Determining the Orientation of a High Altitude Balloon During the Entire Flight

Auburn University Scientific Payload Balloon Program for Secondary Students

Four Experiments will fly to the edge of space on a balloon that will be launched by the Auburn University Student Space Programt in March 2006.

Using a magnetometer and a high resolution fast data logger, students will collect information on the orientation of the balloon payload structure during the entire flight. The final product will be a very accurate recreation of the rates of rotation and vibration during key parts of the flight to include:

Ascent, Balloon cutdown or burst, Descent, Landing

Below is an image of the actual balloon system being developed by the Auburn students. The balloon system will have a dual string radio tracking system, so that if one radio fails, it will be backed up by a second system.