Step 1: Set-up Site

• Chairs and Tables Placed

• Materials Organized

Step 2: Balloon Inflation Site Set-Up

• Tarp Spread Out

• Helium Tank Placed

Step 3: 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 4: Initial Projections

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

• The landing site was predicted to be near Lancaster, PA.

Step 5: Load the Payload

• Each device was carefully placed in the box.

• The box contained two cameras, a data collector, a battery charger, and a tracking device.

• The electronics were not turned on at this point.

Step 6: 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 8: Finish the Balloon

• The tying expert used his 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 10: The Payload Train

• Each section of the payload train was connected with string and caboneers.

• All of the connections were checked.