LUNAR Events

Our monthly launches at Snow Ranch are held on the first saturday of the month when there is no fire danger. See the online calendar for details.

The NASA Ames Launch Site

The NASA Ames launch site is located on Moffett field at the south west corner of San Francisco bay. It is an operating airfield and we launch from the East side of hanger 1, the historic derigable hanger at Moffett field. See the launch directions below for information on how to get to Moffett field and what you need to do to get on the base. Flights on Moffett field are limited to G engines and 1000 feet AGL maximim altitude.

Generally we hold sport launches, where you are free to launch any sort of rocket that conforms to the NAR or Tripoli safety code. All rockets are subject to a preflight safety inspection by the Safety Check Officer, and are flown following our established field procedures.

Snow Ranch Launch Site

The Snow Ranch launch site is located on highway 4 about 30 miles east of Stockton. Here is a rockets eye view of the launch site by Jamie Clay and a topographic map of the area (the map is centered on the launch site). The Ranch is about an hour drive from Livermore. The field is certified Level 3 with a 15,000 foot ceiling. We are currently allowing up to M motors on that field though you will need to get LUNAR board approval before flying L or M class engines. The Snow Ranch (http://www.orvisranch.com) launch site is a field on an operating cattle ranch so normal ranch rules apply.

• If you open a gate, close it.
• Don't bother the bulls, cows, and especially the calves.
• Don't tear up the turf.
• Stay on the marked roads. In the wet months your car will disappear in the mud if you stray off the road.
• There are wild animals in the area, including squirrels, rabbits, rattle snakes, coyotes, eagles, and mountain lions. Keep an eye on your children and don't stick your hands and feet where you cannot see. Especially stay away from the rock fences, the black berry bushes, and the brushy rock formations. They are full of snakes but they won't bother you if you don't bother them.

There are no amenities at the field so bring everything that you will need. We will rent a porta potty for the event.

LUNAR has a Rocket Hunter radio locator receiver you can use to find lost rockets. You must supply the transmitter. See the Radio Locator page for more information.

Note, however, that you can only count on flying motors up through "G" on a drop-in basis. Flying "H" and larger motors requires both HPR Level 1 certification (NAR or TRA) and the presence of a licensed Class III Pyrotechnician to supervise the flight. There are a few licensees in the club, so it is likely (but not guaranteed) that one will be on hand at any given launch.

The Brignatino Park Launch Site

Image courtesy BenitoLink

The Brignatino Park Launch Site is located in Hollister, CA, about an hour south of the Bay Area. Launches are limited to low- and mid-power (A through G motors) with a maximum altitude of 1000 feet.

The launch location on this field is about 200 yards from the parking lot. You will not be able to easily operate out of your car so be prepared to haul your rockets, tables, chairs, etc. to the launch location. A wagon would be very useful. Bathrooms are available by the parking lot.

Flight Costs

Non-members are charged a $10/day flying fee to help cover our costs for insurance and equipment maintenance. However, if you are going to be flying with us more than once during the year is is usually less expensive to join LUNAR.

Once or twice a year we hold sanctioned contest launches for points in the NAR national contest standings. These are often organized in conjunction with other rocket clubs in the area (BayNar, AeroPac) but you don't have to be a member of any of them (or even the NAR) to participate. You are welcome to join just for the spirit of competition! See the contest calendar for a list of dates.

LUNAR section meetings take place every other month. See the online calendar for dates and topics.

A typical LUNAR meeting covers club business, followed by a presentation by a club member and/or visiting expert on some aspect of rocketry, ranging from simple building tips to advanced science and engineering principles.

The meetings are held at the Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale or the Greenmeadow Neighborhood Community Room in Palo Alto. Consult the calendar to see where the next meeting is being held and the directions page to see how to get there.

Boing Boing at the 11/26/13 LUNAR Launch

NARCON 2013

LUNAR Bay Area Parent magazine. (January 2009)

LUNAR in the San Francisco Chronicle. (10/19/2007)

LUNAR mentioned in the California Rangeland Trust News. (Fall/Winter 2006)

LUNAR at the EBRC Air Show 2005.

LUNAR at the EBRC Air Show 2003.

LUNAR on Channel 2 News 2/26/2003.

LUNAR on Evening Magazine 11/7/2002.

LUNAR at the EBRC Air Show 2002.

LUNAR highlighted on the Fresh Gear TV show.

LUNAR on the SciSquad TV show.

LUNAR at the East Bay Radio Controllers Aeromodeling Show, October 8, 2000. Demonstrating model rocketry to the aeromodelers.

LUNAR Goes To The Moon, July 17, 1999, 30 year anniversary of the moon landing.

NAR Regional meet III, 21 April 96

Livermore Air Show, 9-10 Sept 95

NAR Regional meet II, 20 Aug 95

View Larger Map

NASA Ames is a unique place to fly rockets. We launch and retrieve onthe ramp and grass area between Hanger 1, Building 158 and the runway, in the shadow of historic Hanger 1, the airship hanger. This is a special opportunity for LUNAR, offered to us because of our emphasis on education and outreach, and our outstanding safety record.

