Washington Aerospace Club
National Association of Rocketry Section 578
Tripoli Rocketry Association Prefecture 41

FITS Night Launch

  • The rocket must be visibly lighted throughout the entire trajectory. If a rocket’s light is only visible after ejection, then the rocket will not be allowed to fly.
  • Sub-A thru E impulse rockets must fly at least one light source, and the light source may be either chemical (e.g. glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark paint) or electronic (i.e. battery operated). F and G powered rockets may use one light source, but it must be electric.
  • H through J impulse rockets must carry two independent light sources. At least one of the light sources must be electronic; the second light source may be chemical or electronic. The second light source may also be enclosed within the airframe and deployed at apogee. However, the rocket must be clearly seen with at least one light throughout its entire trajectory.
  • J will be the maximum motor impulse for the night launch.
  • All night-launch rockets must have at least one flight with a motor of similar impulse and with similar rocket weight (including weight of light assemblies) prior to the night-launch flight.
  • It is strongly encouraged to fly the night-launch rockets Saturday during daylight hours to establish this.
  • "Heads up" or first flights will not be allowed.
  • The LCO (Launch Control Officer) will allow sufficient time before launching any project to allow night vision of the launch crew and spectators to be reacquired following rocket and launch pad preparation.
  • After dark, anyone entering the pad area must wear a light stick or have a flashlight in hand and turned on.
  • As in the daytime, the RSO has the final say on allowing or disallowing flights. Every attempt will be made to keep this an enjoyable event for everyone, but safety must always come first.

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