GettingStarted

**How to Reach the Edge of Space and bring back a little science (2017)**
Space is not easy, and the edge of space is not much friendlier. The effort to send payloads to 100,000 feet does have its rewards with great images and an inexpensive exposure to an environment close to space. In fact, pressure and radiation at 100,000 feet are similar to conditions on the surface of Mars which opens up a whole series of possible meaningful experiments.

Safety is the top priority in terms of access to the edge of space. The FAA rules clearly describe safe balloon payloads that are within certain size and structural limitations and that are not launched in the way of any low flying aircraft.

Here are the critical elements of high altitude balloon flights / missions: Know the FAA regulations - in particular, FAR101 rules regarding balloons Tracking - how to get your payload back and monitor its location Structure Power Science The Day of Flight: Launch -- Chase -- Recovery

-- Tracking Since the cold and other factors can lead to system failures, consider at least two redundant tracking systems. The best option has proven to be using the amateur radio network to send GPS reports to ground radios and to the internet as part of the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). Another option is a commercial product called SPOT which uses a satellite phone and GPS to report positions. A third option would be to use a radio beacon and have radio tracking equipment on the ground.

APRS - First, get a ham radio licence. You need a Technician licence which requires passing a multiple choice test covering basic rules and concepts. There are several resources online to help prepare including the entire pool of questions that could be asked - Ham Radio License preparation. For flight, a quick option is the 1[|W radio, TNC, GPS combination sold by Byonics, MT1000] which includes an antenna for $220 (9/2017)

The [|SPOT Gen 3]unit costs $150 but also costs that much more for a one year subscription.

A radio tracker could include a Fox Hunting set-up used by amateur radio "hams" and would need some radios and antennas operated with trained operators. Fox hunting modules are also sold by Byonics and others.

It is possible to fly two of the same description. On heavy DREAMS missions, all 3 of these are flown with an extra APRS radio as additional back-up.