F

Table of Contents
School Information
Team Advisors
Team Members
Facilities and Equipment
Accessibility Standards
Technical Design
Description of Subsystems
Scientific Payload
Sampling locations
Rocket Design
Motor Selection
Major Challenges and Solutions
Outreach
Community Support
Educational Engagement
Estimated Budget
Project Plan
Safety & Mission Assurance

Education:
B.S., Chemistry,.
M.S., Science Education,
Ph.D. Coursework, Synthetic Organic Chemistry,..
Experience:
Mr. Terry Zimmerman has taught high school Chemistry and Environmental Science for
13 years. He certified in SolidFuel Propulsion through Motor Clinic (2002/2003). He is
NAR Level 2 Certified.

Facilities and Equipment

Florida A & M Universitys Benjamin Banneker Technical (BBT) Buildings A and D
will be used as the Team's main facilities. Mandatory team meetings are held every
Monday at 5:00 pm. BT Bldg A is equipped with two accessible Computer Labs. The

labs are accessible during building hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm. on weekdays. The
lab contains approximately 60 computers providing students and faculty with a broad
range of software and network capabilities offered by Florida A & M University
Computer Science Department. Also available to students and faculty are copiers and
network printers. BBT Bldg. A is equipped with conference rooms that support WebEx
teleconferencing, complete with speakerphone, and USB Webcam. Also, projectors and
Smart boards are available for team design discussions.
Personal name and contact information for WebEx/connectivity issues.
Mr. Douglas McDonald
Computer Systems Control
Email:
dmcdonal@cis.famu.edu
Phone: 850.412.7662
Office:
302
The Electronics Engineering and Technology Department provided us with a
workroom in BBT Bldg B. The room is equipped with oscilloscopes, function generators,
multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, drill presses, a rotational molder, a
vacuum former, tool boxes, power drills, a band saw, and soldering irons. This will be
our primary payload construction facility. Dr. Leon Prosper, an EET Instructor, will
provide us with access to this lab upon request.
Lab space within the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory will be used to
assemble rockets and house rocket material, courtesy of Dr. Carl Moore Jr., a Mechanical
Engineering Professor at the Florida A & M University/Florida State University College
of Engineering (FAMU-FSU COE). Team members will be allowed unlimited access to
lab, via an access code. For heavier construction projects the FAMU-FSU COE will be
used. For safety reasons, the FAMU-FSU COE Machinists will personally construct
particular rocket components for the team, because certification is needed to operate the
more complex machinery in the shop. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has 3
computer labs. One lab is open 24 hours/7days a week, the other two labs are accessible
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. The labs provide students which access to:
Microsoft Office Professional 2007: planning and document development
Microsoft Visio 2007: project scheduling
SolidWorks 2009 SP4.1: rocket component and payload design
Visual C
AutoCad
PSpice
Freescale CodeWarrior
Eclipse
Quartus
Google Docs- document development and sharing and email communicationP a g e | 7
Google Cites- web development
Internet Explorer 8 / Firefox 3.5.3/Google Chrome: Used for web management,

project research and email communication

Outside of scheduled weekly meetings, the team frequently collaborates using Google
Documents. The entire team has access to Rocket, Payload, Outreach, Budget, and Safety
documents.

Accessibility Standards
All team members have read and comply with the Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility (CFR
Part 1194) and Subpart B-Technical Standards, as described at the provided
website.

Technical Design
Summary of Projected Design
Dimensions:
Airframe: Always Ready Rocketry - BT20-139A - 5.5 in Blue Tube 2.0
Length = 111.000 in
Outside Diameter: 5.5030 in
Inside Diameter: 5.3450 in
Motor Choice:
Loki L930
Recovery System:
Redundant Avionics board (w/ kill switch)
- (2) SL-100 (Dual Deployment)
- (1) Stratologger Altimeter (for official altitude records)
Main Parachute CERT-3 XLarge 81.900 in
Drogue CERT-3 Drogue 21.800 in

Rocket Design
The rocket will be designed based on the payload size, weight, and required orientation
within the rocket. The design will take into consideration the relationship between center of
pressure and center of gravity in order for the rocket to be stable. RockSIM software will be
utilized to ensure that the rocket will be stable before construction is underway. The rocket will
be designed and tested for dual deployment recovery to ensure that the rocket will remain within
the field of a 2500ft diameter. The diameter of the rocket will be 5 . The rocket will be made
of blue tube. Inside the nosecone we will have a small electronics bay which will be used to house a
GPS unit. The fins will be constructed from 3/8inch aircraft plywood. The height of the rocket

will be 111. The motor mount tube will be 3 in diameter to accommodate up 76 mm motors.