As guests of NASA Ames, it is important for you to help us show that the LUNAR members are a responsible group of Rocketeers. There are several things that you will need to be aware of:

All launches at Ames must stay under 900 feet and land less than half way across the grass. We have a spreadsheet to help you estimate the altitude that your rocket will fly. Rockets that we believe will break the 900 foot limit will not be allowed to launch.

All rocketeers entering NASA Ames must have a printed copy of the following procedure, including the map, in their car before entering the site.

Printable copy of the access procedures is available here.

Some special requirements for the upcoming launches at Ames.

1. Flights are limited to 900 feet
2. Maximum motor size is 80 Ns ( an F motor).
3. LUNAR is limited to 250 people on the airfield.
   1. Outreach groups will need to bring a minimum number of people, the student (child) and only 1 adult.
4. No Food on the Airfield, water is okay
5. No easy-up (this is not new)
6. Only rocketry items should be on the airfield.
1. You should only take rockets, motors, flame proof wading or use a nomex blanket on to the airfield.
7. If your rocket lands more than half way across the grass, The RSO will need to retrieve the rocket
1. Children should not enter the grass area.
8. The Ramp area will have more airplanes parked, DO NOT approach closer than 50 feet of any aircraft.

Parking: Parking is available in the gravel lot, in B158 parking lot (away from the building), and across the street where the gas station used to be. Weather and Airfield Operations can cancel a launch so be sure to call the LUNAR HOT line prior to heading out to the launch. HOTLINE: 925.443.8705. Outreach groups: Please coordinate with me before coming to the launch, due to the limited number of people allowed on the airfield.

NASA Ames Access information:

A valid drivers license is required for entrance on to the NASA Ames property.

All Rocketeers shall enter NASA Ames through the Main Gate, please see enclosed map on the next page for the specific route you shall use when entering and exiting NASA Ames.

• Place this first page on the dashboard of your vehicle ensuring the orange placard is visible from the outside of the vehicle.
• This is to inform the Protective Services and the Fire department that you are carrying rocket motors in your vehicle.
• Please indicate to the Guard at the Main Gate that you are here to attend the LUNAR rocket launch being conducted near building 158. If you have rocket motors, please indicate that to the Guards.
• To gain access, you shall present this procedure to the Guard at the Main Gate.
• Igniters cannot be preloaded into the motors when you go through the Main Gate.
• The Map showing The Main Gate entrance and immediate required route to use entering and exiting NASA Ames, located on page 2.
• The pre-designated routes are the only routes you will be allowed to use while carrying rocket motors in your vehicle.
• Directions to Building 158 are shown on the map, see page 2.
• Follow the route on the map, which is depicted by the green arrows.
• Go directly to the designated gravel parking lot next to building 158.
• Exiting: Follow the route on the map, which is depicted by the red arrows.
• Once you leave the NASA Ames Property, take this page off of your dashboard and us it again for the next launch.

From the North (San Francisco) or South (San Jose)

Take 101 to Mountain View and take the Moffett Blvd exit. Turn Right and proceed to the NASA Ames Main gate. Present your Valid Drivers license and follow the directions on the map above to the parking lot in front of Building 158 with the control tower. Park in the gravel lot to the north of the building.

From the East Bay

From Livermore-Pleasanton, go south on 680 to 262. Go west on 262 to 880 and go south on 880. From Oakland go south on 880. Take 880 south to 237. Go east on 237 to 101. Go north on 101 two exits and take the Moffett Blvd exit. Turn Right and proceed to the NASA Ames Main gate. Present your Valid Drivers license and follow the directions on the map above to the parking lot in front of Building 158 with the control tower. Park in the gravel lot to the north of the building.

The Snow Ranch is located about 30 miles east of Stockton on highway 4. turn in at the stone gateposts shown here.

Map of 9601 E Highway 4, Farmington, CA 95230-9607

Note: The interchange at highways 4 and 99 has changed.

From The North Bay And East Bay From Oakland Northward:

Take I-80/580/680 (whichever is closer to you) to State Route 4 and head east. Continue on 4 all the way to Stockton where it goes north on I5 one exit and then east to 99. Go south on the combined 4/99 one exit to Golden Gate avenue. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Golden Gate avenue and stay on it as it turns into Highway 4. Continue east on 4 and in about 17 miles you'll come to Farmington. This is your last chance to buy food, gas or other supplies. Continue about 10 miles further on 4 east and you will cross the Milton-Eugene road. About 1 mile beyond the Milton-Eugene road, Highway 4 bends slightly to the right. On your left you will see two stone gateposts. This is the entrance to Snow Ranch (the sign reads “Orvis Cattle Company”). Turn in and travel up the driveway until you reach the houses and garages. Turn right immediately before the garage, go over the cattle guard and follow the road into the field. A few hundred feet beyond the cattle guard the road branches. Take the right branch and continue about one mile to the launch site. There is a gate about halfway along that you must open, and be sure to close and re-latch it after you have passed. CAUTION! Stay only on the road. The land on either side can be very soft and a car (even a 4WD) can easily get stuck.

