Southern Arizona Rocketry Association

SARA's events require pre-registration to permit us to better manage staffing and other resources to help ensure launches and meetings run efficiently. Here is a list of upcoming events you can register for, and, where needed, pay fees online ahead of time.

Event Calendar

  • September 2025 SARA Board Meeting

    • 9 Sep 2025
    • 19:30 - 21:00
    • Zoom
    • 8 registrants
    Register

    Monthly gathering of the SARA Board to discuss the business of the club. 

    Meetings held via Zoom, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:30 - 9:00pm (19:30 - 21:00).

    Typical Agenda (email agenda items to board@sararocketry.org):

    • Treasurer's report
    • Old business
    • Follow up on action items from previous month's meeting minutes
    • New business: TBD, typically the week before meeting
    • Committee Updates
    • Bylaws/Incorporation: (Matt)
    • Range Ops
    • Safety/Training
    • Themed launches
    • Membership
    • Comms/Public Relations/Outreach

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84860572874

    Dial in number:

    1-669-900-9128

    Meeting ID: 848 6057 2874




    Show details

  • September 2025 Launch at Udall Park

    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • Udall Park's Southern Undeveloped Area (See Description for Details)
    • 38
    • 7 registrants
    Register

    UDALL PARK LAUNCHES RESUME!

    Maybe ...

    Note that if the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are still in place for CoT and Pima County on Thursday, September 11th, we will unfortunately have no choice but to cancel this launch. 

    SARA has received permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department to host low power launches at Udall Park on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. 

    These launches are generally limited to flights up to D motors, up to 1000 feet above ground level, and excluding clustered or staged rockets.

    This is not a blanket authorization for anyone to launch rockets in Udall Park or any other City of Tucson Park, and these activities are prohibited without written permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation.

    The site is open desert, with some cactus and debris throughout the recovery area. But it's a good area for rocket flights, with few tall trees and generally walkable terrain.

    Public health precautions in effect include:

    • If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, stay home.

    Parking for the launch site is off of Sabino Canyon Road, South of Tanque Verde Road.

    For driving directions, refer to this Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/CQtzYgrvHiyU5BDT7. From the overflow parking across from Ramada # 9 and southern baseball fields, follow the dirt trail 250 yards to the southeast. You can park near the softball fields or in the overflow parking lot during SARA launches at Udall Park. Park staff usually open the gates to the black gravel overflow parking area, and if it is open, you are welcome to drive directly to the launch site; the route and range head area are shown below in yellow, and is marked by SARA signs during launches.Udall Park Launch Area


    SARA will provide launch equipment, including 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch launch rods and a 1010 launch rail.



    Show details

  • September 2025 TIMPA Launch

    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 08:00 - 11:00
    • 3580 N Reservation Rd Marana, AZ 85653
    • 40
    Register

    SARA's SEPTEMBER 2025 Tucson International Modelplex Park Association (TIMPA) launch is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th from 8 am - 11 am at the SARA launch site near Picture Rocks.

    Pre-registration is required.

    • ALL FLYERS Must be individually registered!
    • ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!
    • 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.
    • Please consider volunteering to work for an hour during the launch to help keep our launch running smoothly.
    • You must be qualified to serve as LCO or RSO, but the other positions are available to anyone.
    • Launch operations will cease, if
      • There are not sufficient volunteers!
      • Weather conditions (such as sustained high wind speeds, fire danger) prohibit safe launching.
      • Red flag fire warnings cancel the launch.
    • Public Health precaution: If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, please do not attend the launch
    • As always, while a specific waiver altitude and motor limit is expected, field and sky conditions at flight time may dictate restricted operations. 
    • Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, closed toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and always recover rockets with a partner. 
    • Watch out for animal burrows, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.


    Show details

  • October 2025 Launch at Udall Park

    • 11 Oct 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • Udall Park's Southern Undeveloped Area (See Description for Details)
    • 43
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    SARA has received permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department to host low power launches at Udall Park on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. 

    These launches are generally limited to flights up to D motors, up to 1000 feet above ground level, and excluding clustered or staged rockets.

