Rocketry Planet

BLACK ROCK DESERT, Nevada USA — Designated as the premiere experimental rocket launch in the continental United States, BALLS 17 will be the 16th year BALLS will be held in the wide expanse of the Black Rock Desert, near Gerlach, Nevada, on September 26th-28th, 2008.  This launch brings together dedicated rocketry enthusiasts devoted to the leading edge of non-professional experimental rocketry.

As a demonstration launch of experimental motors and airframes designed using the top technologies in the field, this is a venue for projects that are not flown publicly because of safety and legal restrictions.  Here you will find large rockets that utilize complex clustering or staging techniques, metal construction, and home-brewed propulsion systems.

The Black Rock Dry Lake site is considered the go-to site for large rocket launches.  The vast openness of space is considered unprecedented for large rockets and their recovery. Due to the shear size of the lake bed, it draws rockets with the ultimate in quality, craftsmanship, power and technology that cannot be compared to any other launch anywhere.

BALLS is the premiere U.S. experimental launch, sponsored by the Tripoli Rocketry Association.

Important notes
BALLS 17 is sanctioned by The Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. Everyone attending, participating or observing must sign a release waiver and pay an event fee. While there will be a range set up with a limited number of launch pads, special ground support equipment will be the responsibility of the individual or team. A central LCO will control all launches within the range, and any and all launches conducted out of area on the playa for all days of the BALLS event.  Anyone using an away cell, or a launch pad out of the range controlled by the LCO, must provide communications with the LCO before launching.

BALLS 17 is run under the Tripoli Research Rules. Anyone planning on flying an O motor, or above, must contact the BALLS sponsors prior to arrival at the launch. Anyone planning a Q motor, or above, hybrids other than Nitrous Oxide, or liquid engines must request written approval from the Tripoli Board of Directors in advance. Q and above flights should forward a copy of their Tripoli BOD approval to the launch director, Mark Clark, at the soonest possible date. September 26th is set aside for commercial motors only, so no research motors will be flown on that date.  Registration is required by everyone planning to attend.

Flights over 25,000 feet
Even though BALLS has a 100,000 foot FAA waiver, flights predicted to exceed 25,000 feet must be cleared by the Tripoli BOD 30 days prior to the launch for compliance with FAA & DOT requirements. An approval letter will be returned which must be presented to the BALLS event director as soon as possible.

Venue considerations
Because of the nature of activities children are discouraged. It is nearly impossible to concentrate on a large potentially dangerous project and watch your child at the same time. No children will be allowed.

If you have not been to a Black Rock launch or are not familiar with driving in the desert it would be best if you follow someone who has been there before or at least go out in pairs of vehicles. Do not follow the other vehicle real close or you both may get stuck.

Use a GPS to find the launch site if you have got one. There are two main entrances onto the playa. First is few miles out of town but you have to drive about 15 miles on the dirt. The second one is about 11 miles out of town, this is the one that will be marked with small flags out to the launch site.

Your cell phone will not work. FMR radios only have a range of two miles. You will see some vehicles driving at tremendous speeds across the playa.  Drive a reasonable speed and wave at those who pass.

It is recommended you bring your own supplies in from home, or the Reno area, as it will be cheaper. The closest other towns to Gerlach is Wadsworth, about 71 miles away, and Fernley, a little further. Fallon, even a little further, now has a Walmart along with some other major retailers and fast food places. Reno, about 120 miles away has everything a human could want.

GPS Location
N 40°E 48.5',  W 119°E 9.0' (Decimal minutes not seconds)

Click here for Google Maps link

Website: http://www.balls17.com/