Flight 3 to launch later today

The Near Space Photographer is launching today! Follow this link to track the flight in real time. Tracking will begin around 12pm and launch to occur about 1pm. You can tell when its in the air.Click here for real-time tracking or copy this link into the address bar http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0W5ZoRzxNnLHBYhqSi5lvtQWdHHK6e7qH

The payload for this flight:

-GPS
-HD Camera (1080p)
-micro camera
-on-board computer

I'm expecting to have some great footage with the new camera. Stay tuned...

Flight 2 Results

Flight #2 of the Near Space Photographer (NSP) was a success! The goal of this test was to prove the flight readiness of the on-board computer and modifications to the recovery system to improve reliability. Recorded apogee at 27,669ft. Total flight time of 52 minutes.

Below are a few snapshots from the full length video. Video to come soon. Photos after the jump..

tracking

tracking has been started for NSP flight 2. we will be launching for Barstow. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0W5ZoRzxNnLHBYhqSi5lvtQWdHHK6e7qH

NSP Flight 2

With ideal weather conditions and a need to test the on-board flight computer we will be launching this coming Saturday (02-05-2011) around noon.

The balloon to be used is not a weather balloon as altitude is not the goal for this launch. In addition to testing the flight readiness of the newly installed on-board computer we will be testing the redesigned payload enclosure. Specifically, the payload enclosure has been redesigned to allow it to rotate independently from the chute and balloon. Pending testing later today of the gps unit the landing gear may or may not be removed for Flight 2.

Fridays gps testing as well as Flight 2 will be updated continuously for everyone to view. Click here to view real time gps tracking

Stay tuned for video footage