The World's Story is Yours to Tell
Getting Closer - and now the weather is a factor!
First Flight Predictions
Now that we are within 7 days of the launch, we are able to start running predictions of where the balloon might actually fly. This is unfortunately raising some concerns as it is currently predicting that it will land in Lake Alexandrina - which will not permit recovery of the payloads - rendering the attempt pointless.
We can see the predictions here:
The attempt may be able to be tried still if various flight parameters are manipulated, however it is all going to depend on height, ascent and decent rate and how the balloon is configured. If we cant keep it out of the water then the attempt will be a bust unfortunately. Worst case at this stage could be that the altitude will be reduced, but with a corresponding change in what we can capture with the camera.
A Positive Spin on things!
The positive at this stage is that the predictions are not all that accurate this far out. We will have a clearer picture within 48hrs of the launch day so fingers crossed that the weather plays ball and pushes the predicted landing site more inland to the east of the launch site.
Other positive notes, progress on the HD video camera payload is going well. We are looking to film in 1080/25p PAL. Thoughts on payload stabilisation are continuing and an attempt at using fins will be trialled. The HD Hero camera has an impressive field of view so we are hoping for some very spectacular pictures from it.
Other aspects to the payload should include the parrot repeater again to be used by the tracking parties, as well as a HF experimental telemetry package.
Launch Arrangements
We are pretty much resigned to using Helium for this launch as there hasnt been time to prove all of our techniques for a hydrogen based launch (especially with respect to safety).
At least two tracking teams are understood to be available, and if the landing can be predicted to stay out of the lakes and not go offshore, at least it wont mean a long chase to find the balloon, and we should be able to catch it at launch and landing.
We are also going to try for a launch around 8-9am local time - this however is subject to the predicted landing zones.
More news as we the day approaches!
Now that we are within 7 days of the launch, we are able to start running predictions of where the balloon might actually fly. This is unfortunately raising some concerns as it is currently predicting that it will land in Lake Alexandrina - which will not permit recovery of the payloads - rendering the attempt pointless.
We can see the predictions here:
The attempt may be able to be tried still if various flight parameters are manipulated, however it is all going to depend on height, ascent and decent rate and how the balloon is configured. If we cant keep it out of the water then the attempt will be a bust unfortunately. Worst case at this stage could be that the altitude will be reduced, but with a corresponding change in what we can capture with the camera.
A Positive Spin on things!
The positive at this stage is that the predictions are not all that accurate this far out. We will have a clearer picture within 48hrs of the launch day so fingers crossed that the weather plays ball and pushes the predicted landing site more inland to the east of the launch site.
Other positive notes, progress on the HD video camera payload is going well. We are looking to film in 1080/25p PAL. Thoughts on payload stabilisation are continuing and an attempt at using fins will be trialled. The HD Hero camera has an impressive field of view so we are hoping for some very spectacular pictures from it.
Other aspects to the payload should include the parrot repeater again to be used by the tracking parties, as well as a HF experimental telemetry package.
Launch Arrangements
We are pretty much resigned to using Helium for this launch as there hasnt been time to prove all of our techniques for a hydrogen based launch (especially with respect to safety).
At least two tracking teams are understood to be available, and if the landing can be predicted to stay out of the lakes and not go offshore, at least it wont mean a long chase to find the balloon, and we should be able to catch it at launch and landing.
We are also going to try for a launch around 8-9am local time - this however is subject to the predicted landing zones.
More news as we the day approaches!
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