BALLS 17, the premiere experimental rocketry launch contest, has been announced for Sept 26, 27, 28 in Black Rock, Nevada. The event website has details on BALLS 17 and the competition rules.
This is the extreme rocketry event where experimental rocketeers push the envelope of size, staging/clustering, altitude, home-made components and motors, and cutting-edge rocket tech. Not for the faint of heart and not for children. Bring your hard hat.
BALLS 17 – Link
8 thoughts on “The low-down on BALLS 17”
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Just so everyone knows. Balls is NOT open to the public. You have to go with a group that knows what they are doing. There are LOTS of ways to die in the desert and that does not include adding extremely powerful rockets to the mix. Don’t think “well its just like burning man but with rockets.”
You have been warned.
Good warning, but with one revision. Since it’s being run under Tripoli Research Rules, spectators are allowed, but only in the spectator area, so you can go it alone.
That being said, there are so many advantages to going with a group. Mainly, avoiding that whole ‘die in the desert’ part is key, and their website had tons of info to help out with that one.
I’d say email AHPRA and see if you could hook up with an experienced group. If, for nothing else, it’ll help you from getting stuck in the desert trying to get out there.
Overall, as a spectator, if you want to get in the motor prep and pad areas – you need to be a Tripoli member and have permission of the RSO and group personnel. So, the group’s the way to go, but don’t let it discourage you from going if you don’t have a group in your area.
Bring lots of water. Really. Gatorade powder doesn’t hurt either. This desert is 105 degrees and there is no shade. GPS is a must!
The guy in the yellow shirt is my dad! That’s Jeff Jacob’s group and I was part of the recovery team last year!! I was so much fun!