The 10 Fundamentals of Unmanned Balloon Flight

Are you really excited about the possibilities of this hobby, but are trying to figure out the big picture elements to be successful? Here is an outline of ten core operating elements to be mastered:

 (1) Image Capture: Of course you want your very own pictures and video from the edge of space. Establishing a robust, yet lightweight approach to photography is core to the project!

(2) In-Flight Beaconing: You want to be able to see the cool pictures you shot, right? This means installing beaconing / radio system to transmit GPS location data from the time of launch to the point of touchdown so you can retrieve your equipment.

(3) Payload and Flight System Integration: An overall plan is needed for housing the photography equipment, the tracking equipment, and any other scientific experiments; this plan needs to be sure to properly link together with the parachute and the balloon; all while following a strict weight budget!

(4) Accent and Descent: The balloon size, gas type, and gas fill-volume must be carefully determined. The aim is successful payload lift into the stratosphere in under a couple of hours to avoid a long chase or worse - unintentionally causing the balloon to become a “floater." This element includes selecting the right parachute for a quick, but gentle descent for safe recovery.

(5) Compliance with the FAA Regulations:  Understanding the regulations and providing the required launch information is absolutely fundamental to achieving a safe mission.

(6) Flight Path Prediction: Where will the balloon travel? Where should launch site be to provide the greatest aviation safety and best chance of recovery? Using Flight Predictions tools will guide in answering these questions.

(7) Ground Tracking, Chase, Payload Recovery: Selection of tools to track the balloon in real-time, while traveling in a vehicle requires planning. What specific methods and tools will be used to track and recover the payload while chasing at highway speeds?

(8) Science / Technology: Besides taking cool pictures, what other science or technology experiments will be part of the payload to learn from?

(9) Operations Check Lists: Development of through check lists to ensure all steps are taken to minimize mistakes that would cause an expensive and disappointing mission.

(10) Relationship Building: Perhaps the most important element of all is the opportunity a balloon project offers is building relationships with family and friends.  Lifetime memories come from setting and achieving shared goals and having joyful experiences.  Who is going to help you make this happen?