1. Is the USLI payload considered a “complex rocket” for NFPA required launch stand-off distance requirements?
No. A “complex rocket” per NFPA pertains to the boost phase of the airframe where multiple rocket motor firings occur.
That said, additional distance between the launch site and spectators is recommended.
2. Is the Radio Control Rocket Glider RC safety code applicable to NASA SLP payloads containing a UAV?
No. The NASA SLP UAV payloads are outside of the scope of the NAR Radio Control Rocket Glider RC safety code.
FAA requirements for UAVs define the technical operating parameters for a payload containing a UAV.
3. How will the UAV release authorization be communicated?
A member of the team flying a UAV will be present in a designated area along with the RSO or their designate who will verbally communicate UAV release authorization.
Similar protocols should be employed during flights at local launch sites.
4. What are the criterion for UAV release authorization in Huntsville during launch week?
Release of the UAV will be authorized if both the FAA UAV requirements are met and the UAV location is a minimum 400 feet South of a line drawn East to West from the LCO table.
Similar protocols should be employed during flights at local launch sites.
5. What launch angle will be used during launch week in Huntsville?
Launch rails in Huntsville will be angled 5 to 10 degrees to the SE to provide a safety buffer should the recovery and/or UAV deployment be suboptimal.
Similar protocols should be employed at local launch sites to project the payload and airframe to a safe area.
6. Are cold gas thrusters for landing deceleration permitted?
Cold gas thrusters will be permitted at the NASA SLP launch in Huntsville, subject to meeting the design safety requirements present in the NASA Student Launch handbook.
Local launch groups may restrict the use of cold gas thrusters at their launches. Contact the Prefecture/Section RSO well before the launch to determine the suitability of this payload type for the launch site.
7. Which organization provides insurance coverage for the NASA Student Launch?
At the NASA Student launch in Huntsville launch event all aspects of the NAR insurance will be in effect for the landowner and NAR members.
Insurance coverage designation (TRA or NAR) at local launches will be determined by the local launch organizers.
Independent of the local launch site insurance, individual NAR members will be insured for their flight activities if compliance with the NAR safety code adhered to.
8. Should NASA SLP teams contact the launch organizer prior to their payload flights?
Absolutely. Many of the NASA Student Launch payloads are outside of the normal flight activities that at their launches and may require additional planning, project review, and staffing to support the flight.
The launch organizers have the option not to support NASA SLP flights if they don’t consider their launch site suitable for the flight.
9. Where should safety questions pertaining to the NASA Student Launch be directed?
Safety questions should be sent to: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
No. A “complex rocket” per NFPA pertains to the boost phase of the airframe where multiple rocket motor firings occur.
That said, additional distance between the launch site and spectators is recommended.
2. Is the Radio Control Rocket Glider RC safety code applicable to NASA SLP payloads containing a UAV?
No. The NASA SLP UAV payloads are outside of the scope of the NAR Radio Control Rocket Glider RC safety code.
FAA requirements for UAVs define the technical operating parameters for a payload containing a UAV.
3. How will the UAV release authorization be communicated?
A member of the team flying a UAV will be present in a designated area along with the RSO or their designate who will verbally communicate UAV release authorization.
Similar protocols should be employed during flights at local launch sites.
4. What are the criterion for UAV release authorization in Huntsville during launch week?
Release of the UAV will be authorized if both the FAA UAV requirements are met and the UAV location is a minimum 400 feet South of a line drawn East to West from the LCO table.
Similar protocols should be employed during flights at local launch sites.
5. What launch angle will be used during launch week in Huntsville?
Launch rails in Huntsville will be angled 5 to 10 degrees to the SE to provide a safety buffer should the recovery and/or UAV deployment be suboptimal.
Similar protocols should be employed at local launch sites to project the payload and airframe to a safe area.
6. Are cold gas thrusters for landing deceleration permitted?
Cold gas thrusters will be permitted at the NASA SLP launch in Huntsville, subject to meeting the design safety requirements present in the NASA Student Launch handbook.
Local launch groups may restrict the use of cold gas thrusters at their launches. Contact the Prefecture/Section RSO well before the launch to determine the suitability of this payload type for the launch site.
7. Which organization provides insurance coverage for the NASA Student Launch?
At the NASA Student launch in Huntsville launch event all aspects of the NAR insurance will be in effect for the landowner and NAR members.
Insurance coverage designation (TRA or NAR) at local launches will be determined by the local launch organizers.
Independent of the local launch site insurance, individual NAR members will be insured for their flight activities if compliance with the NAR safety code adhered to.
8. Should NASA SLP teams contact the launch organizer prior to their payload flights?
Absolutely. Many of the NASA Student Launch payloads are outside of the normal flight activities that at their launches and may require additional planning, project review, and staffing to support the flight.
The launch organizers have the option not to support NASA SLP flights if they don’t consider their launch site suitable for the flight.
9. Where should safety questions pertaining to the NASA Student Launch be directed?
Safety questions should be sent to: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