From The East Bay From San Leandro Southward:

Take 580 east over the Altamont Pass. Continue straight when 580 splits off to the right and the road changes to 205. Continue on 205 until it merges with I-5 north in Tracy. About 10 miles up I-5 you will come to the junction with SR 4. Take 4 east (that’s the second “4” exit, the first one is west) about three miles where it merges with 99. Go south on the combined 4/99 one exit to Golden Gate avenue. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Golden Gate avenue and stay on it as it turns into Highway 4. Continue east on 4 and in about 17 miles you'll come to Farmington. This is your last chance to buy food, gas or other supplies. Continue about 10 miles further on 4 east, and you will cross the Milton-Eugene road. About 1 mile beyond the Milton-Eugene road, Highway 4 bends slightly to the right. On your left you will see two stone gateposts. This is the entrance to Snow Ranch (the sign reads “Orvis Cattle Company”). Turn in and travel up the driveway until you reach the houses and garages. Turn right immediately before the garage, go over the cattle guard and follow the road into the field. A few hundred feet beyond the cattle guard the road branches. Take the right branch and continue about one mile to the launch site. There is a gate about halfway along that you must open and be sure to close and re-latch it after you have passed. CAUTION! Stay only on the road. The land on either side can be very soft and a car (even a 4WD) can easily get stuck.

From The South Bay:

Take I-680 north over the Mission Grade. After you're on the far side of the grade, you have a choice of continuing up I-680 to I-580, or taking SR 84 to Livermore and through town to I-580. The 84 cutoff through livermore now bypasses downtown and connects directly to I-580, making it much faster. Once on 580 east, continue over the Altamont Pass. Continue straight when 580 splits off to the right and the road changes to 205. Continue on 205 until it merges with I-5 north in Tracy. About 10 miles up I-5 you will come to the junction with SR 4. Take 4 east (that’s the second “4” exit, the first one is west) about three miles where it merges with 99. Go south on the combined 4/99 one exit to Golden Gate avenue. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Golden Gate avenue and stay on it as it turns into Highway 4. Continue east on 4 and in about 17 miles you'll come to Farmington. This is your last chance to buy food, gas or other supplies. Continue about 10 miles further on 4 east, and you will cross the Milton-Eugene road. About 1 mile beyond the Milton-Eugene road, Highway 4 bends slightly to the right. On your left you will see two stone gateposts. This is the entrance to Snow Ranch (the sign reads “Orvis Cattle Company”). Turn in and travel up the driveway until you reach the houses and garages. Turn right immediately before the garage, go over the cattle guard and follow the road into the field. A few hundred feet beyond the cattle guard the road branches. Take the right branch and continue about one mile to the launch site. There is a gate about halfway along that you must open, and be sure to close and re-latch it after you have passed. CAUTION! Stay only on the road. The land on either side can be very soft and a car (even a 4WD) can easily get stuck.

From The Central Valley:

From anywhere in the Central Valley, take I-5 towards Stockton. On the south side of Stockton is the junction with SR 4. Take 4 east about three miles where it merges with 99. Go south on the combined 4/99 one exit to Golden Gate avenue. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Golden Gate avenue and stay on it as it turns into Highway 4. Continue east on 4 and in about 17 miles you'll come to Farmington. This is your last chance to buy food, gas or other supplies. Continue about 10 miles further on 4 east, and you will cross the Milton-Eugene road. About 1 mile beyond the Milton-Eugene road, Highway 4 bends slightly to the right. On your left you will see two stone gateposts. This is the entrance to Snow Ranch (the sign reads “Orvis Cattle Company”). Turn in and travel up the driveway until you reach the houses and garages. Turn right immediately before the garage, go over the cattle guard and follow the road into the field. A few hundred feet beyond the cattle guard the road branches. Take the right branch and continue about one mile to the launch site. There is a gate about halfway along that you must open, and be sure to close and re-latch it after you have passed. CAUTION! Stay only on the road. The land on either side can be very soft and a car (even a 4WD) can easily get stuck.

The Brigantino Park is located in Hollister, CA. and is about an hour south of the Bay Area. The field is 940 feet wide at its narrowist so launches are limited to low- and mid-power (A through G motors) rockets with a maximum altitude of 1000 feet.

Brignatino Park
2100 San Juan Hollister Rd.
Hollister, CA 95023

Take 101 south through Gilroy then take 156 east to 156B (San Juan Hollister Rd.) and go east towards Hollister. The park is on the west side of Hollister on the south side of San Juan Hollister Rd.

Map to Brigantino Park

Maker Nexus

Maker Nexus
1330 Orleans Dr
Sunnyvale, CA 94089.

or

Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cwk-qzdx-djg
Or dial: ((US) +1 256-600-8336 PIN: 692 630 4277#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cwk-qzdx-djg?pin=6796402662020

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