HOTROC Launch Site
Asa, Texas

N capable, 24,000 ft waiver

The G.P.S for this site is (N 31* 26. 007) (W 97* 02. 163)
The HOTROC launch site is a 6,000 acre open area located about 15 minutes from the Waco Circle.
Flying season - October thru March (after which the fields are planted)

The arial photo matches the site's co-ordinates.  The rangehead is located to the right and above the location where the packed white roads form an X on the arial map.

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Click on image above
for larger arial view.

The Future Asa Spaceport.jpg (18419 bytes)

Always verify the HOTROC launch schedule the evening before or morning of any Asa launch.  Because of our location, some launches may be scrubbed to accommodate the President's schedule.

Directions from Waco:
Asa, TX  - From Waco, go south down University Parks Drive or South 3rd St for about 6.7 miles past the stoplight at the intersection with loop 340.  (This intersection will be marked University Parks Dr 3400  and Loop 340).  Turn left on Steiner Rd (which will take you almost 2 miles into the field). Driving is restricted to the white field roads and the packed dirt field roads. 


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  • It is very important that NO ROCKS be thrown by children from the road into the fields.  Rocks picked up by the cotton harvesting machines start fires inside them.  The fields have been very carefully cleared of rocks.

   
Important

  • This is a controlled launch site conforming to National Association of Rocketry / Tripoli rules.   Safety rules will be available at the launch site.  All rockets must pass a simple safety inspection (fins firmly attached, stability querry if designed and scratch built, etc.)

  • A parent/guardian signature on a liability waiver is required for all attendees and participants.

  • Please park next to the field roads but with enough clearance that wide disc tractors may pass.

  • 4 wheelers are NOT allowed at the launches.

  • During scout/school launches No Smoking will be allowed on-site.  Smoking at other commercial launches will continue to be allowed if smokers stay at least 25 feet away from high power rocket motors, motor reloading kits, and pyrotechnic modules and continue to pick up their cigarette butts. 

  • No fireworks will be allowed on-site.

  • Generators and similar noise sources should be turned off or parked away from the main parking area and launch control.

  • The power transmission lines carry extremely high voltage current which can be conducted by contaminated shock cords, boards, fishing poles, etc. Under NO circumstances should fliers attempt to retrieve rockets in power lines or touch those rockets or cords with anything.  The power company will retrieve those rockets for the owners.
 
The following applies ONLY FOR
  Low Power Launches

  • Only Small and Large Scale model rockets will be allowed.  Largest permissible weight - 3.3 lbs

  • Motors - only commercially made motors sizes A,B,C, D, E, F, G, H ( < 125 grams max propellant weight)

  • (Estes, Quest, etc motors are allowed. Aerotech motors through G and some H are allowed.)

  • 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" and 3/8" launch rods will be provided on pads.

(At the scout/school launches, some supplies  i.e. 5 minute epoxy, sandpaper, igniters etc. will be available for model repair.)

 


High Power Launches

  • A-L motors.

  • M-N motors with approval
    Additional restrictions on altitude and wind apply to some M-N powered rockets.

  • Prior arrangements required for
    altitudes from 11,000 ft - 24,299 ft

  • Rods through 1/2" and pro-rail available

  • Fliers bringing hybrids should bring support equipment including pad with rail or rod, gas, and launch controller.

Experimental Launches

Requirements

 


Special Provisions
 for Night Launches

  • 6,000 ft ceiling

  • Model must be lit from lift-off to touch-down (glow sticks, strobe, etc. as appropriate for size of model.)

  • Rail or Launch Rod must point 1-2 deg off vertical and away from spectator area

  • No excessive lighting  (i.e. bright floodlights) within 3 minutes of launches or during  telescope stargazing

Launch Site Instructions:

Bring your model and motors to the launch. (Don't forget the water, snacks , binoculars, and camera.)

1. Register and fill out a flight card (or HOTROC Research Launch Flight Cards for Experimental Launches).

2. Have the Range Safety Officer inspect your rocket and sign your flight card.

3. When desired, proceed to Launch Control Officer for pad assignment.

You may launch as often (and with as many different models) as time permits.

Please leave the launch site clean of all paper and debris. 

Additional information:  cbarnett@texnet.net

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