Feb 21, 2025
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, February 22nd at our Dawsonville/Ball Ground site from 11AM – 4PM.
This is our mid-power field, where rockets up to G power can be flown. It is very hilly, and cow-patties abound, hidden in the tall grass in the recovery area, so pick your shoes accordingly. Spectators are always welcome. If you’ve got a rocket, come fly it with us.
The latest forecast shows light winds from the south with mostly clear skies and no chance for any precipitation and with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 40s by afternoon. Setup begins at 10:00 and help is greatly appreciated.
Feb 8, 2025
The SoAR launch event on February 8th at Mill Springs Academy began with mostly cloudy skies, mild temperature, and a bit of troublesome wind (although fortunately directed down the longer length of the recovery field). Attendance was good with many families, SoAR regulars, and college aerospace teams. By the end of the event there were a total of 129 launches accomplished.
Of special spectator interest were Terri Bliss’ scratch-built Dollar Tree Brains! Brains! Brains! – a three-stage colander creation powered by C11/C11/B6 combination (flown twice) and also a great flight of Kevin Scholberg’s The Launch Pad Amraam with a two-cluster of C11s for power. Other spectacular flights included a custom 3D printed Golden Eye flown by Atlas Olive on a D21, Robert Harris’ Orange Spool that roared off the launch pad with a G79 for power, Kevin Scholberg’s Estes Argent lifted off the pad with an E16, and Darren’s test flights of his scratch-built X-Wings Watch the Towers and Red 5 on E12s.
The day ended with GNC (Guidance Navigation and Controls) working on a gimbaled thrust-vectoring test flight with a G12 for power.
Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional photos from the event [here]
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 33
B – 49
C – 32
D – 12
E – 7
F – 0
G – 2
Feb 7, 2025
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is Saturday, February 8th. The weather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with moderate winds later in the afternoon and temperatures reaching the low 70s. So, make plans to come out early and enjoy a wonderful day of rocketry where we will be launching from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Remember to bring water to help stay hydrated. This is our low power launch, where we recommend altitudes no higher than 1000′ (usually no more than D power level).
As always, the public is invited to watch or join in!
Jan 25, 2025
Despite a chilly start, SoAR’s first rocket launch event of the year on January 25th turned out excellent. Comfortable temperatures by afternoon, mild winds, and sunny skies made for a perfect day. For this event there were eighty-five launches accomplished.
Of special note were the numerous TARC team launches testing their designs based on the 2025 competition rules. Other remarkable launches included Ray Lecture’s LOC Goblin powered by a G76, Chris’s Eggtimer EZ-DD launched with a G40 and his two-stage Estes Loadstar lifted by a combination of C6-0 to C6-5. Both included a new tracking system that was successfully used to recover both. Also spectacular, there was Kevin Scholberg’s scratch-built Old SoAR Rocket roaring up on a G74, and Ryan Cambell’s LOC Magnum powered by a G64.
Darren continued to test his designs including the first flight of his scratch-built X-Wing Wedge V-2 on a E12 and his scratch-built PLA X-Wing Big X1 with a F44. These look awesome as they lift off the launch pad. Ray also successfully launched and recovered his amazing scratch-built Venus Probe BT-60 with a FJ23 for lifting power.
Some photos of the event [here]
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 8
B – 13
C – 20
D – 14
E – 14
F – 13
G – 4
Jan 10, 2025
Southern Area Rocketry has a busy launch schedule set for 2025. The club depends on membership dues to help with the expenses associated with equipment maintenance, trailer upkeep, and all the things that get done behind the scenes to make a launch event run smoothly and safely. SoAR membership dues are just $30 per year and with your continued support you will be listed on the supporting membership page with other rocket enthusiasts and greeted at all launches and meetings with a big smile from our club president.
To see if it’s time to renew your membership, go to the SoAR membership page and find your name in the listing (sorted by SoAR member number). If the year to the right of your name is 2025 or before, then it’s time to renew. If the year listed is 2026 or greater, then you’re good for this year (Thank you!). If you can’t find your name, then it’s time to get you back on the list to show your support.
Use the Join SoAR page to complete your renewal. Thank you!
