High-Altitude Balloon Research

Project Overview

The High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) Research program conducts stratospheric missions to collect atmospheric data and test aerospace technologies in near-space conditions. Our balloons reach altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet, providing a cost-effective platform for scientific research and engineering validation.

Mission Objectives

1. Collect atmospheric data including temperature, pressure, and humidity profiles
2. Measure cosmic radiation levels at various altitudes
3. Test communication systems in extreme conditions
4. Capture high-resolution imagery of Earth’s curvature
5. Validate flight systems for future satellite missions

Payload Capabilities

Scientific Instruments

• Temperature sensors (-60°C to +40°C range)
• Barometric pressure sensors
• Humidity and ozone concentration monitors
• Cosmic ray detectors (Geiger counters)
• Air sampling systems for atmospheric composition analysis

Imaging Systems

• 4K action cameras for video documentation
• High-resolution still cameras (20+ megapixels)
• Thermal imaging cameras
• 360-degree panoramic cameras

Communication & Tracking

• GPS tracking with real-time telemetry
• APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) for position updates
• LoRa long-range radio communication
• Backup satellite tracker
• Emergency beacon for recovery

Flight Operations

Pre-Flight

• Weather analysis and launch window selection
• Payload integration and testing
• Flight path prediction using CUSF Landing Predictor
• FAA notification and airspace clearance

Launch & Ascent

• Controlled release with helium-filled latex balloon
• Ascent rate: approximately 5 meters per second
• Continuous data logging and transmission
• Real-time monitoring from ground station

Descent & Recovery

• Balloon burst at ~100,000 feet
• Parachute deployment for controlled descent
• GPS tracking for landing location
• Recovery team dispatch
• Data extraction and analysis

Technical Specifications

• Balloon Type: High-altitude latex weather balloon (600-1200g)
• Lift Gas: Helium (99.9% purity)
• Payload Mass: 2-5 kg depending on mission
• Flight Duration: 2-3 hours total (ascent + descent)
• Maximum Altitude: 30,000 - 35,000 meters (98,000 - 115,000 feet)
• Landing Radius: Predicted within 10-20 km

Data Collection & Analysis

All flights generate comprehensive datasets:

• Temperature vs. altitude profiles
• Pressure vs. altitude relationships
• Atmospheric composition at different altitudes
• Cosmic radiation exposure rates
• High-resolution stratospheric photography

Data is processed using Python-based analysis tools and shared with educational institutions and research organizations.

Team Structure

• Marcus Chen - Project Lead & Flight Operations Manager
• Olivia Rodriguez - Payload Engineer & Electronics Specialist
• Tyler Johnson - Meteorology & Flight Prediction
• Rachel Kim - Data Analysis & Research Coordinator
• David Park - Recovery Operations & Logistics

Educational Outreach

We collaborate with local high schools to:

• Provide hands-on STEM education through balloon launches
• Offer workshops on electronics and atmospheric science
• Involve students in payload design and data analysis
• Inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers

Future Missions

• Long-duration flights with extended telemetry
• Multi-balloon coordinated launches
• Advanced imaging payloads (multispectral cameras)
• Atmospheric sampling for climate research
• Technology validation for commercial partners

Achievements

• Successfully completed 15 stratospheric missions
• Reached maximum altitude of 113,400 feet (34,565 meters)
• Perfect recovery rate on all flights
• Published atmospheric research findings in student journal
• Featured in local news coverage for STEM education initiatives