Spaceport America Cup 2022

https://www.soundingrocket.org/sdl-payload-challenge.html

​To Enter the SDL Payload Challenge: Submit an SDL Payload Challenge Entry Form (available for download on the SA Cup Documents & Forms page)  to SDL. SDL Payload Challenge Forms are available for download from the IREC website;  email to: payloadchallenge@sdl.usu.edu
Awards:

• 1st Place Payload Award: $750
• 2nd Place Payload Award: $500
• 3rd Place Payload Award: $250
• Honorable mentions as warranted (judges discretion)

Judging Criteria (1000 points possible):

• Scientific or Technical Objective(s) (400 points)
  • How relevant and well-designed is your scientific or technical objective?
• Payload Construction and Overall Professionalism (200 points)
  • Includes make/buy decisions, craftsmanship, material usage, poster, handouts, reports, etc.
• Readiness / Turnkey Operation (100 points)
  • Will the payload interfere with launch operations? Will the payload operate after hours of launch preparation, rail time, heat, waiting for other launches, etc?
• Execution of Objective(s) (300 points)
  • How well did it accomplish the objective(s)? Note that rocket failure results in 150 points (half credit – don’t know if payload would have worked or not)

A downloadable copy of this rules and information page is available on the SA Cup Documents & Forms page.

CRITICAL INFORMATION - Student team members MUST HAVE their Security Badge to enter the VLA launch site. DO NOT LOSE THIS BADGE! Any student without their badge will not be allowed to enter the student areas. 

During registration on Monday, June 20th, at the Las Cruces Convention Center (10am-5pm), the following activities will take place:

1. Teams will pay any missing team or rocketeer fees
2. Team members, and their FoR will validate their TRA and NAR membership (if needed)
3. Team members and FoR will complete any missing liability waivers 
4. Begin Range Safety Inspection of their Team Rocket Project 
5. Teams will pose for their Team Photo
6. Recovery team members will attend Safety Training
7. All team members will receive their security badges
8. Teams will receive Car passes (absolute minimum required)
9. Teams will receive T-shirts, patches, etc and goodie bags

Reminder to all teams - 

For the 2022 Spaceport America Cup, all COTS and SRAD Solids Category competitors, you MUST have a valid Tripoli (TRA) or NAR membership card (or proof of membership) to go downrange.  This includes anyone who is setting up their rocket at the pad or on the Recovery team.  You will have to provide TRA or NAR membership proof at the registration table on Monday.  You do NOT have to be certified L1, L2 or L3.  You only need to be a member.  You only need to join one of these organizations to be qualified.   

Your team's Flyer of Record will also need to provide proof of membership and HPR certification level.

If you have not joined, it is a simple process (and it looks great on a resume) by following the links below:

Tripoli Membership Information - https://www.tripoli.org/Membership

Students membership is $10/yr.

You can join no matter what country you are from.

National Association of Rocketry Membership information - https://www.nar.org/join-nar/ 

Different Rates apply to age and country 

1. This is a harsh, hot, dry, desert environment with potentially dangerous wildlife.
    
2. Temperatures can reach 110 F (42 C)!   Team members look out for each other! 
    
3. Dehydration injuries happen every year. BE PREPARED!  WATER WATER WATER!!! 
    
4. Recovery team members need to have HARD SOLED shoes or hiking boots.  Normal tennis shoes will not keep the large bush thorns from penetrating your foot 
    
5. Everyone should be drinking significant amounts of water.   
    
6. Any team members wearing inappropriate/unsafe clothing will be asked to correct it immediately. Failure to comply will lead to points being deducted/you may be asked to leave.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED clothing for Everyone

• Lightweight, Long Pants (Nylon/Poly)
• Sun shade hat (Large brimmed)
• Hiking Boots, Tennis shoes (Must be closed Toe)
• Long sleeve, fishing-style shirt

Desert wildlife to avoid:

• Tarantulas
• Snakes
• Scorpions

Clothing to AVOID:

• Open toed shoes, flip-flops, sandals
• Sleeveless T-shirts 
• Shorts

Additional Items to carry with you:

• Water, lots of it! Always have water with you
• First Aid Kit (for your group)
• Sun Tan Lotion – SPF 45+  (apply every 2 hours)
• Insect Repellant
• Sunglasses

If your team would like to bring a small portable radio to listen in on Launch Control announcements, please plan accordingly.