The BALLS Launch
BALLS is THE premier Experimental Rocket Launch in the Continental United States, spanning more than 35 years. BALLS is held annually in the Black Rock Desert, North of Reno, near Gerlach, Nevada.
BALLS brings together dedicated rocketry enthusiasts devoted to the leading edge of non-professional rocketry activities for the best demonstration of experimental design, using today's best technologies, and the largest non-professional rockets seen anywhere.
BALLS Is not your normal Tripoli Launch!
BALLS is a venue for projects that should NOT be flown at other events or locations due to safety considerations and potential altitudes. This may include, but is not limited to, LARGE rockets, complex staging or clustering, metal rockets, self-designed and/or fabricated rocket motors and new technologies being developed or proven. Black Rock Dry Lake has always been the site of large rocket launches. Its wide-open vastness is unparalleled for its high altitude recovery record.
Through the years BALLS has grown into non-professional rocketry's show place of the best there is. The quality, craftsmanship, sheer size, power and technological edge cannot be compared to any other launch anywhere. One of the best aspects of BALLS is the exchange of new thoughts and methods that are presented openly to anyone who asks. This launch will be primarily for Research Motors and/or Dangerous projects. Only Tripoli, and NAR Members with a valid reason, will be permitted to be present out on Pad Areas and Away Cells. This will be strictly enforced.
- Please ensure you read the rules and associated pages before registering for BALLS.
- All media personnel, including photographers, film, and video crews, must apply for accreditation to cover this event. For accreditation, contact our Media Liaison, David Wilkins.
- Registration is mandatory for all attendees, whether participating as a flyer or as a spectator.Note that this is not a family-oriented event, and attendance of children is not encouraged.
Volunteers Needed!
Like all big launches the members of the BALLS Committee could use some help. If you are interested in assisting us we would appreciate your help. You must be a Registered Flyer or Spectator AND you must be a current member of Tripoli. RSOs & LCOs must be at least Level 2.
Sign me up to help!
DUE TO PAST SITUATIONS, NO ROCKETS WILL BE LAUNCHED AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE DAILY FAA WAIVER, AND FIREWORKS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. VIOLATION OF EITHER WILL BE CAUSE FOR EXCLUSION FROM ALL FUTURE BALLS EVENTS.