SP9UOB-P39 (or ballooning around the world)

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SUMMARY

The SP9UOB-P39, also known as Pico 39, is a helium-filled balloon equipped with a GPS tracker and APRS radio that has successfully completed its second loop around the world. Launched from a backyard in compliance with legal regulations, this model utilizes lightweight materials to withstand the stratospheric environment. Previous models faced challenges due to weight and UV degradation, leading to varied success rates in their missions. Currently, Pico 39 is positioned over Japan, continuing its journey through the jet stream.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) technology
  • Knowledge of stratospheric ballooning principles
  • Familiarity with GPS tracking systems
  • Awareness of legal regulations surrounding balloon launches
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and functionality of APRS radios
  • Explore the effects of UV radiation on balloon materials
  • Learn about the physics of jet streams and their impact on balloon trajectories
  • Investigate historical data and success rates of previous balloon models
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace enthusiasts, hobbyist balloonists, and individuals interested in tracking technology and environmental science will benefit from this discussion.

Borek
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A week or two ago I posted in one of the threads about a friend of mine (well, fb friend, we don't know each other in person) who takes small balloons, fills them with helium, attaches a pretty small (in the 5 grams range) GPS tracker with solar panels and APRS radio and launches them from his backyard. Before you ask: all in accordance with legal regulations.

SP9UOB-P39 (P39 stands for Pico 39, it is 39th launch/model) leaves US space now. For the second time. In few days it should close second loop around the world.

https://tracker.habhub.org/#!mt=roadmap&mz=2&qm=All&f=SP9UOB-P39&q=sp9uob-p39

obraz_2020-12-17_174501.png
 
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Traveling on the jet stream? What happened with the previous 38?
 
Astronuc said:
Traveling on the jet stream? What happened with the previous 38?

Yes, jet streams.

I don't know exact numbers. Some failed quite fast, some made it around the Earth more than once. Earlier models were much heavier and they were not able to survive for long. High up in the stratosphere UV destroys the plastic, so they loose helium and slowly drop down, at some point they fail to send another data packet - and that's all Tom knows.
 
As of today Pico 39 is again over Japan. Tomasz doesn't have a ready history of the project to share, but about two years ago he took a picture of earlier tracker models he designed and made (these are not all models, older ones are on the left):

 
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That is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. Maybe ever.

Does he post to the flat-earthers sites? ha ha
 
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