road conditions video; new gravel in some key sections have improved driving conditions significantly, with a primarily sandy but smooth single lane road most of the way.  There are a couple slower sections, but most of the route is easy to drive at 20 - 25 mph.

• 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.
  

• Rangehead detailed view:
  
  

Range Officers

RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 / TRA 16127 L3

LCO: James Cramton and others as needed