Launch!

This post will have information on the next upcoming launch.

We return to Amesbury on Sunday, 20 September! Everything depends on weather conditions, so, keep an eye on the home page of the website for any updates.

Our new layout will be in force for parking and establishing the flight line (the area where flyers prepare their rockets and spectators can safely view the launches) to better comply with the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code. If the wind cooperates, the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code will be followed, as well. if you haven't flown with CMASS before and are planning on flying a high-power rocket or are going to attempt a Level certification, please bring a copy of your computer simulation for our team to review. It's best to keep your initial flight low so we know that you know what you're doing. Even a well designed flight may be disallowed based on the wind direction and strength.

We'll open up the Volunteer page a week before the launch so we can continue to get the people we need to run a successful launch. See the FAQ page to find out how to use the Volunteer page amongst other good things to know.

We're returning to Amesbury, but in two reduced ways. The weather hasn't been too friendly to us during the past two launches in Acton and, unfortunately, that continues for this launch. The rain forecast has bounced back and forth between early and late afternoon; we can be sure we won't be able to launch for the full scheduled time. We'll get going in the morning and will keep an eye on the radar to be sure we are packed up and gone before the rain hits.

**** Please check the website before heading to the launch on Sunday morning. The Boston TV station weather maps show the rain moving in earlier than the timing we see on the Windy forecast (the link at the bottom of the website home page). It's possible the launch will be canceled completely.****

The other way the launch will be reduced involves not having any high-power launches. The wind is forecast to be tending toward the wires, which invokes our agreement with the AFD and National Grid. We'll hope to have better winds for our 03 October launch. As per the agreement, low- and mid-power launches must stay below 1000-ft at apogee. All rockets should be recovered on the field, per the NAR Safety Code. Also, the rockets should not launch or recover over the flight line or spectators; this means the launch rods and rails should be angled away from the flight line and away from the roadway. This will help the rockets recover in the open area beyond the trailer as the wind brings them back.

Even as a planned reduced launch, we still need people to volunteer to have any type of launch. Follow the instructions in the FAQ section of the website to sign up for a volunteer slot or two. Please abide by the new parking and flight line layout shown in the Next General Launch page.