BY Stephanie Specchio
The skies over Torrey Farm will be filled with rockets June 9 through June 11, as the Upstate Research Rocketry Group holds its 2023 Festival. While online registration is closed, aspiring rocket launchers can register onsite, and spectators are welcome without registration. The event will be held at Torrey Farms of Potter Inc. (4720 NY 364, Penn Yan). The signature flight is expected around noon on June 10, with the launch of a full-scale patriot missile using a P motor.
According to the website, the Club has secured an 18,000-foot waiver from the FAA for launches, which means that rockets have a three-mile vertical clearance. Festival participants can launch from one of 70 pads and enjoy a “huge” recovery area.
The group has hosted this event for 12 years, according to Launch Director Larry Weiberts. He expects between 100 and 150 flyers of all ages. Youngsters wishing to engage will be supported as the group is able with a variety of equipment on site. To volunteer for tasks such as transporters, field safety officers, and high/low power pad manager, visit https://urrg.us/content.aspx?page_id=2664&club_id=453409.
The group is a non-profit organization that hosts monthly launches from April to November. In addition, they partner closely with about a dozen colleges and universities, providing the opportunity to reinforce concepts discussed in classrooms with hands-on experience and to complete assigned projects. The collective has launched on the Torrey Farms fields since 2003.
“Mark and Maureen Torrey have been very supportive of our efforts,” said Weiberts. “They provide access to use the farm and operational support. We are grateful for their help.”
The skies over Torrey Farm will be filled with rockets June 9 through June 11, as the Upstate Research Rocketry Group holds its 2023 Festival. While online registration is closed, aspiring rocket launchers can register onsite, and spectators are welcome without registration. The event will be held at Torrey Farms of Potter Inc. (4720 NY 364, Penn Yan). The signature flight is expected around noon on June 10, with the launch of a full-scale patriot missile using a P motor.
According to the website, the Club has secured an 18,000-foot waiver from the FAA for launches, which means that rockets have a three-mile vertical clearance. Festival participants can launch from one of 70 pads and enjoy a “huge” recovery area.
The group has hosted this event for 12 years, according to Launch Director Larry Weiberts. He expects between 100 and 150 flyers of all ages. Youngsters wishing to engage will be supported as the group is able with a variety of equipment on site. To volunteer for tasks such as transporters, field safety officers, and high/low power pad manager, visit https://urrg.us/content.aspx?page_id=2664&club_id=453409.
The group is a non-profit organization that hosts monthly launches from April to November. In addition, they partner closely with about a dozen colleges and universities, providing the opportunity to reinforce concepts discussed in classrooms with hands-on experience and to complete assigned projects. The collective has launched on the Torrey Farms fields since 2003.
“Mark and Maureen Torrey have been very supportive of our efforts,” said Weiberts. “They provide access to use the farm and operational support. We are grateful for their help.”
