Can I track a weather balloon?
When it comes to tracking a weather balloon, the three most common options are a satellite tracker, an APRS tracker, or a cell phone. Each option has its benefits and limitations. A cellphone tracker is illegal and should never be used.
How do you track high-altitude balloons?
High-altitude balloons (HABs) are typically tracked via Global Positioning System (GPS) data sent via real-time radio-based communication systems such as the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS).
How long does it take for a weather balloon to reach space?
How fast does the balloon go after launch until it reaches float altitude? The balloon typically rises at a speed of 1,000 feet per minute. It takes about two hours to reach a float altitude of 120,000 feet.
How far do weather balloons travel?
Weather balloons can rise to an altitude of 24 miles (39 kilometers) or more before they burst, and a payload may land (via parachute) up to 75 miles (120 km) away, depending on wind conditions at the launch site, Maydell said.
What do I do if I find a radiosonde?
If the radiosonde is found after use, the person who discovers it can put it in the bag (no postage required) and give it to his/her mail carrier. The instrument is then sent to a reconditioning center so it can be reconditioned and reused. (Only about 15-20% of the instruments are ever found nationwide.
What is a balloon track?
They are simply a big loop track with a single switch to enter and leave. In the 1960s, as unit coal trains became common, balloon tracks became the favored solution at power plants and coal mines, assuming the geography allowed it.
Is it legal to release a weather balloon?
Yes, but only if you take the necessary precautions. Never launch a weather balloon in an area with congested air space and always coordinate your launch with the appropriate authorities. In the US that may include filing a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
Do you need permission to launch a weather balloon?
No license is required to launch a balloon in the United States. However, it is critical that anyone planning a flight takes time to receive proper safety training.
How high can a weather balloon go in feet?
While no one can ever guarantee a weather balloon will soar to a specific height, the balloons typically reach between 60,000 and 105,000 feet. However, the highest recorded weather balloon flight on record was launched in 2002 and soared to an incredible height of 173,000 feet.
What layer do weather balloons fly?
The stratosphere
The stratosphere is the next layer of the atmosphere. It extends anywhere from 4 to 12 miles (6 to 20 km) above Earth’s surface up to 31 miles (50 km). This is the layer where most commercial airliners fly and weather balloons travel to.
How do you track a weather balloon?
Radio Flight Tracking Information. Our high altitude weather balloon flights can be openly tracked and monitored in real time by anyone anywhere in the world using multiple methods. Our onboard balloon tracker system contains a high altitude GPS system which relays positioning back to ground stations via an onboard radio transmitter.
Is it legal to track a weather balloon with a cellphone?
A cellphone tracker is illegal and should never be used. Basic Understanding of GPS technology – One of the key technologies that have allowed us to track and recover weather balloon payloads is the Global Positioning System or GPS for short. GPS was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for military purposes.
What is the size of a weather balloon?
Weather balloons, which are made of latex or synthetic rubber (neoprene), are filled with either hydrogen or helium. The sides are about 0.051 mm thick before release and will be only 0.0025 mm thick at typical bursting altitudes!
How to track a high altitude balloon flight?
Using a GPS Messaging System to track your high altitude balloon flight is the second best method available. These systems are fast and easy to get up and running and don’t require a license to use, however, they are usually much more expensive and require an annual subscription to use the GPS Messaging service.