Motor Selection
The projected motor type will be a Loki L930. The motor has an impulse of 3587.2 Ns.
The team plans on using this motor due to the experience that was gained from using it last year.
One of the key factors that must be taken into account in using this motor is making sure the
power of this motor does not boost the rocket above the desired altitude; to accomplish this, the
team will determine a certain amount of weight to be added to the the rocket with lead plates.

Description of Subsystems
This rocket will employ a scientific payload that will include an electronics bay housing 2
mini-computers. One of those 2 computers will acquire image data from a video camera installed
near the motor mount.

Scientific Payload
The team aim to implement and test a terrain classification system with its scientific payload.
Terrain classification is a general term for methods used to derive descriptions of the physical
characteristics of an areas terrain, such as whether the terrain in question is soil, gravel,
shrubbery, water, or even whether terrain is elevated, smooth or sloped. Determining the nature
of an areas terrain is useful in the area of autonomous robotics, where advance knowledge of an
area greatly aids in path planning and obstacle avoidance. Another area where terrain
classification is of great use is in space exploration, as evidenced by the Mars Exploration
Rovers.
Florida A&M Universitys scientific payload will attempt to identify the different types of
surfaces and structures present on the grounds surrounding the rockets launch area in real time.
The plan is to attempt this analysis by creating software that will interpret image data captured
by a camera mounted inside of the rocket. To simulate a scenario in which a rocket, uav, or other
type of aircraft would be performing such a task to aid an autonomous robot or planetary rover in

path planning a traversal of the area, another goal of the payload will be to possess the capability
to deliver the analyzed images to devices on the ground.
The projected camera for this experiment is the Chameleon made by point Grey Research.
According to Point Grey, the Chameleon is suitable for a wide array of applications, including
but not limited to object and gesture tracking, test and measurement, life science and bioscience,
augmented reality and robot guidance. The camera has a USB 2.0 digital interface and is also
equipped with a Sony EXview HAD CCD sensor, which makes the camera more capable of
picking up details in situations where there is poor ambient lighting. The team intends on using
the open source computer vision library OpenCV, which was originally developed by Intel.
OpenCV was chosen for the teams experiment both because it is free and open source and also
because of its prominence in the field of computer vision research, including previous research
where terrain classification was done with autonomous ground vehicles.
To cope with the resource-intensive nature of computer vision applications, the team has chosen
to mount 2 Fit-PC2 mini-computers in the rockets electronics bay. One computer will be tasked
with acquiring data from the camera, while the other will handle the task of transferring data to
connected devices on the ground. The use of 2 computers will allow for the image analysis
operations to be parallelized between the computers using the open source Intel Threading
Building Blocks (Intel TBB) library, which is compatible with OpenCV. The 2 computers will
be mounted on 5 X 9 board. The 2 computers will be mounted on one side of the board,
connected by crossover cable. The computers will be powered by a pair of n 11.1 V, 2200 mAh
Lithium Polymer batteries mounted on the opposite side of the board. The camera will be
mounted separately from the other payload electronics in a small compartment near the motor
mount, connected to one of the computers in the electronics bay via a usb cable, which will go
down holes drilled in the sections in between the electronics and camera bays and protected by

flame retardant Halar (E-CTFE) Ethylene-Chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer monofilament

cable sleevings.
a) Top View

b) Bottom View

Major Challenges and Solutions

It is foreseen that a major challenge for the team may be the documentation. Last year
that was a major issue that we struggled with. This year we have many new team members with
only a year or no experience which will be a milestone that will be overcome by the team
keeping in contact with previous team members that have participated in the event and have
volunteered to help assist with documentation..
Also, this team has a large concentration of amateur rocketeers. This is considered to be a
minor challenge because the entire team is expected to receive their Level 1 Rocket Handling
Certification. This alone will give team members a foundation of knowledge to build upon.
The following is list of team members who are currently pursuing NAR Certification:

Team Members and Advisors

NAR Certification

Level

Marlena Ivory
Derrick Dixon
Stephen Virgil
Miriam Stewart

Advisors
Dr. Clement Allen

In process
In process
In process
In process
In process

1
1
1
1
1

In process

In process

-----------------------------In process

-----------------------------1 (Pursuing Level 2)

Project Plan

Timeline
August 2012:
1
17
31

Request for proposal (RFP) goes out to all teams.

