Proposal:
Iterative series of high altitude balloon flights using Fab and open source components where possible and an open parts list for the entire project. Provide design, engineering and scientific opportunities for the Fab Academy and other interested parties. Finally, create flotilla of 3 balloons that interact, measure the space between them and attempt a trans-Atlantic flight.
Basic goals are to create a balloon platform that anyone with access to a Fab Lab can build while providing instrument space for artists and scientists.
Further goals are to build a flotilla of 3 balloons that are able to interact and perform together while taking measurements of GPS, altitude, attitude, temperature, pressure, heading, ground track imaging and other imaging. Ideal configuration includes 360ยบ video or stills.
Planned Flights:
Flight 1: Single Balloon test. Mid April?
Flight 2: Three-envelope test with full instrumentation. Mid May?
Flight 3: Three unit, trans-Atlantic flight. Persuant on funding (kickstarter or NSF)
Proposed instruments:
- thermal camera with known spectrum
- inter-balloon light meter (would use low power laser except for recent aircraft problems with illumination from the ground)
- GPS
References:
JP Aerospace and their AWAY balloons
Other hackerspaces that flew balloons last summer
sources
Log from old Google Wave: Josh, Hoyle, Anna:
Hoyle:
High altitude balloon project:
Sparkfun's project:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=389
Oct 2, 2010
Hoyle:
I have no idea what I'm doing with this yet, but we'll figure it out as we go I guess
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
larger balloons and other high altitude tech:
http://jpaerospace.com/
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
http://www.scientificsales.com/8243-Weather-Balloon-1000-Grams-Natural-p/8243.htm
That's retail $89 for a really nice balloon. Ebay has similar or lesser for $6-$50.
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
These ideas were interesting last night:
- multiple light, integrated balloons
- active measurement between the balloons (light or carbon pollution, particulates, positioning, data xfer)
- live telemetry during flight (HAM/wifi/cell or ??) maybe/unlikely live images
- 360-degree video
- night flight/launch party
- visible display - strobe/LED - changes with environment
- standard sensors
- must do "something more" than other balloons
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
Harder to implement ideas:
-active control
- live video/images
- visibility at altitude
- 3+ balloons as performers
- rocket launch at altitude
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
CubeSat could be an interesting platform but is probably to restrictive for this project. http://cubesat.org/
Oct 2, 2010
Me:
JP Aerospace latest balloon flights - in terms of practical experience these guys are probably the best amateur-science balloonists in the world:
http://jpaerospace.com/away43-46.html
Oct 9, 2010
Hoyle:
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/10/homemade_spacecraft.html
Oct 30, 2010
Me:
http://www.grantsrental.com/party_supplies.html
http://www.qualityrental.com/inflatable-bounce-house-and-games-rentals.html
Nov 2, 2010
Me:
Two things: should we buy the Sparkfun board or build our own? And who is going to pay for the materials that we don't have on hand? I've got some friends that might chip in, should we do it informally or with Kickstarter?
Dec 15, 2010
Hoyle:
http://www.sparkfun.com/news/503
