HABs are released into the stratosphere, generally attaining between 18 to 37km. The highest recorded height reached by a HAB is 53km (Japan 2012). Traditionally, these balloons used to be used mainly as weather balloons. However, due to the drop in costs of GPS and other communication devices, HABs are now used to conduct experiments in the upper atmosphere by students and hobbyists alike. Modern
HABs generally contain equipment such as radio transmitters, cameras and GPS receivers. When the balloons reach “near space”, the difference in pressure causes the balloon the burst. Such balloons are made of latex or Neoprene, which are environmentally friendly material. The balloons are classified according to weight, with 2000g being the heaviest (and hence the largest) available right now. The balloons are filled with helium or hydrogen, with hydrogen requiring careful handling care due to its high flammability. While the time taken for the balloons to rise depends on factors such as wind speeds and weather, it usually it takes about one and a half hours for the balloon to ascend and pop. The challenges we expect in this project include getting permissions from authorities, maximizing safety while conducting the experiment, ensuring the project is environmentally friendly, and most of all, retrieving all the parts. Sufficient to say, safety measures would have to be implemented. All relevant systems will be tested in Singapore, and final launch will take place in Australia. We will conduct shock tests, thermal tests and various system tests to prepare for the launch sequence. All the systems will be tested for their reliability for future launches. Confidential Scientific payloads will also be attached to our balloons.
