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DIY High-Altitude Ballooning

Posted by timothy on from the creative-photography dept.

The Ape With No Name writes "Ever wanted to see the black of space but just can't pay a cool 20 million to do so? Well, just build your own small-scale, high-altitude balloon like these guys out of styrofoam, duct tape, electrical kit and a 'consumer-grade' weather balloon. They reached an estimated 52000 feet, had all kinds of tech issues, including hacking code to fly the mission minutes before launch. Cool pics and video were taken throughout the mission. Next flight is in approximately 2 weeks with 100,000 feet the goal."

3 of 176 comments (clear)

  1. Movie Mirrors by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Mirror for videos: Launch & Prep - Just Launch - Recovery

    I ask that you please do not stream them. Thanks!

  2. Another Cool Page... by th1ckasabr1ck · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's a cool webpage of a group that did something similar. Their baloon made it up to about 94,000 ft. The site has a cool writeup with pictures and such of their project.

  3. Re:FAA Approval for a launch? by tigeba · · Score: 4, Informative

    The FAA permits these types of launches provided they meet certain criteria.

    http://www.eoss.org/pubs/faaball.htm

    Basically, total weight needs to be under 12 pounds. Most people try to keep it under 4-5. The FAA would like you to file in advance and inform them when you launch.