Returning team members begin working on proposal
Proposal submitted

September 2012:
3
Meeting with additional students interested in participating
10
Team splits into sub-groups, works on refining design
27
Schools notified of selection.
October 2012:
4
5
11
(tentative)
12
22
18-29
29
November 2012:

Team teleconference (tentative)

Work on PDR begins
Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Question and Answer Session
Schools notified of selection
Team website established
Teams meet to finalize component list & construct sub-scale rocket
Submit PDR

1-15
Team meets to work on PDR
3
Sub-scale rocket test launch
7-16
PDR Presentations(tentative)
20-30
Sub-groups meet to work on rocket design and construction
12
Each team section of proposal submitted to documentation
December 2012:
3
Critical Design Review (CDR) Question and Answer Session
(tentative)
4
Work begins on CDR
January 2013:
3

Team meets to work on CDR

12

First full-scale rocket test launch

7-16
PDR Presentations(tentative)
20-30
Sub-groups meet to work on rocket design and construction
12
Each team section of proposal submitted to documentation
December 2012:
3
Critical Design Review (CDR) Question and Answer Session
(tentative)
4
Work begins on CDR
January 2013:
3
Team meets to work on CDR
12
First full-sc, presentation slides, and flysheet posted on the team Web
site by 8:00 a.m. Central Time.
23-Feb. 1
CDR Presentations (tentative)
February 2013:
11
Flight Readiness Review (FRR) Question and Answer Session
(tentative)
12
Work begins on FRR
14-28
Vehicle and Payload teams work on construction
March 2013:
1
FRR, construction, and testing work continue
18
FRR reports, presentation slides, and flysheet posted on the team Web
site by 8:00 a.m. Central Time.
25-Apr. 3
FRR presentations (tentative)

9
20

April 2013:
17
Travel to Huntsville
18
Welcome to MSFC/LRRs continue
20
USLI Launch Day
May 2013:
6 Post-Launch Assessment Review (PLAR)
17 Winner announcement

Estimated Budget
Item

Quantity

Budget

Payload Onboard Computer

Payload Accessories (screws, circuit, breakout) adapter boards

2
-----

$808.00
$75.00

Chameleon Camera

$375

Fujinon DF6HA-1B Lens

$190

Payload

Total

$1448.00

Rocket Construction
Test Rockets
Propulsion Equipment
Rocket Structure (Airframe, fins, centering rings, nose cone, etc.)
Misc (paint, epoxy, etc.)
Tools and Raw Materials
Total

---------------------

$950.00
$500.00
$1,000.00
$300.00
$350.00
$3100.00

1
1
1
1

$200.00
$30.00
$50.00
$30.00
$310.00

Water Bottle Rockets

10

$250.00

Team Shirts
Total

15

$200.00
$450.00

1 pack
10

$10.00
$25.00

Recovery Electronics
Main Parachute
Drogue Parachute
Shock cords, swivel
Igniters
Total
Outreach

Safety Equipment
Gloves
Goggles

Masks
Ear Plugs
Cleaning Supplies
Total

1 pack
10
-----

$20.00
$15.00
$50.00
$120.00

6
3
2

$700.00
$150.00
$500.00
$1,350.00

Travel to Huntsville
Lodging (4 nights)
Fuel (per tank)
Meals (per day)
Total

Projected Total Budget

Total for Rocket on pad

$6,328.00
$4,858.00

Community Support
As the team progresses through the development of the proposed rocket, it is expected
that sufficient support from expert authorities will be needed. At the moment, the team has
already solicited the support of a Rocket Scientist within the FAMUs Physics department. The
team also has plans to solicit corporate members of the FAMUs Industry Cluster Program, for
monetary donations, equipment/supplies, and services. The team also plans to gain the support of
members of the FAMU Alumni Association, and the Student Government Association.

