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!
Dec 15, 2024
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. Most recoveries were made down the length of the field, although with good launch angle selection and helpful timing of the wind, some rockets were recovered at or very near the launch area. For the day there were 150 total launches.
Terry Bliss supported a steady demand for rocket preparation help and repairs from parents and youth coming out for their first launch. This greatly helped lessen troubles during RSO flight-ready inspections, with problems out on the launch pads, and more successful recoveries.
Some highlights of the day included the first launch of the day by Tom Thurmond of his battery-powered propeller rocket, that flew successfully and was recovered by parachute. Also, of special interest were Kevin Scholberg’s Orange Web of Terror that used a cluster of seven motors ignited by a flash pan underneath and his scratch-built Captain America Shield flown with a cluster of three D11-Ps. Blake Hardegree flew scratch-built Timmy on an E15-7 (rocket and motor supplied by Jorge) for a successful on field recovery. Jeffrey Fellman launched three Estes Super Big Berthas on D12-5s.
Another positive note was how many youngsters and parents expressed their gratitude for the help and encouragement they received from club members throughout the day. So, a key highlight was how successful and fun the day was considering the weather challenges. Some photos from the event [here].
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 83
B – 46
C – 18
D – 8
E – 4
