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HomeRange Information

Range Information

A map to the Argonia launch site is available in PDF



GPS Data for Launch Site: Elev - 1249 ft - 37 deg 10.070 min N - 97 deg 44.385 min W




Aerial view of the Argonia launch site.



This photo was taken from a Tom Savoie rocket.


The Argonia flight facility, familiarly know as "The Rocket Pasture", is located in south-central Kansas, nearly at the Oklahoma border. Argonia is west of Wellington Kansas and about 1 hour southwest of Wichita.

 

"The Rocket Pasture" is a large mowed and well-maintained pasture. The launch site is surrounded by crop land, generally planted in the fall with wheat and less frequently in summer with feed grains (especially milo). A bit of cattle dot the landscape (the cattle are NOT known for eating rockets or chasing rocketeers). Wide open space with gravel or dirt roads breaking up the fields into one-mile plots.

 

Fun flys are held each month and may be schedule on Saturdays or Sundays to give everyone a chance to get in some flying time depending upon their personal schedule. All monthly Fun Fly launches are conducted under the Tripoli Unified Safety Code. These rules permit TRA or NAR adult members to launch commercial propellants to their certification level and TRA Level 2 and over flyers to launch Research propellants. During all scheduled launches, a model rocket area is available for youth flyers up to age 17 to fly model rockets.

 

Each Spring, we take a break from flying from mid-April through early July to stay off our gracious landowners primary cash crop--winter wheat. The wheat is generally harvested about mid-June and we resume our monthly launch schedule in July.

 

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Weather in the day time can be quite warm (June through August) or cool (October through March). Weather at night is usually very comfortable, easy to sleep in temperatures. As with anywhere in the Midwest, the winds come and go. Local wisdom says -- don't ever leave because of the weather, it'll always change within an hour! If extreme weather is occurring or is expected during a scheduled launch day, updates will be provided on this web-site. Updates will also be provided via our Facebook group. Consideration is given to the current weather conditions as well as accessibility to the Rocket Pasture. We try to do our best to stick to the schedule, however, too muddy, too icy, or too windy can happen. First and foremost - we want everyone to be safe and have fun.


On-site camping is available at the launch site during scheduled launch days. There is no drinking water, electricity or waste dumping available for on-site campers. Most cellular phone subscribers have reasonably good cell service while on the Rocket Pasture. In some areas of the surrounding recovery area, the cellular coverage is less reliable.


The Argonia River Park is on the southern end of Argonia along the Chikaskia River 7 miles from the launch site. The park has a limited number of camping positions with electricity and water. There are new bathrooms with showers, a dump station and hydrant for water. The rates are $15 per night for electric and water hook-up, $5 per night for tent camping, or $20 for water, electric and sewer. Reservations need to be made through the Argonia City Office, 620-435-6417 or by email at cityclerk@cityofargonia.com. Office hours are 8:00AM to 5:00PM Central time, Monday through Friday.

Important information that applies to all launches:
  • At all KLOUDBusters launches, youth flyers and all flyers flying 'G' impulse and under fly free.
  • The waiver for all KLOUDBusters launches is 50,000' AGL. Flights planned to exceed 20,000' AGL require prior approval from the KLOUDBusters Prefect - High Altitude Application Here. Contact the Kloudbusters Prefect for further details.
  • Please bring proper ID and Certification information (TRA Card) to all launches.
  • There are all popular sizes of launch rods and rails available. We have many 6' and 12' standard 1010 and 1515 rails. We do have one tower mounted Unistrut rail.  If you require Unistrut, please contact us prior to arriving.
  • Projects requiring Hypertek or other hybrid systems support should contact Star Rocketry for advance planning of your launch.