Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who are we?

A. Tripoli Minnesota is Minnesota’s premiere model and high power rocketry club. We host monthly rocket launches in the warm months flying all types of rockets. If you like smoke, flames, noise, and big rockets you have come to the right place!

A. Develop, promote, and technologically advance amateur rocketry in Minnesota.

A. Tripoli Minnesota has monthly launches May through October of each year. The launches are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of these months. Launches may be postponed due to weather. Check www.tripolimn.org the morning of the launch.

A. Our rocket field is a large sod farm located near North Branch, MN, approximately 30 miles north of the Twin Cities.

A. Absolutely. We welcome everyone, young and old to fly at our launches. Children under the age of 18 can fly low power rockets (1/4A – E) free of charge, or enjoy all the benefits of a Junior Membership for $35. Adults who wish to fly their rockets can do so by paying a $15 daily launch fee, or join Tripoli Minnesota to avoid paying the daily launch fee. Senior Membership yearly dues are $50. Please see our Join Tripoli MN page for more information. ***Persons 18 years of age or older must be a member of one of the national rocketry organizations to fly ANY rocket at a Tripoli Minnesota launch. More information is available at www.tripoli.org, www.nar.org, or www.canadianrocketry.org.***

A. Yes. Please contact our NAR Liaison at least 7 days before a scheduled commercial launch to make arrangements.

A. Currently our FAA waiver allows us to fly up to 20,000 feet above ground level. In addition, during dry periods of the year the use of spark producing motors will require Prefect approval. Finally, all rockets must have a viable recovery system.

A. No. Tripoli Minnesota is fully equipped with 12 low power launch pads, 6-8 high power pads, and 1-2 “away launch cells” for the really big ones. We have all different sizes of rods and rails. If you have any special launcher requirements please contact the club Prefect in advance.

A. Our launches are the largest in Minnesota in terms of size of rockets, size of motors, and number of rockets launched. We have a family friendly atmosphere; on-site food, facilities, and parking; an outstanding launch field (320 acres of sod); and a stellar safety record. Club officers are committed to assisting rocketeers and spectators as well as answering any of your questions. Come for an hour or come for a day based on your schedule.

A. During the cold Minnesota winter we hold monthly meetings at a location near the Twin Cities. These meetings are a great place to meet other rocketeers, learn about rocketry (each month there is some type of educational presentation), show off your winter rocket projects, and just talk rockets.

A. At our monthly launches there is usually a food vendor onsite. Brats, hotdogs, water, soda are served for a nominal fee. There is also usually a porta-potty onsite as well. If there isn’t, it will be announced in the launch announcement email, so please sign up for the mailing list.

A. Yes. We have a rocket vendor onsite:
Off We Go Rocketry (www.offwegorocketry.com)
Please contact them ahead of time for any special rocket or rocket motor needs.

A. There is an abundance of information available on the web. Please see our Links to Resources page.

A. YES! Spectators are welcome. Please sign up for our mailing list (at the bottom of the page) to get rules, launch announcements, and notifications of any delays or cancellations.

A. The short answer is no, however unforeseen things can happen. Tripoli Minnesota has several safety rules in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please pay attention to the announcements made over the loud speaker at the rocket field.

A. The Board of Directors meet the second Tuesday evening each month of the year at 7:00pm.  Members are welcome to attend.