Launch Day

April 26, 2018

At 7:45 am, students began setting up the site. Tables and chairs were moved to pre-determined locations. A canopy was set-up to provide shade for the students using computers. A tarp was laid out for the balloon, as balloon holders put on latex gloves. The helium tank was safely placed by the balloon and the inflation device was attached. As the balloon was being inflated, students worked in teams to place all of the equipment in the boxes. The final weight of the payloads was determined and the data was used to determine the amount of helium to add to the balloon. Projection teams used computers to make last minute predictions of the landing location. Their predictions still had the balloon landing west of Hanover. A HAM radio was used to confirm that the tracking device was working. As the final amount of helium was added, a disaster almost occurred. The balloon slipped off of the inflation nozzle. The balloon handlers saved the day by keeping the balloon from escaping. After a few deep breaths, the students finished filling the balloon. The balloon was tied and the payload train was attached to the balloon. Everything was ready to go.

An announcement was made and many classes came out to watch the launch. The balloon with all of the attached equipment was slowly raised until the last box was in hand. Students counted down from ten and then released the balloon. At first, it looked like the last box was going to hit the A-Building. The collision was avoided by a few feet. Students watched as the balloon flew out of site. After the launch, students used aprs to monitor the location of the balloon. It was now time for the recovery adventure to begin.