Welcome to Operation Helios. We are three students who participate in the hobby of High Altitude Ballooning. We began working on this project in mid 2010. After resolving many extremely complex and unexpected obstacles we managed to launch a balloon in April, 2012. We are still very much involved in High Altitude Ballooning and plan to launch again in April, 2013. This second launch will have significant exciting improvements over the previous. We will attempt to frequently update this blog as we progress.
Take a look at the posts section for our latest updates.
hey, so what is the project? what are you doing D:
Well basically we are launching a weather balloon with a camera and tracking device attached to 35km. The camera will automatically snap pictures while the tracking device sends us back its location. Once the balloon pops (due to high internal pressure) we will track the landing location of the camera and tracking device and retrieve the camera. Then we will post the video and photos on this site.
I can also help with computer modeling with programs such as CATIA. Just contact me if you want any help
We have created some catia models, if we need a hand i will let you know.
wow well done guys
i couldn’t understand half the vocab in that intro thingy so thats a good sign for you
but what did you mean by ‘capture the curvature of the earth’???
Take a photo of the curvature of the earth (like this http://courses2.cit.cornell.edu/sysen5960/what_is_pbh_files/image002.jpg )
I agree with the post above and I will grab more information from google google
Which post are you referring to?
thanks
Sounds interesting; please check your operation helios email regarding the newspaper article
Woah…
What is the banner at the too of the page from?
It is an image of a screen displaying the source code of a calculator we made for the project.
Nice blog, This is very detailed and informative article.
Read about your project in the Inkdrop and I have to say, it looks really awesome
If you ever need any help with Python, C or Linux feel free to drop me a line. Good luck and have fun!
Everything looks really interesting. Hope it all works out!!
Thanks we hope it works out too :p
Issues with CASA approvals are considerable. Things have changed. I am trying to launch a balloon from central NSW in 2 weeks time. Have a look at the update at: http://wotzup.com/2011/08/uplift-1-on-hold/
If you do not have you approval and a date already then you may have to either pay $500-$1000 for an exemption.
On a positive note, it looks like I have raised enough activity in CASA – even phoned the directors office and they are preparing a general exemption and that may take only 3-6 months!
The current rules are in conflict. Read my website for details.
I am a teacher who is exploring the idea of trying this myself with my school. Could anyone help me with a few questions?
What was the vessel made of (did I overlook the details of it somewhere?) and would you suggest a different design next time?
First point of contact for CASA approval??
What frequency is the tracker beaconing on, and what is you scheduled launch for the next one? I would like to track it as well and you never know if it comes my way I might be able to help find i9t when it comes back down.
Well done boys, just what i want to do but haven’t got around to doing.
Cheers
Hi there. The beacon is on the national APRS frequency 145.175 under a VK2BTW callsign. Thanks for your good wishes!