NAR HPR Launch Procedures & Checklists 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of a 'continuity check' performed before launch?
- It verifies the rocket's structural integrity after transport
- It confirms an electrical circuit is complete from the launch controller through the igniter (Correct answer)
- It checks that the recovery system is properly packed
- It measures the motor's total impulse before ignition
Correct answer: It confirms an electrical circuit is complete from the launch controller through the igniter
A continuity check sends a low-current signal through the firing circuit to confirm the circuit is complete and the igniter is properly connected before launch.
Question 2: Under NAR safety rules, who has authority to abort a launch during the countdown?
- Only the LCO (Launch Control Officer)
- Only the rocket's owner/flier
- Any range safety officer or the LCO — the first to call abort takes effect (Correct answer)
- Only the RSO (Range Safety Officer) after reviewing telemetry
Correct answer: Any range safety officer or the LCO — the first to call abort takes effect
Either the RSO or LCO may call an abort at any point during the countdown; the first person to call abort stops the launch immediately.
Question 3: A rocket's ejection charge fires at apogee but the main chute opens too low. Which checklist item was most likely missed?
- Verifying the launch rod is vertical
- Confirming the altimeter's main deployment altitude setting (Correct answer)
- Checking motor retention hardware
- Inspecting fin alignment before flight
Correct answer: Confirming the altimeter's main deployment altitude setting
The altimeter's main deployment altitude must be set and verified during the pre-flight checklist to ensure the main parachute deploys at the correct altitude.
Question 4: When transporting a high-power rocket with a loaded motor to the launch pad, which precaution is essential?
- The igniter should already be installed to save time at the pad
- The igniter must NOT be installed; it is installed only after the rocket is secured on the pad (Correct answer)
- The ejection charges must be armed during transport for safety
- The altimeter battery switch should be in the ON position during transport
Correct answer: The igniter must NOT be installed; it is installed only after the rocket is secured on the pad
Installing the igniter before reaching the pad creates an ignition hazard; NAR rules require the igniter to be installed only after the rocket is secured on the launch rail.
Question 5: What does the term 'hangfire' describe in rocketry launch procedures?
- A motor that burns too slowly due to cold temperature
- A delayed ignition that occurs after the initial firing attempt appears to have failed (Correct answer)
- A launch abort called by the RSO
- An ejection charge that fires before apogee
Correct answer: A delayed ignition that occurs after the initial firing attempt appears to have failed
A hangfire is a delayed ignition where the motor fires after a period that initially appeared to be a misfire, creating a serious safety hazard if personnel approach too soon.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the role of the RSO (Range Safety Officer) at a sanctioned launch?
- The RSO is responsible only for timing each flight's altitude
- The RSO inspects rockets before flight and has authority to prohibit any unsafe flight (Correct answer)
- The RSO manages propellant storage and motor certification records
- The RSO coordinates with the FAA exclusively and has no on-field authority
Correct answer: The RSO inspects rockets before flight and has authority to prohibit any unsafe flight
The RSO inspects all rockets for airworthiness and has final authority to approve or deny any flight based on safety considerations.
Question 7: At what point during launch preparation should the launch controller be connected to the igniter lead wires?
- Before placing the rocket on the rail to save setup time
- After all personnel have cleared the launch area and the range is declared hot (Correct answer)
- During motor loading in the prep area
- Immediately after the RSO approves the rocket
Correct answer: After all personnel have cleared the launch area and the range is declared hot
The launch controller leads should only be connected to the igniter after the range is declared hot and all personnel are at safe distances.
NAR HPR Launch Procedures & Checklists 3
What is the function of a 'continuity check' performed before launch?