Before the day of the launch:

• Check stability of the rocket to be at least 1.5, 2.0 preferred. Add weights as needed.

• Mark the CG (found experimentally) and CP (found in OpenRocket) on the outside of the rocket

• Check that the fins are square and secured

• Check that the rail guides slide smoothly in the test rail

• Confirm that you are a member of NAR, and that you have your NAR ID number

• Fill out the NAR Level 1 Certification Paperwork

• Fill out the URRG flight card (or applicable flight card for the launch site used)

Day of, before going to the launch:

• Gather the required rocket materials:

  • Rocket: Rocket lower stage, upper stage, nosecone, and motor retainer cap, (optional) ballast

  • Recovery Equipment: quick link, parachute, flame blanket, shock cord (if removable one used)

  • Motor and Charge: single use motor, deployment charge, delay drill, e-match, backup e-match (all usually brought by launch coordinator)

• Double-check paperwork, CG, CP, stability, etc. 

• Account for any required launch site gear (tables, chairs, tent, etc.)

Preparing for Launch:

• Pack the recovery gear

  • Fold the parachute and attach it to quick link

  • Put flame blanket on shock cord and secure

  • Tie off shock cord to quick link

  • Secure quick link to bottom of payload bay

  • Seal the recovery bay

• Prepare the motor

  • Remove motor from protective casing, assemble per instructions

    • Check required delay from OpenRocket

    • Use 0.75g of powder unless otherwise specified.

  • Slide the motor into the motor tube, secure with motor retainer cap

• Tape e-match to the side of the rocket

• Report to RSO for final inspection, launching