Educational Engagement
We will be working very closely with local high schools Florida Agricultural &
Mechanical University Developmental Research School and Rickards High. We will be reaching
out to the math and science teachers as well as their AVID program. Additionally we plan to
have them sign up for a bottle rocket activity on campus. We are targeting grades 6-8. We are
using this activity to recruit for FAMU DRSs aerospace science club. With most of the our team
members having a background in computer science and engineering, we will be adding a new
element of technology to the club. We will be working very closely throughout the year with the
students, with every team member being a mentor to a student in the aerospace science club. We
plan on hosting activities once a month with the students and sharing our experiences with them
as we matriculate throughout the year. Our goal is to get them prepared to be a part NASA SLI
next year. Some of the activities that we have planned are as follows:
Activity 1: Bottle Rockets

This activity will be supervised by our mentor Terry Zimmerman. The base of the rockets
will be made from soda bottles and a foam core will be used for the fins which will be
epoxied onto the base. These are inexpensive and generally safe materials that can be
used to make a simple rocket. We are using this activity as a way of recruiting and getting
more participants involved in their program.
Activity 2: Film Canister Rocket
Host a competition with the mentors and men-tees. The goal will be to launch a rocket
using the chemical reaction caused by combining baking soda and vinegar. Each team
will vary the amount of baking soda and vinegar in the experiment to determine if this
changes the height the rocket reaches after launch.
Activity 3: Field trip test launch
We want to wrap the year up with a field trip where we allow the students to see our final
test launch prior to Launch Day.

Safety & Mission Assurance

Certified Safety Mentor

1.

Terry Zimmerman (NAR # 82365) is the NAR Level 2 certified safety mentor for our team.
His role in the team will include the following responsibilities:
1.

To ensure compliance with the NAR high power safety code requirements
[http://nar.org/NARhpsc.html].

2.

To ensure the safe execution of all hazardous materials handling and hazardous
operations.

3.

Completion necessary safety inspections.

4.

Overseeing all launch operations and motor handling.

5.

Accompanying the team to the launch site in April.

Mr. Zimmerman is also the designated owner of the rocket and his contact information is
Email: zimmermant@nfcc.edu
Phone: (850) 973-1646
1.

Ensuring Team Safety

1.

1.

Student Safety Agreement. The agreement is attached in Appendix C.

2.

Copies of MSDS sheets and other important material information will be kept in
the lab used for rocket construction, distributed to all team members, and on the team
website. Copies of this information will also be taken with the rocket during test
launches.

3.

First-Aid kits are located in the rocket construction lab and will also be taken to
test launches.

Risk Assessment
1.

General

1.

Always ask if unsure about equipment, tools, or a procedure.

2.

Only handle certain materials if you have the proper permit.

Chemicals (e.g. adhesives, solvents, anAll team members will be made aware of the federal,
state, and local laws regarding unmanned rocket launches and motor handling. Safety
measures involving the proper use of airspace and the regulations involving the launching of
different classes of rockets will be discussed with the team. The handling and use of low
explosives will also be explained to all team members.
The safety officer for our team is Stacy Tinner. He is responsible for ensuring that all safety
procedures, regulations, and risk assessments are followed.
Safety Rules and Regulations
1.

All members of the team shall adhere to the NAR High Powered Safety Code. The
NAR HPSC is attached as Appendix A.

2.

All members of the team shall be aware of Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR,
Subchapter F Subpart C Amateur Rockets. These regulations are included in
Appendix B.

3.

All members of the team shall adhere to the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 1127: Code for High Powered Rocket Motors.

4.

All team members shall read and sign the Student Safety Agreement as attached in
Appendix C.

The following steps will be taken in order to ensure that the entire team is cognizant
of the safety issues and risk mitigation techniques of this project:
4.

4.

A presentation will be given to all team members including the above safety
information before rocket construction and material handling begins. Also
included in this presentation are ways in which these safety risks can be mitigated
and prevented, and proper pre-launch procedure.

Each team member is required to understand and agree by the safety information in of
the d paint) and Black Powder
1.

Risks include:
1.
2.

2.

Irritation from skin contact, eye contact and inhalation of

hazardous fumes.
Flammable and/or explosive chemicals/substances.

Ways to prevent these risks:

1.

Be familiar with relevant MSDS sheets.

2.

2.

Wearing appropriate safety gear. Some examples are goggles and

gloves.

3.

Be aware of locations of nearest first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and

eye wash station.

4.

Keep chemicals away from open flames.

5.

Clean work stations.

6.

Keep construction and test rooms well ventilated.

7.

Wear cotton clothing.

Tools
1.

2.

Risks include:
1.

Cutting from sharp tools, burning from hot tools, etc.

