HABL Launch

This week we launched the high altitude balloon launch (HABL). This rig is able to reach 100,000 ft above the Earth's surface. We had tested this rig several times during our first two launches with our aerial photography. Figure 1 shows us getting ready to launch our rig into space. Our rig had a video camera and a tracking beacon inside of it. The rig was packed with hand warmers and foam to keep the camera and beacon safe and warm. There was also a parachute attached so that the HABL could return to Earth safely. We did lose the beacon for almost an 1.5. But finally we were able to get a lock on it. The rig had landed in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This is about 78 miles east of Eau Claire. Joe and a couple of other students went out to retrieve the rig. Figure 2 shows the HABL had landed in a 50ft tree. To get it out of the tree, Joe had to climb up and get it.  Figure 3 shows our teacher Joe getting the rig out of the tree that it landed in. 

Figure1

Figure 2: The HABL up in a tree

Figure 3: Joe climbing up to get the HABL

Figure 4: The HABL is safe on the ground.

Below are some still shots from the footage the HABL took on its journey.