Which of the following individuals has the final authority in permitting a high power rocket to fly?

• A. The launch control officer (LCO)
• B. The range safety officer (RSO)
• C. The check-in officer
• D. The rocket owner

Answer: (B)

In high-power rocketry, safety oversight and range management rest with the person who has the ultimate authority to authorize a flight. The range safety officer is responsible for ensuring the range conditions are safe, the area is clear, and all safety protocols are in place before a rocket can fly. This role has the authority to grant permission to launch and, importantly, to abort or suspend the flight if conditions become unsafe. While the launch control officer handles the countdown and execution of the launch, and the rocket owner or other staff may perform their responsibilities, they do not have the final say to permit flight. The check-in officer supports administrative and registration duties, not flight authorization. Therefore, the final authority to permit a high-power rocket to fly sits with the range safety officer.