2.

Injury from mishandling of heavy equipment.

Ways to prevent these risks:

1.

Wearing appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) at all

times. PPE includes, but is not limited to, safety glasses, gloves, ear
plugs, and breathing masks. The safety officer will notify team
members when materials that require PPE are being used. If additional
PPE is required, it is the safety officers responsibility to obtain the
additional equipment.

2.
1.

1.

Seeking advice if unsure about the operation of equipment.

Safety Equipment
1.

Fire Extinguisher

2.

Emergency Shower and Eye-Wash Station

3.

First-Aid Kit

4.

PPE: Gloves, Goggles, Masks, Ear plugs

5.

Cleaning supplies

Plans for purchasing, storing, transporting, and using rocket motors.

1.

Rocket Motors:
1.

In preparation for this fact, four members of the team and Dr. Clement
Allen the team official are pursuing NAR Level 2 certification. The team will
follow the recommendations of the local NAR chapter concerning the
capability to purchase, store, transport, and use rocket motors. Necessary
equipment will be purchased or built in accordance with applicable
regulations regarding the handling, storage and transportation of rocket
motors.

2.

All motors, black powder, and electric matches will be purchased through
Terry Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman will store these hazardous materials until
the team is able to receive them, at which point they will be transported in a

suitable explosives users box (a range box) where they will remain until
needed. All usage of motors, black powder, and electric matches will be
conducted exclusively under the supervision of Mr. Zimmerman and any
others who have gained Level 2 certification at that time.
2.

Transportation:
Terry Zimmerman and Dr. Clement Allen will be responsible for the safe
handling of the rocket motor that we choose to purchase. They will be in charge
of the transportation of the motor in the appropriate container when taking it to
the test locations or the Huntsville launch location. The motor reloads will only
be accessible by them during transportation and use.

Appendix A ~Team Resumes

Marlena I. Ivory
SCHOOL ADDRESS:
PERMANENT ADDRESS:
College Club Townhomes
1785 N.W. 87 Street
2833 South Adams Street APT 404 Building-1
Miami, FL 33147
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(786) 972-1417 (cell)
(305) 835-8578 (Home)
marlenaivory@gmail.com (email)
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marlena-ivory/1a/399/624/ (LinkedIn)
___________________________________________________________________________________________

OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position in the Information Technology/Intelligence field where I may utilize my communication, leadership, and
technical skills to create and develop different advancing technologies as Information Technology Specialist.
EDUCATION:
Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science
Major: Computer Information Systems
Major GPA: 3.03/4.0

Tallahassee, FL
2009- 2014

SKILLS PROFILE: Undergraduate student with the familiarity of C++ programming (Fundamentals), Database Management System
(ORACLE), HTML Web Programming , and PHP Admin (WAMP Server), Network Security & Cryptography (RSA Algorithm, ELGAMAL)
JOB EXPERIENCE:
Florida A&M University Enterprise Information Technology
Tallahassee, FL
Field Technician
Aug 2012- May 2013
Diagnosed and repaired faculty and students computers, including installing hardware/software
Installed server hardware installation for the voice over IP systems for FAMU
HONORS:
Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society
NASA University Student Launch Initiative (USLI) Team
Huntsville, AL
1st place- Reaching the highest Altitude of 5,270 feet of the goal of 1 mile (5,280 feet)
Highest Score in National History of the NASA USLI Project

Advancing Robotics Technology for Social Impact (ARTSI) Conference10th Annual Computer Science Olympiad
3rd Place Hardware/Software Knowledge
Honorable Mention in Robotics Manipulation Projects
RESEARCH:
NASA University Student Launch Initiative (USLI) Team
-

Norfolk, VA

Huntsville, AL

Created a rocket to enter in the NASA Competition

Design a scientific payload with a customized electronics bay
Electronics bay contained housing for battery, power button for altimeter,
Minicomputer, and LED connection for camera
Designed rocket body and fins

Solder the wiring to the battery to turn on the altimeter

CONFERENCES:
(ARTSI) Conference- 10th Annual Computer Science Olympiad
Norfolk, VA& Baltimore, MD
Three day challenge of two groups of a four-manned team; who competed in the areas of robotics,
Cryptography, hardware/software integration and web design
Created a website in the category of Web programming
Programmed a robot to complete different functions such as change colors, run on wheels, play music with voice recognition
(most functions performed from robot made of logo)
AFFILIATIONS/ CLUBS:
NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers)
CISMO (Computer Information Science Mentoring Program)
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
Phi Sigma Theta (National Honor Society)
STARS Computing Corps

