SP9UOB-P39 (or ballooning around the world)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Borek
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the launch and tracking of a helium-filled balloon, SP9UOB-P39, which is part of a series of similar projects. Participants explore the mechanics of the balloon's journey, its interactions with jet streams, and the history of previous models. The conversation touches on technical aspects, personal anecdotes, and community reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the current status of SP9UOB-P39 and its legal compliance for launching from a backyard.
  • Another participant inquires about the balloon's travel mechanism, specifically regarding jet streams and the fate of previous models.
  • A participant notes that earlier models were heavier and less durable, leading to varied success rates in completing their journeys.
  • There is mention of the impact of UV radiation on the balloons at high altitudes, which contributes to their eventual failure to transmit data.
  • A participant expresses enthusiasm about the project, humorously questioning whether the tracker is shared with flat-earth communities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mechanics of balloon travel and the challenges faced by earlier models, but there are no settled conclusions regarding the specifics of the previous launches or the overall success rates.

Contextual Notes

Details about the exact performance metrics of previous models and the specific conditions affecting their durability are not fully provided, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in amateur ballooning, tracking technology, atmospheric science, and community-driven projects may find this discussion relevant.

Borek
Mentor
Messages
29,204
Reaction score
4,626
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
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: collinsmark, Astronuc, DennisN and 1 other person
Computer science news on Phys.org
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):

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
That is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. Maybe ever.

Does he post to the flat-earthers sites? ha ha
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: Wrichik Basu

Similar threads

Rigid, Hydrogen Based, Moored Balloon
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K