Launch Days

Below is a list of launch days planned:

Note that SAASA launches are usually on Saturdays.  SARA launches are on Sundays.

We usually arrive from about 8am and start from around 9am.

The launch is usually an all-day event. Those of you looking for a thrill like one you get playing games like PartyPoker (http://www.partypoker.com/) , this is the place for you. It's a whole day of excitement and educational fun.

Click on the launch site name for directions to get there.

Read the following carefully before attending any Launch, take particular note of the recommendations.

Due to the volatile nature of Nature, you have to phone us before leaving to attend a launch.  

A recent launch had to be postponed due to high winds.

Please phone ahead to check if the weather is safe for Rocket activities.

Please use the following instructions when phoning to check:

For GHPR:

Johann Grobler - 084 324 0902

For WERK:

Matt van Niekerk - 082 552 2428

For SARA:

Neels Louw - 082 853 5162

We are holding launch days at smaller fields more frequently than ever.  Give us a call to find out when the next local launch takes place.

Anyone who wishes to fly must contact us before the launch day.

IMPORTANT: For propellant orders, contact us at least two weeks before the launch you wish to fly at.

Please register your Rocket at least two days before the Launch, to ensure you have a Launch window.  We will also register Rockets on the launch day, although we cannot guarantee a place for you.  Please note that only SAASA approved motors may be used.  To register, send an email to

Here are a few tips that will make your Launch day even more fun:

1. Bring plenty of water.  At least 500ml per person per hour.  It is easy to get dehydrated in our hot summers and even in winter!

2. Bring a hat and remember sunscreen!  The launch must be unforgettable, not the sunburn!

3. Make provision for meals.

4. Don't bring along your pets!  They don't like the noise.

5. Make sure of the exact location of the launch site, before you leave!  Phone us if in doubt.

6. Keep your Club Contact Page details handy.  Write it down or put it in your cell phone.  You never know when you'll need to contact us.

7. Remember that no Alcohol is permitted until all flying has been completed.  Anyone not adhering to this rule will be asked to leave the Launch Site.

Launch sites

Sasolburg

From Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Take the R59 towards Vereeniging.

Follow the R59 past Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Vaalpark.

When you reach Sasolburg, you will get to an intersection.  This is DF Malan rd.  On your left, about 200m from the road is a Shell filling station.

From this intersection, continue on the R59 for another 7km towards Parys.

At about 7km from the previous point, you'll pass a tarred turn-off to your right and immediately after that see a dirt road on your left.  It is marked "Wolwehoek".  You can only turn left here.

Drive along this dirt road for about 1.5km until you reach the first farm buildings on your right.  Enter at the second gate opposite the farm buildings.  Close the gate behind you.

Drive to the flight line.  Be careful of large stones and mud on the road.

Here are a few pictures taken from Google Earth of the road to the area.

Click for larger images.

Below you can see the launch area.  You will be drive from the top of the picture to the bottom.  Thus the farm buildings we are referring to, will be on the left of the picture and on your right when actually driving along the dirt road.  Note that the entrance is the second gate on the left (On the right on the picture) once you are at the farm buildings.

Below is another view of the launch site.  In the bottom left is the longitude and latitude of the site.

Please refer back to this page frequently, as dates can change without notice!