    This is not a blanket authorization for anyone to launch rockets in Udall Park or any other City of Tucson Park, and these activities are prohibited without written permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation.

    The site is open desert, with some cactus and debris throughout the recovery area. But it's a good area for rocket flights, with few tall trees and generally walkable terrain.

    Public health precautions in effect include:

    • If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, stay home.

    Parking for the launch site is off of Sabino Canyon Road, South of Tanque Verde Road.

    For driving directions, refer to this Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/CQtzYgrvHiyU5BDT7. From the overflow parking across from Ramada # 9 and southern baseball fields, follow the dirt trail 250 yards to the southeast. You can park near the softball fields or in the overflow parking lot during SARA launches at Udall Park. Park staff usually open the gates to the black gravel overflow parking area, and if it is open, you are welcome to drive directly to the launch site; the route and range head area are shown below in yellow, and is marked by SARA signs during launches.Udall Park Launch Area


    SARA will provide launch equipment, including 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch launch rods and a 1010 launch rail.



    Show details

  • October 2025 SARA Board Meeting

    • 14 Oct 2025
    • 19:30 - 21:00
    • Zoom
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Monthly gathering of the SARA Board to discuss the business of the club. 

    Meetings held via Zoom, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:30 - 9:00pm (19:30 - 21:00).

    Typical Agenda (email agenda items to board@sararocketry.org):

    • Treasurer's report
    • Old business
    • Follow up on action items from previous month's meeting minutes
    • New business: TBD, typically the week before meeting
    • Committee Updates
    • Bylaws/Incorporation: (Matt)
    • Range Ops
    • Safety/Training
    • Themed launches
    • Membership
    • Comms/Public Relations/Outreach

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84860572874

    Dial in number:

    1-669-900-9128

    Meeting ID: 848 6057 2874




    Show details

  • October 2025 TIMPA Launch

    • 18 Oct 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • 3580 N Reservation Rd Marana, AZ 85653
    • 45
    Register

    SARA's OCTOBER 2025 Tucson International Modelplex Park Association (TIMPA) launch is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th from 9 am - 12 noon at the SARA launch site near Picture Rocks.

    Pre-registration is required.

    • ALL FLYERS Must be individually registered!
    • ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!
    • 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.
    • Please consider volunteering to work for an hour during the launch to help keep our launch running smoothly.
    • You must be qualified to serve as LCO or RSO, but the other positions are available to anyone.
    • Launch operations will cease, if
      • There are not sufficient volunteers!
      • Weather conditions (such as sustained high wind speeds, fire danger) prohibit safe launching.
      • Red flag fire warnings cancel the launch.
    • Public Health precaution: If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, please do not attend the launch
    • As always, while a specific waiver altitude and motor limit is expected, field and sky conditions at flight time may dictate restricted operations. 
    • Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, closed toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and always recover rockets with a partner. 
    • Watch out for animal burrows, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.


    Show details

  • Animal Motor Works Field Trip & BBQ

    • 25 Oct 2025
    • 11:00 - 14:00
    • 3802 Morrow Drive, Glendale, AZ
    Registration is closed

    SHOP TIL YOU DROP... At Animal Motor Works!

    Animal Motor Works owner Robert DeHate has once again invited SARA members to his facility for an exclusive opportunity to do three things all rocketeers love to do:

    1) Buy rocket motors and kits

    2) Talk about rocketry

    3) Eat!

    On Saturday, October 25, 2025, all SARA members registered for this event will descend upon Animal Motor Works to shop Robert's vast inventory of Aerotech motors, and rocket kits. We will be treated to a tour of his facility, and the pleasure of the company of a man who continues to influence high power rocketry. 

    All attendees are encouraged to either pre-order items on AMW website that may be picked up at this event, or to bust open their piggy banks and bring $$$ to shop from Robert's inventory during the event. (AMW does take credit cards =;-) In turn, Robert will provide a bar-b-que lunch, his treat!

    Travel Details:

    >Meet in town (Tucson, location TBD) in time for an 9:00 am departure via carpool.

    >Arrive at AMW by 11:00 am. 