Appendix B NAR High Powered Safety Code

NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code
1. Certification. I will only fly high power rockets or possess high power rocket motors that are
within the scope of my user certification and required licensing.
2. Materials. I will use only lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, plastic,
fiberglass, or when necessary ductile metal, for the construction of my rocket.
3. Motors. I will use only certified, commercially made rocket motors, and will not tamper with
these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer. I will
keep smoking, open flames, and heat sources at least 25 feet away from these motors.
4. Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system, and with electrical
motor igniters that are installed in the motor only after my rocket is at the launching or prepping
area. My launch system will have a safety interlock that is in series with the launch switch that is
not installed until my rocket is ready for launch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the
off position when released. If my rocket has onboard ignition systems for motors or recovery
devices, these will have safety interlocks that interrupt the current path until the rocket is at the
launch pad.
5. Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch system,
I will remove the launchers safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds
after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
6. Launch Safety. I will use a 5-second countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone
in the launch site is paying attention and that no person is closer to the launch pad than allowed
by the accompanying Minimum Distance Table. I will check the stability of my rocket before
flight and will not fly it if it cannot be determined to be stable.

7. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a stable device that provides rigid guidance until the
rocket has attained a speed that ensures a stable flight, and that is pointed to within 20 degrees of
the vertical. If the wind speed exceeds 5 miles per hour I will use a launcher length that permits
the rocket to attain a safe velocity before separation from the launcher. I will use a blast deflector
to prevent the motors exhaust from hitting the ground. I will ensure that there is no dry grass
within a clear distance of each launch pad determined by the accompanying Minimum Distance
Table, and will increase this distance by a factor of 1.5 if the rocket motor being launched uses
titanium sponge in the propellant.
8. Size. My rocket will not contain any combination of motors that total more than 40,960 N-sec
(9208 pound-seconds) of total impulse. My rocket will not weigh more at liftoff than one-third of
the certified average thrust of the high power rocket motor(s) intended to be ignited at launch.
9. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, near airplanes, or on
trajectories that take it directly over the heads of spectators or beyond the boundaries of the
launch site, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket. I will not launch
my rockets if wind speeds exceed 20 miles per hour. I will comply with Federal Aviation
Administration airspace regulations when flying, and will ensure that my rocket will not exceed
any applicable altitude limit in effect at that launch site.
10. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area where trees, power lines,
buildings, and persons not involved in the launch do not present a hazard, and that is at least as
large on its smallest dimension as one half of the maximum altitude to which rockets are allowed
to be flown at that site or 1500 feet, whichever is greater.
11. Launcher Location. My launcher will be at least one half the minimum launch site
dimension, or 1500 feet (whichever is greater) from any inhabited building, or from any public
highway on which traffic flow exceeds 10 vehicles per hour, not including traffic flow related to
the launch. It will also be no closer than the appropriate Minimum Personnel Distance from the
accompanying table from any boundary of the launch site.
12. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a parachute in my rocket so that all
parts of my rocket return safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only
flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
13. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or
other dangerous places, fly it under conditions where it may recover in spectator areas or outside
the launch site, or attempt to catch it as it approaches the ground.
MINIMUM
DISTANCE
TABLE
Installed Total Equivalent High
Impulse (Newton- Power Motor
Seconds)
Type
0 -- 320.00
320.01 -- 640.00
640.01 -- 1,280.00
1,280.01 -- 2,560.00

H or smaller
I
J
K

Minimum
Diameter of
Cleared Area
(ft.)
50
50
50
75

Minimum
Personnel
Distance (ft.)
100
100
100
200

Minimum
Personnel Distance
(Complex Rocket)
(ft.)
200
200
200
300

2,560.01 -- 5,120.00
5,120.01 -10,240.00
10,240.01 -20,480.00
20,480.01 -40,960.00

