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NAR Section #473

Pittsburgh Space Command is a sanctioned section of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). Since its inception in 1986 the club has brought rocketeers together from all over Western Pennsylvania to enjoy sport, high power and contest rocketry. During that time our club has safely launched over 22,000 rockets of all sizes and shapes.

Our launch site, located east of Grove City, PA is easy to access and with over 800 acres, is an excellent site for all types of rocket flights.

The club's launch equipment can support most types of flights, from 1/4A to K (and L and M with advanced notice), so we've got you covered.

Whether you are new to rocketry, or are an experienced rocketeer looking to join in the fun with our club, please feel free to come to one of our monthly launches and see what we are all about.

Quick Links

New Club Launch Pads

In response to the growing number of Mid-power flights/and flyers, the Club has purchased two new launch pads . In order to encourage the use of rail buttons, the pads accommodate 10/10 rail as well as standard 1/4" rod. They are heavy enough to serve double duty on the HPR bank as well for the smaller HPR airframes ( No 1515 rails or heavier, sorry). It is our hope that this will cut down on wait times for Mid-Power flyers and ARC teams.

Next Launch: March 22nd

Launch Time:10AM-4PM

Waiver Limit: 4000' AGL

Launch Status:GO

Last Updated 07 MAR 26

Club Shirts and Hoodies

Fellow Club Members, our Events Coordinator, Mia , has identified, sourced, and posted a range of Club Apparel for us to order. Each garment will have the Club Logo either silk screened or embroidered on the front. Garment sizes were selected to make sure the logo fit and was placed correctly on each size. Details and ordering instructions can be found here: Club Shirts. Please use email to order, keeping track of who ordered what at launches is difficult to say the least. Using e-mail, will provide both you and Mia with a record of your order. See you on the field.

New From the Workbench - March '26

This month, John Brohm writes about what it takes to accurately model scale wedge shaped fins. The process begins with taking measurement from existing data and ends with how to translate that data in to a scale built up ( not solid) wedge shaped fin. This is a very detailed article coming in at 28 pages, illustrated, taking you through each step in detail. Like all of John's previous "From the Workbench" articles. there's a lot of knowledge contained therein that applies to all types of rocketry pursuits. Please take the time to look it over and read it. I'm sure you'll learn something new.

Range Guide Now Online - Please Read BEFORE Launching with the Club

A comprehensive guide to how the range runs along with a guide to model types and how to use the launch equipment has now been posted to the Club Website. If you're new to the club, have always wondered what all those rocketry terms mean, or want to be up-to-date on how we handle low, mid and high power rocketry at the field, please take some time to review it. Don't worry, you won't be tested on this information. It is there to help you better understand what's going on at the field and , hopefully, help you feel more at home when launching with our Club. Thanks!

Streamlined Wilson F/X Operator's Instructions

John Brohm has taken the time to review the Wilson F/X user's guide and he has rewritten it in to a less confusing, more streamlined, user friendly, operator's guide. If you'd like to be the club member who pushes the launch button (LCO) at the club launches, please take a minute and read this document. It is well written and takes the mystery out of what may look like a confusing collection of switches, lights and buttons. Click Here to read the new user's guide. You may also find the PDF in the Member's Documents Section on the website.

Site Updates - Meeting Notes

There are some changes and improvements to report from December's Business meeting. The highlights are:

We have a new VP. After many years of exemplary service, Aleks Krachenko has decided to step down and Chuck Garnes has accepted the position as our new VP.

The 2026 Sport and Contest launch schedule date have been determined

The cap on flights is now 4000' AGL weather permitting.

The club is purchasing additional pads that can be used for either Mid or High Power flights. Hopefully, this will reduce wait times.

Duane Wilkey will be the new HPR Certification contact.

Mia will be in charge of ordering Club garments. Sample pictures and an order form will be available no later than February 14th.

The Club celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year. A patch design contest, open to all members, is coming. More information will be available soon.

Again, a big thanks to Aleks for doing a great job over the years as our VP. More information about the meeting will be posted here as it become available.

Photos 2025 (And where you can find Previous Galleries)

We'll be staying with last year's photo collection format. In order to see each month's photos, just click on the image with the month and photographer's name. That way you'll have direct access to all the photos they've taken instead of the ones I've chosen each month. The previous years' galleries can be found using the sidebar menu under Club Information -> Galleries. A few clicks and you're there.

NOTE : We will be adding new galleries soon. The delay has been cause by circumstances that are being corrected . ( Equipment upgrades, replacement, etc.) Please be patient.

March 2025