    >Shop and eat until 2:00 pm.

    >Depart AMW at 2:00 pm.

    >Arrive back at the carpool meetup spot by 4:00 pm.

    For those wanting to drive directly to AMW, please arrive at or after 11:00 am.

    THIS IS A MUST REGISTER EVENT in order to give Robert a head count for lunch. 

    Please join us for this exciting event. This is a wonderful opportunity not normally offered, and a benefit of being a member of SARA!



    Show details

  • November 2025 Launch at Udall Park

    • 8 Nov 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • Udall Park's Southern Undeveloped Area (See Description for Details)
    • 42
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    SARA has received permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department to host low power launches at Udall Park on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. 

    These launches are generally limited to flights up to D motors, up to 1000 feet above ground level, and excluding clustered or staged rockets.

    This is not a blanket authorization for anyone to launch rockets in Udall Park or any other City of Tucson Park, and these activities are prohibited without written permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation.

    The site is open desert, with some cactus and debris throughout the recovery area. But it's a good area for rocket flights, with few tall trees and generally walkable terrain.

    Public health precautions in effect include:

    • If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, stay home.

    Parking for the launch site is off of Sabino Canyon Road, South of Tanque Verde Road.

    For driving directions, refer to this Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/CQtzYgrvHiyU5BDT7. From the overflow parking across from Ramada # 9 and southern baseball fields, follow the dirt trail 250 yards to the southeast. You can park near the softball fields or in the overflow parking lot during SARA launches at Udall Park. Park staff usually open the gates to the black gravel overflow parking area, and if it is open, you are welcome to drive directly to the launch site; the route and range head area are shown below in yellow, and is marked by SARA signs during launches.Udall Park Launch Area


    SARA will provide launch equipment, including 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch launch rods and a 1010 launch rail.



    Show details

  • November 2025 SARA Board Meeting

    • 11 Nov 2025
    • 19:30 - 21:00
    • Zoom
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Monthly gathering of the SARA Board to discuss the business of the club. 

    Meetings held via Zoom, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:30 - 9:00pm (19:30 - 21:00).

    Typical Agenda (email agenda items to board@sararocketry.org):

    • Treasurer's report
    • Old business
    • Follow up on action items from previous month's meeting minutes
    • New business: TBD, typically the week before meeting
    • Committee Updates
    • Bylaws/Incorporation: (Matt)
    • Range Ops
    • Safety/Training
    • Themed launches
    • Membership
    • Comms/Public Relations/Outreach

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84860572874

    Dial in number:

    1-669-900-9128

    Meeting ID: 848 6057 2874




    Show details

  • November 2025 TIMPA SUNDAY Launch

    • 16 Nov 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • 3580 N Reservation Rd Marana, AZ 85653
    • 46
    Register

    SARA's NOVEMBER 2025 Tucson International Modelplex Park Association (TIMPA) launch is scheduled for SUNDAY, November 16th from 9 am - 12 noon at the SARA launch site near Picture Rocks.

    Pre-registration is required.

    • ALL FLYERS Must be individually registered!
    • ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!
    • 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.
    • Please consider volunteering to work for an hour during the launch to help keep our launch running smoothly.
    • You must be qualified to serve as LCO or RSO, but the other positions are available to anyone.
    • Launch operations will cease, if
      • There are not sufficient volunteers!
      • Weather conditions (such as sustained high wind speeds, fire danger) prohibit safe launching.
      • Red flag fire warnings cancel the launch.
    • Public Health precaution: If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, please do not attend the launch
    • As always, while a specific waiver altitude and motor limit is expected, field and sky conditions at flight time may dictate restricted operations. 
    • Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, closed toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and always recover rockets with a partner. 
    • Watch out for animal burrows, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.


