Step 1: Set-up Site

• Chairs and Tables Placed

• Materials Organized

Step 2:   Command Center Established

• Canopy Set-Up

• Tables Placed Under Canopy for Projection Team

Step 3: Balloon Inflation Site Set-Up

• Tarp Spread Out

• Helium Tank Placed

Step 4: Begin Inflation

• Inflation Tube Attached

• Valve Open

• The inflation was done very slowly.

• When there was enough helium in the balloon so that it would float on its own, the valve was closed.

Step 5: Initial Projections

• The projection team used the tools on the Internet to predict the landing site.

• The landing site was predicted to be North of Harerstown, MD.

Step 6: Load the Payload

• Each device was carefully placed in the box.

• The box contained one camera, a data collector, a battery charger, and a two tracking devices.

• The electronics were not turned on at this point.

Step 7: Helium Calculations

• The projection team used a tool called the "Balloon Burst Calculator" to determine the amount of helium needed to land in a good location.

• The amount of helium was reported to the inflation team.

Step 9: Finish the Balloon

• The tying expert used her skills to tie the balloon.

• The payload string was attached to a loop on the tied balloon.

• Tape was used to hold all of the connections together.

Step 11: The Payload Train

• The sealed box was tied to the string from the balloon ninety feet away.

• A cut-down device, parachute, radar reflector, and another tracking device was attached to the payload string.

• All of the connections were checked.