Of the three areas, the one farthest from the crowd, Area C, is set aside for the really high-power craft. These rockets stand from 6 feet to 12 feet tall when upright on the pads. Today's launch has a ceiling of 15,000 feet, because of the size of the field and its proximity to populated areas. Once a rocket is all wired up to a central launch-control system, an announcer describes the rocket on the pad and begins a short countdown. Unlike a kiddie model rocket, which leaves only a slight trail of exhaust, these vehicles generate copious smoke and hellfire.
Serious accidents are surprisingly rare in model and high-power rocketry.
If humans are caught in the rocket's path, things can get dicey. Inc. All rights reserved.