100

300

500

125

500

1000

125

1000

1500

125

1500

2000

Note: A Complex rocket is one that is multi-staged or that is propelled by two

or more rocket motors
Revision of July 2008

Appendix C ~ Federal Aviation Regulations

Subpart A - General
101.1 Applicability.
(a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in the United States, of the following:
(1) Except as provided for in 101.7, any balloon that is moored to the surface of the earth or an
object thereon and that has a diameter of more than 6 feet or a gas capacity of more than 115
cubic feet.
(2) Except as provided for in 101.7, any kite that weighs more than 5 pounds and is intended to
be flown at the end of a rope or cable.
(3) Any amateur rocket except aerial firework displays.
(4) Except as provided for in 101.7, any unmanned free balloon that
(i) Carries a payload package that weighs more than four pounds and has a weight/size ratio of
more than three ounces per square inch on any surface of the package, determined by dividing
the total weight in ounces of the payload package by the area in square inches of its smallest
surface;
(ii) Carries a payload package that weighs more than six pounds;
(iii) Carries a payload, of two or more packages, that weighs more than 12 pounds; or
(iv) Uses a rope or other device for suspension of the payload that requires an impact force of
more than 50 pounds to separate the suspended payload from the balloon.
(b) For the purposes of this part, a gyroglider attached to a vehicle on the surface of the earth is
considered to be a kite.
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 1011, 29 FR 46, Jan. 3,
1964; Amdt. 1013, 35 FR 8213, May 26, 1970; Amdt. 1018, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008; 74
FR 38092, July 31, 2009]
101.3 Waivers.
No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part except under a
certificate of waiver issued by the Administrator.
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963]
101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.

No person may operate a moored balloon, kite, amateur rocket, or unmanned free balloon in a
prohibited or restricted area unless he has permission from the using or controlling agency, as
appropriate.
[Doc. No. 1457, 29 FR 46, Jan. 3, 1964, as amended at 74 FR 38092, July 31, 2009]
101.7 Hazardous operations.
(a) No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, amateur rocket, or unmanned free balloon
in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons, or their property.
(b) No person operating any moored balloon, kite, amateur rocket, or unmanned free balloon
may allow an object to be dropped therefrom, if such action creates a hazard to other persons or
their property.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 12800, 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974, as amended at 74 FR 38092, July 31, 2009]

Subpart C Amateur Rockets

101.21 Applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to operating unmanned rockets. However, a person operating an
unmanned rocket within a restricted area must comply with 101.25(b)(7)(ii) and with any
additional limitations imposed by the using or controlling agency.
(b) A person operating an unmanned rocket other than an amateur rocket as defined in 1.1 of
this chapter must comply with 14 CFR Chapter III.
[Doc. No. FAA200727390, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008]
101.22 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a) Class 1Model Rocket means an amateur rocket that:
(1) Uses no more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant;
(2) Uses a slow-burning propellant;
(3) Is made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic;
(4) Contains no substantial metal parts; and
(5) Weighs no more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces), including the propellant.
(b) Class 2High-Power Rocket means an amateur rocket other than a model rocket that is
propelled by a motor or motors having a combined total impulse of 40,960 Newton-seconds
(9,208 pound-seconds) or less.
(c) Class 3Advanced High-Power Rocket means an amateur rocket other than a model rocket
or high-power rocket.
[Doc. No. FAA200727390, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008]
101.23 General operating limitations.
(a) You must operate an amateur rocket in such a manner that it:
(1) Is launched on a suborbital trajectory;
(2) When launched, must not cross into the territory of a foreign country unless an agreement is

in place between the United States and the country of concern;

