Rockets Launch Procedure

This is what you need to do in order to launch a rocket with us. Note: SSI does subsidize a substantial portion of the cost to launch and build rockets.

(will link to things once google drive is fully organized)

Basic Requirements

  1. Be a member of SSI (pay your dues). Talk to your co-lead about how to do this.
  2. Complete EH&S safety trainings (you only need to do this once): 2200,1900, and 4200 (on Axess).
  3. Sign up on the SSI HPR Roster. The document exists in the SSI Google Drive.
  4. Become a member of either:
    1. the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA) online, this will cost $30.
    2. the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) online, this will cost $25.
  5. Attend the intro to rocketry workshop. This will give you a brief overview of the fundamentals of high power rocketry and give you the tools to analyze and design your own rockets.
  6. Read and understand:
    1. the TRA safety documents
    2. the NAR High-Power Safety Code
  7. Complete the forms we ask of you:
    1. TRA Launch Liability Waiver Form
    2. NAR Launch Liability Waiver Form
    3. Emergency Contact Online Form (only needs to be done once)
    4. Stanford Launch Waiver
    5. Stanford Assumption of Risk Form (only needs to be done once)
    6. Pre-flight Rocket Approval Form
  8. If you are attempting to certify, fill out the correct form:
    1. TRA Certification Form
    2. NAR Certification Form

Once you've completed these steps, you only have to fill out an updated Launch Waiver and Pre-flight Approval Form per launch.

Build Your Rocket

If you've already achieved your L1 certification.

  1. Build it.

If you haven't built a rocket yet and are aiming for L1 certification:

  1. Attend a expoy session to learn how to use it and about personal protective equipment (PPE).
  2. Attend a build session to install your recovery system and finish any critical steps.
  3. Paint your rocket. We will provide you with spray paint, but feel free to get creative. (There will be no supervision for this part).
  4. Perform OpenRocket simulations for your rocket to:
    1. find your center of gravity and center of pressure. Mark these spots on your rocket.
    2. fill out your flysheet (link to flysheet)
  5. Go over the Pre-Launch Checklist.

You must finish building your rocket 24 hours prior to launch day, otherwise you will not launch.

Launch

  1. Let your rocket fly!
  2. Fill out the Post-Launch Reflection

You will not be allowed to fly with us again until you have filled this out.