The Huntsville Alabama L5 (HAL5) Society has made significant contributions toward developing cheap access to space technology, space education, and public outreach since it was formed in 1983. Members share the enthusiasm that space development can stimulate our world with immeasurable benefits in the areas of education, energy, environment, industry, resources, and ultimately room to grow for ou
r society. HAL5 and the National Space Society (NSS) believe that by educating and working with the public, the government, as well as private industry, the date when routine, safe, and affordable space travel is available, can be sooner rather than later. For over 30 years, HAL5 has sponsored numerous educational projects, conferences, and activities in Huntsville. HAL5 continues to host a series of public lectures, forums, and events on space-related topics, at both the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Huntsville Public Library. Hot topics have included the International Space Station (ISS), The NASA Space Launch System (SLS), space science, as well as public and private attempts to provide cheap access to space, space sciences, technologies and book lectures. In 1997 HAL5 made the Guinness Book of World Records with the launch of Sky Launch 1. Based on an estimated rocket apogee between 30 and 36 nautical miles, HAL5 claims the world record for highest altitude achieved to date by an amateur rocket as well as by a hybrid rocket of any kind. At the 1993 and 2011 ISDC between 700 and 850 space enthusiasts from all around the globe gathered at the Huntsville Hilton to hear over 120 speakers lecture and debate on the benefits of space and on what it would take to get there. In 1994, HAL5 began its biggest project ever, Project HALO (for "High-Altitude Lift-Off"). The goals of this project are no less than to provide cheap access to space for small clubs and student groups. HAL5 has made significant contributions toward the development of nitrous-oxide hybrid rockets (over 300 static test firings) and their near-space launch from high altitude balloons.