(3) Is unmanned; and
(4) Does not create a hazard to persons, property, or other aircraft.
(b) The FAA may specify additional operating limitations necessary to ensure that air traffic is
not adversely affected, and public safety is not jeopardized.
[Doc. No. FAA200727390, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008]
101.25 Operating limitations for Class 2-High Power Rockets and Class 3-Advanced
High Power Rockets.
When operating Class 2-High Power Rockets or Class 3-Advanced High Power Rockets, you
must comply with the General Operating Limitations of 101.23. In addition, you must not
operate Class 2-High Power Rockets or Class 3-Advanced High Power Rockets
(a) At any altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five-tenths coverage
prevails;
(b) At any altitude where the horizontal visibility is less than five miles;
(c) Into any cloud;
(d) Between sunset and sunrise without prior authorization from the FAA;
(e) Within 9.26 kilometers (5 nautical miles) of any airport boundary without prior authorization
from the FAA;
(f) In controlled airspace without prior authorization from the FAA;
(g) Unless you observe the greater of the following separation distances from any person or
property that is not associated with the operations:
(1) Not less than one-quarter the maximum expected altitude;
(2) 457 meters (1,500 ft.);
(h) Unless a person at least eighteen years old is present, is charged with ensuring the safety of
the operation, and has final approval authority for initiating high-power rocket flight; and
(i) Unless reasonable precautions are provided to report and control a fire caused by rocket
activities.
[74 FR 38092, July 31, 2009, as amended by Amdt. 1018, 74 FR 47435, Sept. 16, 2009]
101.27 ATC notification for all launches.
No person may operate an unmanned rocket other than a Class 1Model Rocket unless that
person gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility nearest to the place of intended
operation no less than 24 hours before and no more than three days before beginning the
operation:
(a) The name and address of the operator; except when there are multiple participants at a single
event, the name and address of the person so designated as the event launch coordinator, whose
duties include coordination of the required launch data estimates and coordinating the launch
event;
(b) Date and time the activity will begin;
(c) Radius of the affected area on the ground in nautical miles;
(d) Location of the center of the affected area in latitude and longitude coordinates;
(e) Highest affected altitude;
(f) Duration of the activity;
(g) Any other pertinent information requested by the ATC facility.
[Doc. No. FAA200727390, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008, as amended at Doc. No. FAA2007
27390, 74 FR 31843, July 6, 2009]

 101.29 Information requirements.

(a) Class 2High-Power Rockets . When a Class 2High-Power Rocket requires a certificate of
waiver or authorization, the person planning the operation must provide the information below
on each type of rocket to the FAA at least 45 days before the proposed operation. The FAA may
request additional information if necessary to ensure the proposed operations can be safely
conducted. The information shall include for each type of Class 2 rocket expected to be flown:
(1) Estimated number of rockets,
(2) Type of propulsion (liquid or solid), fuel(s) and oxidizer(s),
(3) Description of the launcher(s) planned to be used, including any airborne platform(s),
(4) Description of recovery system,
(5) Highest altitude, above ground level, expected to be reached,
(6) Launch site latitude, longitude, and elevation, and
(7) Any additional safety procedures that will be followed.
(b) Class 3Advanced High-Power Rockets . When a Class 3Advanced High-Power Rocket
requires a certificate of waiver or authorization the person planning the operation must provide
the information below for each type of rocket to the FAA at least 45 days before the proposed
operation. The FAA may request additional information if necessary to ensure the proposed
operations can be safely conducted. The information shall include for each type of Class 3 rocket
expected to be flown:
(1) The information requirements of paragraph (a) of this section,
(2) Maximum possible range,
(3) The dynamic stability characteristics for the entire flight profile,
(4) A description of all major rocket systems, including structural, pneumatic, propellant,
propulsion, ignition, electrical, avionics, recovery, wind-weighting, flight control, and tracking,
(5) A description of other support equipment necessary for a safe operation,
(6) The planned flight profile and sequence of events,
(7) All nominal impact areas, including those for any spent motors and other discarded hardware,
within three standard deviations of the mean impact point,
(8) Launch commit criteria,
(9) Countdown procedures, and
(10) Mishap procedures.
[Doc. No. FAA200727390, 73 FR 73781, Dec. 4, 2008, as amended at Doc. No. FAA2007
27390, 74 FR 31843, July 6, 2009]

Appendix D Signed Student Safety Agreement

I have fully read and fully understand the following
regulations relating to operating high powered
rockets:
1.
2.
3.

The National Association of Rocketry High Powered Rocketry Safety Code

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1127: Code for High Powered Rocket
Motors".
The Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR, Subchapter F Subpart C Amateur Rockets.

Also, I understand that Huntsville Area Rocketry Association (HARA) has safety regulations that
I am to abide by and I agree to do so.
Huntsville Area Rocketry Association (HARA)
1.

HARA will provide range safety inspections of each rocket before it is flown. Each
school team shall comply with the determination of the safety inspection.

2.

The HARA Range Safety Office has the final say on all rocket safety issues. Therefore,
the HARA Range Safety Officer has the right to deny the launch of any rocket for safety
reasons.

3.

Any team that does not comply with Safety & Mission Assurance (S&MA) will not be
allowed to launch their rocket

Safety is the number one priority for the Mile High Strikers and I also agree to follow the
outlined safety plan and risk assessment procedures and will conduct myself in a way that will
keep me, others, and the rocket safe from risk, harm, and damage.

Signed:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________