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MAVERICKS is hosting this second annual international civilian space competition, in partnership with Draper Fisher Jurvertson, the Stanford Space Systems Development Laboratory, and the Tripoli Rocketry Society. Last years competition was canceled due to high winds and low visibility. This year, a back-up waiver has been attained in case of inclimate weather for July 25th, 26th, & 27th 2008. In addition, the competition has been moved to the middle of July where jet stream cross-winds at high altitude will not be an issue.
This years sounding rocket competition, will award a $10,000 cash purse to winner of the Mavericks DFJ J-prize 30K competition class. More details can be found in the competition section of the Mavericks web site.
Mavericks is an approved experimental prefect of The Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. There will be minimal insurance coverage at this launch, however, EVERYONE attending, observing, participating or just existing in the area MUST sign a release waiver. NO EXCEPTIONS. Minimal launch support equipment will be provided, but competition launch equipment and ground support are the responsibility of the individual or team competing. There will be a range set up with a limited number of launch pads. A central LCO will control ALL launches within the range by power supplied to all pads, about 1,500 feet, and any and all launches conducted out of area on the playa for all days of the Mavericks event. If you require anything special, you must plan to bring it your self.
For specifics on the competition, competition rules, and registration, please go to the Competitions area of the Mavericks web site.
There are two options when staying at Black Rock for any event. Reserving a room at the Bruno Country Club & Luxury Resort in Gerlach, or camping out on the Lake Bed.
We have arranged discount packages with a local RV vendor in Reno. See our partners page for more details. We recommend camping!
Bruno's Motel, Gerlach, NV has 40 rooms and has limited availability. The rooms are rated 5 STARS minus-4½, but the showers are the greatest after a day out on the playa! Rates vary from person to person and to this day nobody has been able to figure out exactly how much a room costs. Expect to pay between $40 to $50 a night. Most rooms have two beds however, they've been known to hold up to 12 people each! Reservations are most definitely required and the rooms fill up fast. Don't delay, call today 775-557-2220 -oops! You're probably too late!!
BLM allows us to camp out on the lake bed, or at the Cove near the launch site (watch for scorpions). Campfires are permitted at Black Rock but they must not be made directly on the surface of the playa. The BLM said NOT to make the fires directly on the ground. They should/must be in a container of some kind. BLM has shown and proven the surface of the lake bed is clay and the fire will bake it hard like pottery. This leaves a high spot after the rains and wind. Really! So make all fires in a container and try to keep them off of the ground - some. The standard fire container is the tub from a washing machine supported on bricks.
The Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation is an educational foundation which provides educational and research resources for the purposing of granting support and competitive prizes to drive innovation and education focused on civilian space flight and space exploration. Click logo to learn more
MAVERICKS events are conducted in compliance with the Tripoli Research Rules. If you are planning on flying an O motor, or above, you must contact the Mavericks Flight Operations Team 30 days prior to arrival at the launch or competition, and register and attain flight approval from the Tripoli board in compliance with Tripoli regulations. Anyone planning a Q motor, or above, or Hybrids (other than Nitros Oxide), or Liquid Engines MUST request written approval from the Tripoli Board of Directors.
It is recommended everyone have their "requests" approved by Tripoli prior to LDRS. Q and above impulse flights must forward a copy of their BOD approval to the Mavericks Flight Operations Director, Dick Mathews. An electronic request can be submitted on-line with Tripoli here.
CHILDREN & PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED
Because of the nature of activities, children and pets are not allowed and discouraged. No one can concentrate on a large potentially dangerous project and ensure the safety of their child at the same time. Kids & pets always seem to end up where they shouldn't be or riding bikes and ATV's through restricted and dangerous areas. Leave them at home.
Mavericks has a 100,000 foot FAA Waiver, flights planning to exceed 25,000 feet MUST be cleared by the Tripoli BOD 30 days prior to the launch. This is in compliance with FAA requirements. The Mavericks launch must comply with this requirement.
A form can be downloaded HERE for this purpose. All information must be completed and submitted to the Tripoli BOD. An approval letter will be returned which must be presented to the Event Director ASAP. Last minute excuses will not be accepted this year.
N40 48.764 W119 08.702
You must use a GPS to find the launch site while on the playa. There are two main entrances onto the playa. The first is few miles out of Gerlach.. The second one is about 11 miles out of town. If you click on the coordinates above, it will take you to a google earth image to reference.
If you have not been to Black Rock or are not familiar with driving in the desert it would be best if you follow someone who has been there before or at least go out in pairs of vehicles. There are several good advisory's written up here and here that should be reviewed prior to heading out for a Mavericks event.