Rocket Launch — March 2023

Please take a few minutes to read the entire liability waiver document -- there are some changes from previous waivers for WA Space Grant rocket launches.

We do need each attendee of the launch to complete and sign a waiver, as you are an event participant and a guest of the Yakama even if you are not launching a rocket. It's also important for all attendees to be aware of what a rocket launch entails so that you conduct yourself always with safety in mind.

You will sign this on-site at the welcome table when you arrive at the launch, but we do recommend that you download and read a copy in advance so you're aware of expectations.

WSGC Rocket Launch Waiver & Participation Agreement

A rocket launch requires careful observance of safety protocols, for reasons that should be obvious. Also be aware that we are guests of the Yakama Nation, and all launch attendees are expected to behave respectfully and courteously.

Space Grant is a community, and as such you are responsible for the conduct of everyone in your group.

Failure to follow the following conduct expectations during the launch may result in your being asked to leave the event.

Arrival at the site

Everyone will receive an escort to the launch site. All attendees must wait at the assigned meeting place (exact location will be shared with registered participants) -- DO NOT travel directly to the launch site itself without an escort.

Upon arrival at the launch site, check in with the welcome desk. Staff will also provide a safety briefing for all late arrivals.

Safety guidelines

There will be a safety huddle of all launch attendees at the beginning of the day. Late arrivals will receive a safety briefing at the welcome table.

Please be aware of the following safety guidelines in advance:

• NO sparky motors
• NO fireworks or munitions (this includes smoke grenades intended to aid rocket recovery)
• NO pets -- service animals only
• NO children
• NO wandering beyond the site perimeter (established during the safety briefing) -- ensure you obey warning signs and exclusion zones
• DO NOT leave the launch site to retrieve your rocket without permission (and a radio) from the welcome desk
• DO NOT approach the launch pad or attempt to retrieve your rocket until the LCO has declared the range to be open
• Don't insert your igniter into the rocket until the rocket is on the launch rail and locked in the fully upright position

And most important -- obey the instructions of the Launch Control Officer and Range Safety Officer at all times. For our launch, these officers are Mike and Tracy.

We operate under the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) high power rocketry safety code. You (should have) read this when you signed your waiver, but here's the link so you can bookmark it for reference: NAR High Power Safety Code

Courtesy guidelines

While this launch event has been coordinated by the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, we are all guests of the Yakama Nation while we are at the launch. We expect all attendees to be courteous toward our hosts. Please be aware of the following guidelines in advance:

• DO NOT leave any garbage behind (pack it in, pack it out)
• DO NOT remove anything from the launch site that you did not arrive with
• Absolutely no scavenging or foraging
• Depending on where your rocket lands, you may be assigned an escort for retrieval -- do not leave for retrieval without your escort, and follow any instructions they give you during retrieval

Preparing for comfort and safety

Rocket launches can be long days under (we hope) sunny, cloudless skies. Please consider the following and plan accordingly for maximum safety and comfort:

• Bring your NAR/TRA card and/or number on the day of the launch!
• Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes for hiking in scrub brush when retrieving rockets
• We recommend dressing in layers for fluctuating temperatures, including a long-sleeved shirt / jacket and a hat to protect from the sun
• Bring your own chair (there are no chairs on site)
• Bring your own water and food -- there will be NO food at this launch event
• Recommended -- Your group may also want to bring its own work table, FRS radios (i.e., walkie-talkies), a shade canopy
• HIGHLY recommended -- WA Space Grant is not providing rocketry supplies, so you should plan to bring anything you need to launch your rocket (including motors, igniters, casings, &c.)