September 2026 Agua Blanca Launch (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

September 2026 Agua Blanca Launch

This is a high power launch at SARA's Agua Blanca launch site in Ironwood Forest National Monument (INFM). The launch site is 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). Overnight camping and class 1 (generally G power or below; some H motors qualify) night flights up to 3,500 ft above ground level are supported Saturday night.

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 wait list 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.
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; we routinely support motors up to M power, with N and O distances possible with notice.
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 motor impulse and altitude you intend to fly and what launch gear you will need during registration.
Please 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

Sunrise: 6:13 am; Sunset: 6:17 pm
Friday 4 pm
Set up crew meet at the TIMPA Barn to collect launch and safety equipment
Caravan to the Agua Blanca Launch Site
Set up launch range.
Saturday 6:30 am - Noon
Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft above ground level (AGL)
Saturday Noon - 1 pm
Take down the launch site and return equipment to TIMPA Barn

Launch Logistics

Setup crew, plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 4 pm Friday to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site.
Camping opportunity Friday evening; no ground fires; fires permitted in above ground fire pits; haul away ash. Gas cooking is permitted.
Plan to carpool from the Ironwood Forest Access Point on Manville Rd if you do not have a suitable vehicle to navigate a rough dirt road with some significant loose sand 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.
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.
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.
Use of an onboard radio tracker is highly recommended for flights over 2,000 ft; winds can carry rockets more than a mile across this very large recovery area that includes areas of thick mesquite bosque.
Watch out for gopher holes, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.

About the Launch Site

February 7, 2026 Road Conditions update:
The road is passable in early February. November 2025's launch was cancelled due to flooding in the first quarter mile of Manville Rd. just west of the Agua Blanca Access Point parking lot. Beyond the flood zone, road conditions inside Ironwood Forest National Monument have deteriorated some since James' April 19 2025 road conditions video; the sandy parts of the road now are much looser, with some slippery spots, and periodically, a prominent ridge between the tire tracks that can strand a low clearance vehicle. Despite the added risk for low clearance vehicles, most of the route in early February was easy to drive at 10 - 15 mph, though there are a few slower sections, particularly before the first bend in the road around the cattle tank. The best strategy is to keep moving 10 - 15 mph through the sandy spots to avoid getting stuck, and caravan when possible so you have help.
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 25-063 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.
Immersive 360 degree video of a rocket flight from this launch site to 2300 ft AGL can give you some perspective on the terrain.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Access Point (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. You'll see the launch site on the right, then turn right onto the northern (blue) access road and right again along the green track to the spectator/parking/camping area in the green box:

Range Officers

RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 / TRA 16127 L3

LCO: James Cramton and others as needed

Southern Arizona Rocketry Association upcoming events

September 2026 Agua Blanca Launch (25 Sep 2026)

September 2026 Agua Blanca Launch