INVITATION TO THE
STRATOSPHERIC BALLOON LAUNCH – AMSAT ARGENTINA AND THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF
CÓRDOBA
Dear fellow radio amateurs and radio clubs:
AMSAT Argentina, in collaboration with the National
University of Córdoba, is pleased to invite you to participate in the launch of
a stratospheric balloon equipped with telecommunications and data recording
payloads. This initiative represents a unique opportunity for experimentation
in communications and the development of technologies applied to aerospace
exploration.
**Project Details**
The balloon’s payload will consist of three main
modules:
* 🔹 **Primary APRS** –
Tracking and telemetry system.
* 🔹 **Transponder** – For
communications experimentation.
* 🔹 **Secondary APRS and
Release Fuse Control** – Responsible for the release system and backup
tracking.
Additionally, it will include:
* 📷 **GoPro Camera** for
visual mission recording.
* 📡 **5.8 GHz Transmitter
with Digital Camera** for real-time transmission.
* 🛰️ **Release Box** for
payload deployment.
* 🪂 **Two Parachutes
(Primary and Secondary)** for a safe descent.
**Tentative Schedule**
* Travel Date: March 26.
* 🚀 **Launch Date**: March
28.
* 📡 **Additional Launch**:
A pico balloon with a WSPR transmitter is also planned.
**Organization and Logistics**
The National University of Córdoba is responsible for the
planning and coordination of the project. In the coming days, detailed
information about the mission’s progress will be provided. One of the key
challenges will be the recovery of the payloads, and strategies are being
evaluated to maximize success during this phase.
**Participation and Information**
We invite radio clubs and radio amateurs to follow the
mission, assist with tracking, and participate in the activity.
📢 **We kindly request
that all possible iGates be activated in the days leading up to, during, and
following the launch** for testing, tracking, and payload recovery.
For more information and updates, you can contact us at the
temporary email:
**amsatargentinalu7aa@gmail.com**
We hope to count on your support for this initiative, which
strengthens experimentation and the spirit of amateur radio.
📡 **AMSAT
Argentina**
🌍
**www.amsat.org.ar**
Translated By: Dr. Prudhvi Raju Kakani VU2IKY
**Stratospheric balloon**
A **stratospheric balloon** is a type of high-altitude balloon designed to rise into the stratosphere, the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, which extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above the surface. These balloons are typically filled with lightweight gases like helium or hydrogen, which provide enough lift to carry scientific instruments, communication devices, or other payloads to extreme altitudes where the air is thin, temperatures are frigid (as low as -50°C or -58°F), and the atmospheric pressure is a tiny fraction of that at sea level.
How It Works
- **Construction**: Stratospheric balloons are made of lightweight, durable materials like polyethylene or Mylar to withstand the low pressure and expansion of gas at high altitudes. They can range from small (a few meters wide) to massive (hundreds of meters when fully inflated).
- **Ascent**: Once launched, the balloon rises because the gas inside is less dense than the surrounding air. As it ascends, the gas expands due to decreasing atmospheric pressure until it reaches a "float altitude" in the stratosphere, typically between 20-40 km (12-25 miles), where it stabilizes.
- **Payload**: The balloon carries a payload—equipment such as cameras, sensors, radios, or transponders—suspended beneath it. In the case of the AMSAT Argentina project, this includes telecom systems like APRS and a transponder.
- **Descent**: After completing its mission (hours or days), the balloon either bursts due to overexpansion or is intentionally released via a mechanism (e.g., a fuse), and a parachute brings the payload safely back to Earth.
Why the Stratosphere?
The stratosphere is ideal for certain experiments and observations because:
- **Altitude**: It’s above weather systems (like clouds and storms) and most air traffic, offering a clear view of Earth and space.
- **Conditions**: The thin air and low temperatures mimic some aspects of space, making it a cost-effective testing ground for space technologies.
- **Radio Communication**: At these heights, radio signals can travel vast distances due to the "line of sight" advantage, perfect for amateur radio experiments like those with QO-100 or APRS tracking.
Applications
- **Scientific Research**: Measuring atmospheric data (temperature, pressure, radiation), studying weather patterns, or testing equipment for space missions.
- **Education**: Universities and organizations like AMSAT use them to teach students about aerospace and radio technology.
- **Amateur Radio**: As in the AMSAT Argentina launch, they carry transponders or beacons for communication experiments across continents.
- **Photography**: Capturing stunning images or videos of Earth’s curvature and the edge of space.
Example: AMSAT Argentina’s Balloon
In the invitation you provided, AMSAT Argentina and the University of Córdoba are launching a stratospheric balloon on March 28, 2025, with a payload for telecommunications (APRS, transponder) and visual recording (GoPro, 5.8 GHz camera). It will float in the stratosphere, likely around 30 km up, transmitting data back to Earth while radio amateurs track it using iGates. A secondary pico balloon with a WSPR transmitter (a low-power signal for long-distance tracking) adds to the experiment.
Challenges
- **Recovery**: Once it descends, finding the payload in remote areas is tricky, as noted in the AMSAT project.
- **Weather**: Launches depend on calm winds at the surface and predictable stratospheric currents.
- **Cost**: Though cheaper than satellites (thousands vs. millions of dollars), they still require specialized gear.
In short, a stratospheric balloon is a versatile, affordable tool for reaching the edge of space, bridging the gap between ground-based experiments and orbital missions. It’s a floating platform for science, communication, and exploration—perfect for enthusiasts and researchers alike! Let me know if you’d like more details!