    Show details

  • November 2025 Agua Blanca High Power Launch

    • 21 Nov 2025
    • 15:00
    • 22 Nov 2025
    • 13:00
    • 32°17'26.8"N 111°23'09.0"W
    • 49
    Register

    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 also 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: 6:58 am
    Sunset: 5:20 pm
    Typical high temperature: 73 F
    Typical low temperature: 48 F

    • Friday 3 pm 
      Overnight campers meet at the TIMPA Barn to collect launch and safety equipment
      Caravan to the Agua Blanca Launch Site
      Set up launch range, and fly Class 1 (non-waivered) flights if time permits.
    • Saturday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
      Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft above ground level (AGL)
    • Saturday 12 pm - 1 pm
      Take down the launch site
      Return equipment to TIMPA Barn

    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 dawn Saturday.

    • 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.

    • We plan to RV and tent camp at the launch site Friday 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.
    • 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, 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
    • 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 15 - 20mph.

    • 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

    Show details

  • December 2025 SARA Board Meeting

    • 9 Dec 2025
    • 19:30 - 21:00
    • Zoom
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Monthly gathering of the SARA Board to discuss the business of the club. 

    Meetings held via Zoom, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:30 - 9:00pm (19:30 - 21:00).

    Typical Agenda (email agenda items to board@sararocketry.org):

    • Treasurer's report
    • Old business
    • Follow up on action items from previous month's meeting minutes
    • New business: TBD, typically the week before meeting
    • Committee Updates
    • Bylaws/Incorporation: (Matt)
    • Range Ops
    • Safety/Training
    • Themed launches
    • Membership
    • Comms/Public Relations/Outreach

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84860572874

    Dial in number:

    1-669-900-9128

    Meeting ID: 848 6057 2874




    Show details

  • December 2025 Launch at Udall Park

    • 13 Dec 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • Udall Park's Southern Undeveloped Area (See Description for Details)
    • 42
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    SARA has received permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department to host low power launches at Udall Park on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. 

    These launches are generally limited to flights up to D motors, up to 1000 feet above ground level, and excluding clustered or staged rockets.

    This is not a blanket authorization for anyone to launch rockets in Udall Park or any other City of Tucson Park, and these activities are prohibited without written permission from the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation.

    The site is open desert, with some cactus and debris throughout the recovery area. But it's a good area for rocket flights, with few tall trees and generally walkable terrain.

    Public health precautions in effect include:

    • If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, stay home.

    Parking for the launch site is off of Sabino Canyon Road, South of Tanque Verde Road.

    For driving directions, refer to this Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/CQtzYgrvHiyU5BDT7. From the overflow parking across from Ramada # 9 and southern baseball fields, follow the dirt trail 250 yards to the southeast. You can park near the softball fields or in the overflow parking lot during SARA launches at Udall Park. Park staff usually open the gates to the black gravel overflow parking area, and if it is open, you are welcome to drive directly to the launch site; the route and range head area are shown below in yellow, and is marked by SARA signs during launches.Udall Park Launch Area


    SARA will provide launch equipment, including 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch launch rods and a 1010 launch rail.



    Show details

  • December 2025 TIMPA Launch

    • 20 Dec 2025
    • 09:00 - 12:00
    • 3580 N Reservation Rd Marana, AZ 85653
    • 46
    Register

    SARA's DECEMBER 2025 Tucson International Modelplex Park Association (TIMPA) launch is scheduled for Saturday, DECEMBER 20th from 9 am - 12 noon at the SARA launch site near Picture Rocks.

    Pre-registration is required.

    • ALL FLYERS Must be individually registered!
    • ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!
    • 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.
    • Please consider volunteering to work for an hour during the launch to help keep our launch running smoothly.
    • You must be qualified to serve as LCO or RSO, but the other positions are available to anyone.
    • Launch operations will cease, if
      • There are not sufficient volunteers!
      • Weather conditions (such as sustained high wind speeds, fire danger) prohibit safe launching.
      • Red flag fire warnings cancel the launch.
    • Public Health precaution: If you or anyone in your family are sick or may have been exposed to someone who's sick, please do not attend the launch
    • As always, while a specific waiver altitude and motor limit is expected, field and sky conditions at flight time may dictate restricted operations. 
    • Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, closed toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and always recover rockets with a partner. 
    • Watch out for animal burrows, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.


    Show details

Copyright © 2022 Southern Arizona Rocketry Association (SARA)
SARA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation based in Tucson, Arizona

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software