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Come to a launch!
Most of our launches are open to the public and free to attend. You can come and just watch, or you can join in! Starter sets and kits suitable for ages 8 to adult are available at local stores. You don’t need a launcher or launch system — we provide that! We can show you how to set up your rocket. At most of our high-power launches, our on-site vendor can provide engines (we call ’em motors!) and any other last minute supplies.
Latest News
December Mill Springs Academy Launch Event Report
The December 14th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy began mostly blustery with overcast skies. Rocket launches started at a slow pace initially, but by noon the pace picked up as youth groups and families arrived to add to the activity out on the launch pads. The afternoon also brought some sunshine, warming temperatures, and a few breaks from the stiff easterly wind. ...
October Dawsonville Launch Event Report
The October 26th Southern Area Rocketry launch event in Dawsonville had excellent weather conditions with clear blue skies, warm temperatures, and light to moderate winds; all of this with colorful Fall foliage as a backdrop. No wonder then that the event was well attended and for the day there were 129 total launches accomplished. Mid-power rockets were steadily being placed on the launch...
October Mill Springs Academy Launch Event Report
On a perfect (especially for rocketry) Fall day, SoAR’s October 12th launch event at Mill Springs Academy, there were 127 launches accomplished. The early morning participants included cub scout members who were very enthusiastic about getting their rockets into the blue sky, and this kept the launch pads very busy. As the day progressed, there was still steady activity and many...
About SoAR
Who are we?
SoAR is the National Association of Rocketry chartered club for model rocket enthusiasts in North Georgia. For twenty-five years we have provided a proving ground for techniques, training, and safe launch support. SoAR welcomes all ages and skill levels.
What are sport rockets?
In simplest terms, a sport rocket is a flying model that takes off vertically under rocket power, climbing to great heights before deploying a parachute or other recovery method to slow the return of the model to the ground, ready to fly again. These models can be a few inches tall and weigh less than an ounce, or they can be up to 20 feet tall and weigh over 500 pounds.
Where do we launch?
We meet at Mill Springs Academy in Milton on the second Saturday of each month to fly model rockets. Because that field is a bit on the small side, we try to meet again on the fourth Saturday at a larger field to fly larger model rockets. That might be near Dawsonville, or it may be in South Georgia (where the really big fields are!).
Where Can I Fly My Rocket?
First of all, understand that most park systems in the metro area have rules against flying objects of any type. Sometimes you can go fly a rocket or two in your local park, but at some point a friendly park or police officer will come by and say you can’t do that.
That said, there is one park where we have gotten assurances that model rockets are allowed: Garrard Landing Park on Holcomb Bridge Rd near the Chattahoochee River. The entrance to the park is in front of the Johns Creek Environmental Campus; just follow the signs back to the park. Garrard Landing is suitable for the average Estes beginner rockets.
Schools, church athletic fields, and, of course, private property can sometimes be used if you approach the appropriate people first.
The best advice we can give is for you to wait and attend one of SoAR’s launches, where you don’t have to worry about permission, or even whether your launch equipment works, since we provide it, along with free recovery wadding (if you don’t know what that is yet, don’t worry)!
We try to have two launches a month: one in Alpharetta for smaller model rockets, and one at another location for all model rockets. And then we have our GRITS launch in south Georgia at Thanksgiving for rockets of all types.
And keep checking the web site. You never know when we’ll find other locations where we can fly.