About Us
A BIG HOWDY!
Welcome to the Superstition Spacemodeling Society (SSS)! The entire SSS membership, rocket enthusiasts like yourself, look forward to seeing you at the upcoming monthly launches, club meetings, and other club activities that occur from time to time. You are also encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of rocket knowledge that SSS members possess, and to share your expertise and ideas as well. Since the goal of the SSS is to maintain rocketry as a safe, fun, and educational hobby we all have something we can contribute, even a new member such as yourself.
A LITTLE CLUB HISTORY
The Superstition Spacemodeling Society was formed in 1989 to bring together the rocket enthusiasts in the Phoenix metropolitan area. We have a site suitable for low, mid, and high power rockets located off of exit 53 on the I-10, Check launch venues/maps for exact locations and directions. We also have park launches scheduled from time to time as part of our community outreach efforts.
SSS is a chartered NAR Section – #506. The NAR supports all phases of rocketry, from 1/4A to high power. And it uniquely sponsors model rocket contests at the local, regional, and national levels. NAR membership includes a subscription to Sport Rocketry magazine, and a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy is also available.
NAR tests and certifies the rocket motors (single-use and reloadable) that we use, and actively supports federal and local legislation to keep all aspects of hobby rocketry viable, safe, and relatively inexpensive.
ONE MORE WORD ABOUT INSURANCE…
SSS launch activities are typically held the second and/or third weekend of each month and are covered by insurance purchased through the NAR. However, we recommend that you have individual insurance either through the NAR (if you’re a member), Tripoli (if you’re a member), by your homeowner's insurance (check with your agent), or by some other aero modeling organization (such as the AMA).
…AND THE ONLY WORDS ABOUT SMOKING
Please, NO smoking or open flames shall be permitted in the prep area, launch area, or within twenty-five (25) feet of any rocket motors, motor reloading kits, or pyrotechnic modules.
SET-UP and ‘MISFIRE ALLEY'
SSS operates its launch range with a system known as a “Misfire Alley”. Under this system, individuals or small groups of people bring launch equipment that is set up in “alleys” perpendicular to a crowd control line. Oh, and don’t be mislead by the use of the word “misfire” to describe this launch operation system. The Misfire Alley system is a very safe, reliable way to run a launch range and is no more “misfire” prone than a common, multiplexed launch control system.
VOLUNTEER!
Through yearly dues, range fees, and good ol’ sweat, the membership of the Superstition Spacemodeling Society has amassed first-rate range equipment (banners, stakes, public address system, tables and chairs, etc.) Few rocket groups are as well equipped as SSS. Yet the set-up, operation, and teardown of this launch range equipment is work that must be performed every month so that a growing number of Valley residents can fly rockets in a safe, appropriate setting. And it is work that cannot be done by one person, nor should it be work always performed by the same small group of people. It is work that must be shared by all SSS members if everyone is going to have an equal opportunity to fly their rockets! So please, make an honest effort to take part in the set-up, operation, and teardown of the range.