We have previously spent time researching and building a camera rig that could be released into the atmosphere gathering images and could be safely returned to the surface. This project culminated on Friday, 26 April 2013, with the successful launch and recovery of our HABL (high altitude balloon launch) rig.
Methods:
The HABL rig was constructed from a styrofaom bait box containing a flip cam and a GPS locator, this equipment was packed in insulation with chemical hand warmers to keep them from freezing at high altitudes. This part of the rig was suspended beneath a parachute which would deploy after peak altitude was reached. The parachute was suspended beneath a large helium filled balloon giving lift to the entire rig. Peak altitude was reached when the atmospheric pressure dropped to a point that the balloons expansion would cause it to burst, at this point the parachute would take over. We were also required to attach a small strobe light to the rig for a visible warning.
Discussion:
We released the HABL rig from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire campus (figure 1), it was retrieved near Spence, WI. We used an on board GPS unit (figure 2) to track the rigs progress and to find it at the conclusion of its journey (figure 3). Along the way we obtained some good high altitude images of the surface (figure 4) and as a bonus several images in which we can see the curvature of the planet and off into space (figure 5).
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| Fig.1. Students from the Geospatial Field Methods class transporting the HABLE rig to the launch site. |
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| Fig.2. Using an on board GPS to track the progress and eventual landing site of the HABL rig. This is the resultant track log. |
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| Fig.3. The HABL traveled mainly east for approximately 78 miles before coming to rest in a wooded area near Spencer, WI. |
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| Fig.4. The images obtained from the HABL were quite good, the remaining snow added contract to features on the ground. We did have some condensation forming over the center of the camera lens, this was due to the cold temperature at high altitude. |
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| Fig.5. We obtained some unique views of the planet thanks to the high winds. |
The project was quite a success, here are some interesting links to tell you more. Followed by a video documenting the HABL's journey.
The first is a news article prepared by Shari Lau, Communication Specialist, News Bureau,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for UW-Eau Claire news
http://www.uwec.edu/News/releases/13/05/0507HABL.htm
The second is footage of the release from the roof of Schofield Hall on the University Campus. This is courtesy of Rob Mattison, LTS Technical Services, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire.
The last is a video containing footage and images from the HABL's travels and recovery.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
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