Casey First Church of the Nazarene
Providing the launch site for the X2Griffon maiden science flight · September 19, 2026
Address
1000 E. U.S. Highway 40
Casey, IL 62420
Primary Contact
Brian Hancock
Lead Pastor
Phone
(217) 932-4522Website
kznaz.net ↗Also Known As
KZ Naz
The congregation and leadership of Casey First Church of the Nazarene have made the X2Griffon maiden flight possible by providing a safe, accessible launch location in Clark County. Their support reflects the Midwest community spirit that underpins open atmospheric science from rural Illinois.
How to sponsor
Sponsorships help cover helium, recovery logistics, electronics, sensors, and the public data infrastructure that makes rapid open release possible. We welcome local businesses, churches, schools, educational organizations, and individuals who share our commitment to Midwest-made science.
Reach out
Email launchcontrol@midwestsds.com with your organization name and interest. We’ll reply with current opportunities and recognition options.
Choose a level
Options range from in-kind support (site access, recovery help, equipment, helium) to financial sponsorships that appear on mission pages, press materials, and flight documentation.
Get recognized
Sponsors are listed on this page, in pre- and post-flight reports, and on the public data portal. Logo placement and social mentions are available at higher tiers.
What your support enables
Every contribution directly advances open atmospheric data from the Midwest.
Flight operations
Helium, parachutes, recovery teams, and FAA coordination for frequent, safe flights.
Payload & electronics
Sensors, telemetry (APRS / U4B), cameras, and lightweight Midwest-built hardware.
Open data infrastructure
Rapid public release pipelines, data portal, and archives available to researchers and educators.
Education & outreach
Kids Near Space Zone, classroom resources, and public launch events in the Midwest.
Open opportunities
Additional partners are in discussion. Confirmed logos and details will appear here. Categories currently open:
Community Partner
Local organizations & churches
Equipment / In-Kind
Hardware, sensors, recovery
Data / Education
Research & STEM partners
Local Business
Midwest companies & brands
Ready to support the Griffon?
Whether you can offer a launch field, recovery help, components, helium, or financial support, we’d love to hear from you.
Email launchcontrol@midwestsds.comWe typically respond within 1–2 business days.