Students launch balloon into near-space – UPDATE: Payload found near Boone

Students have found and recovered the near-space payload in good shape near Boone, NC. The video will be taken to a local videographer to process. The data from the GPS will be examined, and results announced soon.

Middle school students at Francine Delany New School have launched a video-camera-equipped weather balloon into what they hope will be near-space. (Photos by Bill Rhodes)

“Our latest models show the balloon being in the air for around 90 minutes, ascending to about 100,000 feet above ground level and then exploding from the pressure and parachuting back to Earth somewhere near Winston-Salem,” said Tom Robertson, math and science teacher at Francine Delany New School. “There are online modeling programs for things like this.”

Things like sending a 6-foot diameter weather balloon into near-space orbit, that is. “Yes, we had to let the FAA know about this,” volunteer balloonist Tom Heck assured parents before the launch. “They have rules for things like this.”

The successful launch on a overcast Saturday morning, Oct 27, was the result of months of research by students, test flights of smaller balloons, fundraising and lots of dreams and energy. “Students had to learn about helium’s properties, the physics of ascent — and of course sudden descent which goes with it, even some history,” said Robertson. Heck adds, “During World War II, the U.S. Government took over all the helium supplies — they thought they would need barrage balloons like in London — and still control getting it in the quantity we needed. Who knew?”

The large H-cylinder of helium was just enough to fill the balloon. As the last gasp of gas came out, there were concerns it was not enough, but the test bucket with rocks was purposely heavier. Once connected to the real payload in a styrofoam cooler, it was clear the project was a go.

The kids from the class gathered round, making sure all the lines were free. The rope tethering the balloon to a student was disconnected, and then — at 9:22 a.m. — there was lift off. The balloon sped skyward and perversely to the south where it disappeared into the clouds.

Students begin to inflate the balloon. They are wearing gloves to prevent oils from their hands getting on the rubber, which could cause an early rupture in the balloon,.

Liftoff! At 09:22 a.m.

Once the camera is retrieved, the video will be edited and presented at a TEDxAsheville session on Nov. 4.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Students launch balloon into near-space – UPDATE: Payload found near Boone

  1. brebro

    Kids: do NOT pick up what you may think are “balloons” you find lying on the ground, especially if they contain payloads!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.