High Altitude Balloon Project

Summary

Me and my friends Mathew and Elliot have wanted to build a high altitude balloon for a long time, but we havn’t had the resources. Our goal is to make a system which uses a hydrogen filled balloon to transport a payload roughly 60,000 feet high. The payload will contain an accelorometer, a barometric altimeter, so that we can measure the height and distance the balloon trravels over time. It will have 2 cameras to see the earth and its curvature, and use a GPS and transponder to send its location to a smartphone, allowing us to track it down after it lands.

This project is inspired by this video.

Plan

1. Finalize my calculations for volume of gas, radius of balloon, and necessary acceloration rate
2. Buy all parts on list
3. CAD payload container and mounts for hardware.
4. 3D print parts
5. assemble payload
6. Write code for operating scientifc instruments.
7. Write code for GPS pings
8. Test electronics
9. Go to launch site
10. Assemble entire system, fill with hydrogen
11. Launch

Budget

What materials will you need for your project? Where will you get them? How much does it cost? Please include all materials, including components you already own. Make sure to factor in shipping costs and sales tax.

(All proper safety precautons will be taken. Hydrogen is flammable, but the balloon is specifically designed for it, and it will be kept clear of sparks and open flame. All laws will be followed, so the payload will be less than four ponds and approved to launch. Other than the balloon, which bursts at the maximum atitude, everything can and will be reused for future launches.)