SP9UOB-P39 (or ballooning around the world)

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A user discussed a friend's project involving small helium-filled balloons equipped with GPS trackers and solar panels, which are launched from his backyard in compliance with legal regulations. The latest model, SP9UOB-P39, is currently completing its second loop around the Earth, utilizing jet streams for travel. Previous models varied in success, with some failing quickly and others managing multiple orbits before succumbing to UV damage in the stratosphere. The user noted that while a comprehensive history of the project isn't available, images of earlier models exist. The project has garnered excitement and interest within the community.
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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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