Oregon Rocketry’s Premier High-Power Launch Event
June 25–28, 2026
Thursday through mid-day Sunday
Brothers, Oregon
NXRS 2026 is Oregon Rocketry’s premier high-power launch event: four days of high-power rocketry, research flights, contests, camping, community, and big-sky flying in the Oregon high desert.
Whether you are coming to fly low power, certify, fly research motors, bring out a major project, camp under the stars, volunteer on the range, or just spend the weekend with other rocketeers, NXRS is one of the best opportunities of the year to fly at the OROC Brothers launch site.
Why Attend NXRS?
- Fly at one of Oregon Rocketry’s largest annual launch events.
- Launch from the wide-open high desert near Brothers, Oregon.
- Fly low-power, high-power, certification, research, staged, clustered, and large-project rockets, subject to range approval.
- Take advantage of high-waiver flying opportunities.
- Participate in NXRS 2026 contests.
- Camp on-site with other fliers.
- Learn from experienced rocketeers and launch staff.
- Spend a long weekend in one of OROC’s best flying environments.
NXRS 2026 Contests
NXRS 2026 will include a set of friendly contests for fliers who want to add more creativity, precision, or persistence to the weekend.
Current planned contests include:
- Most Beautiful Rocket — crowd vote
- Mt. Hood Challenge — target-altitude challenge based on Mt. Hood
- Apogee Accuracy Achievement — predict your rocket’s altitude and fly closest by percentage error
- Mucho Motor — most motors flown by an individual during the NXRS weekend
Some contests require fliers to declare the contest entry on the flight card before flight. Others are based on flight-card review or crowd voting during the event.
Contest information is available here: NXRS 2026 Contest Information
The Field and Sky
At the OROC Brothers launch site, fliers may fly up to N impulse, subject to pad assignment, waiver availability, range operations, and launch staff approval.
Depending on which pad area is used, the maximum altitude is limited as follows:
| Pad Area | Pad Distance | Maximum Altitude | Motor / Flight Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW Away Cell | 1000 ft pads | 33,750 ft AGL | Up to single N or complex M |
| High Power North | 500 ft pads | 35,900 ft AGL | Up to single M or complex L |
| High Power | 200 ft pads | 36,100 ft AGL | High-power A–G and up to single K |
| Low Power | Estes pads | 36,636 ft AGL | A–G low-power flights |
All flight operations at NXRS 2026 will be conducted in compliance with the Tripoli Unified Safety Code, OROC range procedures, waiver limits, and launch staff direction.
Flyer Information
Junior fliers may fly low-power rockets from the Low Power pads.
Junior fliers may fly high-power rockets when participating in the Tripoli Mentorship Program with their mentor.
All other fliers must be current members of the National Association of Rocketry or Tripoli Rocketry Association and must present proof of membership at on-site registration.
Top Things to Know About Flying at Brothers
1. Tracking is strongly recommended
The sagebrush around the Brothers launch site can make recovery difficult. GPS, RDF, or other tracking systems are strongly encouraged, especially for high flights, small rockets, minimum-diameter rockets, and flights expected to drift.
Even relatively small rockets can be difficult to locate in the sage.
2. The wind often builds through the day
Morning conditions are often the best flying window. Winds may increase as the day goes on, and flight decisions should account for drift, recovery distance, and safe return of the rocket.
Bring accurate simulations and be prepared to adjust flights based on actual field conditions.
3. The launch site is remote
The Brothers launch site is a significant distance from services. Come prepared with food, water, shade, sunscreen, medications, spare parts, tools, batteries, recovery gear, and anything else you may need for a long day on the range.
4. This is high desert flying
Expect sun, dust, wind, dry air, cold nights, hot afternoons, and changing weather.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, layered clothing, and secure shelter for shade and wind.
5. The community is part of the event
NXRS is not just about large flights. It is also a weekend for meeting other fliers, seeing interesting projects, helping with recovery, learning from experienced rocketeers, volunteering on the range, and sharing the sport.
Camping and Lodging
Tent and RV camping is available on-site, with porta-potties. There is no on-site potable water, so bring enough to stay hydrated.
Range Operations and Safety
All flights are subject to launch staff approval.
The Launch Director, Range Safety Officer, and other designated launch staff have final authority over flight approval, pad assignment, launch timing, and safety-related decisions.
Flights may be delayed, moved, modified, or denied due to safety, weather, waiver limits, fire risk, staffing, or other operational concerns.
More Information Coming
Additional NXRS 2026 information will be added as the event approaches, including:
- Registration details
- Range schedule
- Contest updates
- Prize information
- Volunteer opportunities
- Camping and site information
- Vendor or sponsor information
- Special announcements
Check back for updates, and watch OROC communication channels for additional NXRS 2026 announcements.