NAR Section #473
Pittsburgh Space Command is a sanctioned section of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). Since its inception in 1986 the club has brought rocketeers together from all over Western Pennsylvania to enjoy sport, high power and contest rocketry. During that time our club has safely launched over 22,000 rockets of all sizes and shapes.
Our launch site, located east of Grove City, PA is easy to access and with over 800 acres, is an excellent site for all types of rocket flights.
The club's launch equipment can support most types of flights, from 1/4A to K (and L and M with advanced notice), so we've got you covered.
Whether you are new to rocketry, or are an experienced rocketeer looking to join in the fun with our club, please feel free to come to one of our monthly launches and see what we are all about.
Next Launch: May 22nd
Launch Time: 11AM - 4 PM
Launch Status: GO
Last Update 20 May 2022
Covid-19 Policy
Pittsburgh Space Command encourages you to take whatever precautions you deem necessary to protect you, your friends and your family from Covid-19 while enjoying yourself at our monthly launches. We also ask that everyone respect each individual’s choices of how they choose to deal with Covid while attending our launches.
To facilitate an efficient and enjoyable launch experience for everyone, we ask that flyers review and consider the following launch site requests:
Please help with Site set up and take down. In particular, our summer launches can draw large groups of flyers, which means we need to set up a more elaborate launch site – LPR range, HPR range and of course the LCO area. If you can lend a hand, it would help speed up site preparation, and will be greatly appreciated!
In good weather the launch day can be a long one. Please consider signing up for a shift of range duty as an LCO (if you have L1 certification or greater, or are willing to work with an L1 LCO) and/or as a Check In Officer. Our launch systems and launch procedures are fairly simple and easy to learn. Plus, as an LCO, you get to push the button! Taking a shift of range duty minimizes launch management fatigue, and ensures everyone gets a chance to fly. A Duty Roster sign-up sheet will be provided at the Check In desk, and each shift can be expected to be 1-2 hours in duration, depending on the number of launch participants.
Please remember that the Check In desk is for check in and Safety check, not model prep. We want each Flyer to have clear communication with the Check In Officer while his/her model is being checked in, Safety evaluated, and assigned to a pad.
HPR Range Flights: We will be providing blue flight cards for any model that needs to fly from the HPR range (HPR models, and any LPR/MPR model that needs to use a rail). Please use the blue flight cards for such models – it helps the LCO immensely!
HPR Certifications: first, please visit our web page dealing with PSC’s process for certification flights. Knowing in advance that we can expect certification flights at a launch gives us time to prepare: making sure we have the right tests on hand, that we have the right pad support, and most importantly, that we have a team of Certification Proctors on hand to support the cert candidates. When you arrive at our site, please come to the Check In desk so we can connect you with the Certification Proctors. They will work with you through the process to maximize your chances of certification success. Please make sure you have your certification application with you, and any supporting documentation for your model – stability sims and CP indications are expected, especially for L2.
SCST 22 Event Registration
Steel City Smoke Trail 22 is just around the corner. If you plan on competing, click on the icon to get the registration form.
Website Status
Newsletter Status
Newsletter production is currently on hiatus due to the lack of a Newsletter Editor. Past issues will be posted on this site as time allows.
If you are interested in filling the position of Newsletter Editor and resuming production of Team Pittsburgh, please contact our Section Advisor.
Special End of Year Photo Page
April 2022
Videos are muted so as to be SFW. Turn up the sound if you'd like to hear them. Thanks!
Photos of the Month
We were busy in April!
Photos and video courtesy of Aleks Krachanko, Charlie Dobbs and John Pace