Away Cells
Operating Limits and Class 3 Requirements
At BALLS, any rocket up to an O motor (40,960 N-s) may operate on the main range provided the flight does not exceed 100,000 feet in altitude.
Rockets using motors in excess of 40,960 N-s, or any flight planned to exceed 100,000 feet, must submit a Class 3 Application to the Tripoli Class 3 Flight Review Committee for review and approval. Refer to the Class 3 Flights menu for additional details.
Depending on the project, some Class 3 Applications will be submitted to the FAA and AST to obtain a dedicated Class 3 Certificate of Authorization (COA). These projects will require launch from the Ground Zero location using an Away Cell. Projects not requiring a personal Class 3 COA may also be approved for launch from Ground Zero and an Away Cell.
Away Cell Definition and Equipment Requirements
An Away Cell is a pad area located outside the BALLS 2,500-foot operating range. No ground equipment will be provided other than communications with the BALLS LCO. All equipment necessary for flight operations must be supplied by the flyer.
Projects using personal launch equipment, including Away Cells, must utilize a metal blast deflector measuring at least 36 inches by 36 inches. Wood blast deflectors are not permitted.If your project requires the use of a personal launch pad (tower, Class 3 project, etc.), the pad must include a metal blast deflector measuring at least 36 inches by 36 inches. Wood blast deflectors are not permitted. You must also ensure the area under and around your pad is left in pristine condition after launch operations. Failure to comply may result in your rocket not being launched or exclusion from future BALLS events.
Away Cells must be set up with sufficient separation so that one operation or launch does not affect another cell. If cell locations are close, all operations must halt and personnel must move to a safe distance during a launch. Away Cell RSOs will be available to assist and ensure appropriate safety distances are maintained.
Personnel Limits and Access Control
Due to the nature of flights conducted in the Ground Zero/Away Cell area, the number of ground personnel assigned to each project must be limited. Previous negative experiences and insurance considerations have reinforced the need to control the number of people permitted in these locations.
All non-essential personnel must vacate the cell during launch operations.
For these reasons, the BALLS launch organizers will permit only pre-designated individuals, all of whom must be current and valid TRA members, to access Away Cells. A maximum of six team members is allowed per Away Cell.
Authorized individuals will be identified by a sticker placed on their name badge.
Pre-Designation and Registration Requirements
To pre-designate project team members for Away Cell access, send an email to Gerald Meux with the subject line:
“Away Cell Personnel”
Include the following information:
- Project leader/flyer
- Project/rocket name (as listed on the Class 3 Project Submittal form, where applicable)
- List of Away Cell support personnel, including TRA membership numbers
Away Cell support personnel must be pre-registered before arriving at BALLS.
Upon arrival, individuals must connect with Gerald Meux to receive the sticker granting Away Cell access.
Operational Restrictions
Assignment to an Away Cell does not permit launching rockets other than the project designated on the personal COA.
Away Cells are operational launch areas and are not intended to serve as private launch or gathering spaces. Once launch operations are complete, all personnel are expected to vacate the Ground Zero area and return to the BALLS Flight Line area.