04/23/2022
2021-2022 ushered in a new activity for our team!
Yesterday we conducted a successful inaugural High Altitude Balloon launch!
The High Altitude Balloon consists of a helium filled weather balloon carrying small experiments, cameras, and GPS trackers. A balloon can typically ascend to approximately 100,000 feet, where it bursts, after which the pods begin a descent earthward eventually slowed by a parachute for landing.
We partnered with International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, Arches Academy, and STARBASE Indiana to coordinate and prepare the science and logistics for this launch and balloon flight.
Students prepared the experiments as part of classroom activities. The Starbase Indiana team supported flight operations. Yesterday P13 Chair, Starr Schroeder RN, and Starbase Director, Tom Foltz, launched the balloon and experiments from a park in Pennsylvania, then tracked them using GPS signals during a multi-hour track into rural Pennsylvania. Students watched the live stream from their classrooms and anxiously await recovery of their experiments for eventual analysis!
More details soon!!
Image 1: Starr and Tom just before releasing the high altitude balloon to the sky.
Image 2: Moments before launch, the team prepares all the equipment and experiments.
Image 3: All inventory and prep is taking place nearby the launch site to ensure a successful effort.
Image 4: Tom & Starr signal a โthumbs upโ for a successful launch just before tracking begins.
