Inaugural Flight a Success 01-09-2011

Despite extreme weather conditions (an average downrange or surface speed of 75mph) the launch of the NSP was a success this past Sunday. The 300g weather balloon was filled with roughly 80 cubic feet of helium to a measured diameter of 5' 2" and lifted the payload and recovery system to an estimated 70,000 ft above the Earth's surface.

On-board, a micro video camera weighing only 39.6 grams and a GPS tracker of 118g. While the GPS tracker has a reported range of -328 to 21,320 ft we received continuous updates throughout the flight and landing despite the altitude.  Total, the system weighs in at 550g, which is 80g less than the suggested limit for the 300g balloon.

If you haven't seen the video already please visit it here

Future objectives and target altitudes to come.

If you'd like to donate to the project please click the donate link on the right. At the moment all donations are going towards an on-board computer for altimeter and accelerometer measurements. The goal is to fly with the new equipment in one months time.

Thank you,

Jeffrey Wilschke