The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is a non-profit, tax-exempt scientific organization that focuses on consumer safety, youth education, and the advancement of technology in the hobby of sport rocketry within the United States. Established in 1957, the NAR is the world’s oldest and largest spacemodeling organization, boasting over 8,000 members and 200 affiliated clubs (referred to as Sections) throughout the U.S.
The association was founded by Orville Carlisle and G. Harry Stine. The NAR supports a wide range of safe consumer sport rocket activities, ranging from small model rockets used in youth groups to large high-power rockets operated by adult enthusiasts. Additionally, the NAR is recognized as a national authority for the certification of consumer rocket motors and high-power rocket fliers in the U.S. They have also established a Model Rocket Safety Code and a High Power Rocket Safety Code, both of which are recognized and accepted by manufacturers and public safety officials across the nation.
History
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sport rocketry in the United States. Founded in 1957, it is the world’s oldest and largest spacemodeling organization, boasting over 8,000 members and 200 affiliated clubs known as Sections.
NAR’s primary focus is on promoting consumer safety and shaping national rocketry safety standards. They play a key role in certification for consumer rocket motors and high-power rocket fliers, underpinned by their widely accepted Model Rocket Safety Code and High Power Rocket Safety Code.
Governance is overseen by a nine-member board of trustees, providing direction, policies, and financial oversight. Standing committees handle various services and provide valuable expertise.
Education and outreach are core to NAR’s mission. They offer scholarships for members pursuing higher education and support teachers integrating rocketry into classrooms through the Robert L. Cannon Educator Award. Partnerships with organizations like 4-H and the Museum of Flight promote youth engagement. NAR also supports NASA’s Student Launch program.
High-power rocketry enthusiasts can participate in a certification program with three levels, allowing members to work with increasingly powerful rocket motors.
NAR hosts national events like the National Association of Rocketry Annual Meet (NARAM), a model rocketry championship, and co-sponsors The America Rocketry Challenge (TARC), a nationwide competition for students in grades 7 through 12. These events foster community, competition, and exploration within the NAR community.
Structure and Organization
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is governed by a board of trustees, which consists of nine senior members (age 21 and over) of the NAR. These trustees are elected by members aged 16 and older. The terms for trustees last three years, with three of the nine positions available for election each year. The roles of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of the NAR are elected by the board from within these nine members. The president acts as the chief operating officer on a daily basis and is authorized to conduct the NAR’s business as directed by the board of trustees and in line with the NAR’s by-laws.
The NAR board meets twice a year, before NARCON in late winter and NARAM in midsummer. These meetings guide the president, set the NAR’s policies, and oversee its finances. Between board meetings, an executive committee of three trustees, approved by the board, is empowered to act on behalf of the board. Their actions are subject to ratification by the board at its next meeting.
Most of the services provided by the NAR are executed through standing committees. These committees report to the board of trustees either directly or via an assigned liaison. The current standing committees include Membership, Education, Technical Services (“NARTS”), NARTREK (a skills education program), National Events, Periodicals, Section Activities, High Power Rocketry Services, Standards and Testing, Safety, and the role of the NAR Historian.
Additionally, ad-hoc committees can be established occasionally to address temporary or specific requirements. For instance, a Special Committee for the Enhancement of National Events is currently exploring ways to attract more members to the NAR’s national events and to boost participation in rocketry competition.
Functions and Operations
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) emphasizes the conduct of safe and well-ordered launches, necessitating the active participation of its members. Key functions include:
- Launch Range Rules and Procedures: The NAR has established guidelines for launch range operations, including specific rules for night launches and drone policies.
- HPR Certification: For those attempting their High Power Rocketry (HPR) certification during events like the National Sport Launch (NSL), the NAR has set procedures to ensure safety and compliance.
- Range Crew Volunteers & Duty Descriptions: To manage large launches, the NAR relies on dedicated volunteers. These volunteers are divided into various roles, each crucial for smooth operations. For instance:
- Pad Assignment Officer: Ensures rockets are assigned to the appropriate launch pads.
- Launch Control Officer (LCO): Oversees the safe and steady launch of rockets.
- Announcer: Manages communications over the PA system, keeping attendees informed.
- Pad Manager: Responsible for specific launch pads or racks, ensuring rockets are safely set up.
- Safety Check Officer: Examines rockets to ensure they are flight-ready.
- Registration Assistant and General Runner: Assists with registration and other miscellaneous tasks.
- Range Setup and Teardown Assistance: Volunteers are also essential for setting up before launches and assisting with teardown afterward.
The NAR’s operations are comprehensive, ensuring that every aspect of rocket launching, from registration to the actual launch, is conducted safely and efficiently. Their structured approach ensures that both participants and spectators can enjoy the event while prioritizing safety.
Controversy
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) has faced its share of controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). The NAR, in conjunction with the Tripoli Rocketry Association (another major governing body in hobby rocketry), was embroiled in a nine-year lawsuit against the BATFE. The central issue of the lawsuit was the status of Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant (APCP), which is the most commonly used composite propellant in hobby rocketry. The BATFE had classified APCP as an explosive, which brought about various regulatory challenges for rocket enthusiasts.
The NAR and the Tripoli Rocketry Association argued against this classification, emphasizing the safe use of APCP in the hobby and its non-explosive nature when used as intended. After a prolonged legal battle, the NAR and TRA emerged victorious in 2009. The court’s decision led to the deregulation of APCP, meaning it was no longer classified as an explosive by the BATFE. This was a significant win for the hobby rocketry community, as it eased many of the restrictions and regulations they had previously faced.
This controversy highlights the challenges that hobbyist organizations can face when regulatory bodies impose classifications or restrictions that may not align with the practical and safe use of materials within the hobby. The NAR’s successful challenge against the BATFE’s classification underscores the organization’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of its members and the broader rocketry community.
Conclusion
The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is the oldest and largest spacemodeling organization in the world, founded in 1957. Dedicated to consumer safety, youth education, and the advancement of technology in sport rocketry, the NAR has played a pivotal role in establishing safety standards and promoting the hobby in the United States. With over 8,000 members and 200 affiliated clubs, the NAR has been instrumental in certifying rocket motors, providing educational outreach, and advocating for the rights of rocketry enthusiasts. Through its history, the NAR has faced challenges, including legal battles, but remains a central figure in the world of rocketry.