Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Low Budget Air Space Photography

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-you-can dept.

An anonymous reader writes "With a budget of just 350 pounds, two British PhDs in engineering sent a balloon with cameras attached to a height of over 30 km." The photos and video are pretty amazing. Especially the very hi-tech styrofoam box.

5 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's NOT SPACE by thomasdz · · Score: 5, Funny

    oh and by the way... Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? NOT REAL!

    --
    Karma: Excellent. 15 moderator points expire sometime.
  2. Not bad, but not new by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Neat video. Of course, amateur groups have been doing this for decades, so it's not really news:

    http://www.eoss.org/

  3. Re:Air clearance? by sznupi · · Score: 3, Informative

    Yes, you're supposed to coordinate the launch with local airspace authority (at least that's the way at my place...). Also, the payload should conform to certain requirements... (if it gets hit despite all the precautions, apparently)

    But generally, a very straightforward formality / folks dealing with it tended to be nice.

    --
    One that hath name thou can not otter
  4. Re:Air clearance? by Migraineman · · Score: 4, Informative

    In the US, the FAA has rules for untethered balloons. If you're below certain size and material restrictions, you're good to go. Issuing a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) is highly recommended, even if you're not required to file one. Demonstrates that you're being professional about your activities.

  5. Re:Air clearance? by fatboy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Our group has never submitted a NOTAM, because we are exempt. I have audio recorded of a "near miss" with one of our group's balloons. Never saw the jet, but it sure sounded close. I think we will be filing NOTAMs from now on, even though we are not required to.

    --
    --fatboy