Brothers Launch Site

Description

The Brothers site is Oregon’s premier launch site for large, complex and high altitude rocket projects. The site offers large, open space The location is sufficient in size to support several hundred flyers and spectators.

Quote from Rockets Magazine: One of the best kept secrets in rocketry is the launch site in Brothers, Oregon. The secluded location is perfect for high-power action that screams into the clear blue skies. You are truly committed to the hobby when you launch rockets with the Oregon Rocketry folks. One of the first questions a newcomer would ask is “How much recovery room do you have here?” Inevitably, the answer always comes back as another question, “How much do you need?”

Our actual waiver is good to 20,460′ AGL with call-in windows available as high as 36,000′ AGL depending on which cell you are launching from. Our recovery cylinder has a 4 nautical mile radius, truncated on the North by highway 20.

Location

The launch site is located at ~4,500 feet MSL (mean sea level) and approximately 5 miles southwest of Brothers, OR. Brothers is approximately 40 miles East of Bend, OR.

Facilities

Water: no available water (last location for water is 40 miles from the site)

Electricity: no

Sewer/RV Dump: no

Porta-potties: Yes, brought in for launches

Cellular Service: Yes

Food: No onsite food vendors

Gas: Closest gas is approximately 40 miles away, in Bend or Prineville.

Restrictions

Fires: Campfires are only allowed in the two established fire rings on site.  Many of us gather around the community fire ring each evening. No burning of sagebrush as firewood is allowed. The club usually has firewood, but you can also bring your own firewood.

Fireworks: No fireworks allowed.

Flight Waivers

Normal launches have an FAA waiver of 20,460′ AGL with windows to ~36,000′ AGL. Please check for further details at each launch.

Maps and Directions

Reference Map

The access road is almost exactly 5 miles East of HWY 27:

Brothers is 40 miles from the last “cheap” gas and water. Please be equipped to handle any auto mechanical difficulties you may have. The last 2 miles from the highway is unimproved road; a car with decent ground clearance is highly advised.

Important note: Online maps will guide you all the way to Brothers, then tell you to turn South and cut back to the West to get to the launch site. This is technically possible, but these roads are even less used and require more vehicle clearance. Please follow the route shown above in the reference map images for where to turn off the highway.

Bing Map

Google Map

Text directions from Bend:

1. Take Hwy 20 out of Bend (east) towards Burns.
2. When you are about 25 miles out you should see the small town of Millican.
3. Go approx. 14.7 miles farther east on Hwy 20.
4. If you make it to the town of Brothers you’ve gone too far.
5. Turn right (south) onto dirt road at the Green Gate (look for launch signs). Please close the gate!
6. Follow dirt road south around .7 mi,
7. Make a right (west) turn, follow this road for another .5 mi
8. Make a left turn (south), follow this for 1.1 mi.
9. When you reach the flight line (west), please drive 3 mph or slower

Text directions from Prineville:

1. Follow Hwy. 26 from Portland to Prineville.
2. Entering Prineville, turn right (west) heading towards Bend.
3. Go up the hill 3.3 miles and turn left (south) at Millican Road.
4. Follow Millican Road for 30 miles. There is one stop sign half way through at 15 miles. Watch for animals.
5. At Hwy. 20 turn left (east) and travel 10 miles to mile post 40.
6. If you make it to the town of Brothers you’ve gone too far.
7. Turn right (south) onto dirt road at the Green Gate (look for launch signs). Please close the gate!
8. Follow dirt road south around .7 mi,
9. Make a right (west) turn, follow this road for another .5 mi
10. Make a left turn (south), follow this for 1.1 mi.
11. When you reach the flight line (west), please drive 3 mph or slower.

If you are coming from the East, make your way to Burns, OR. Follow directions from there to Brothers via Hwy 20. Follow directions to the launch site from the text directions and reference map images above.

Environment

Flying season temperatures average from a low of 45 to a high of 95, with extremes from 30 to 110 degrees. Winds average 5-15 mph, lower in the AM or mid-day, with peaks to 25 mph, and higher with local wind-devils or squalls. Be prepared for wind: use sturdy canopies & tents, with guy lines. There is a neglible chance of rain. However, if it does rain, it could be heavy.

Most of the surrounding area is dry, sage covered scrub land. The terrain is slightly rolling, with few fences.

Do not capture or disturb local wildlife under any circumstances. Ticks can also be an issue – please be aware of mitigation & inspection procedures.