====== High ALtitude Object (HALO) ======
Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada by Alexei Karpenko (natrium42). The launches aim to validate communication and retrieval techniques before more complex missions are attempted.

===== Launches =====

  * [[projects:halo_flight1|HALO Flight 1]] - 29/09/07 - successful launch and retrieval
    * Down-linked [[http://www.natrium42.com/balloon/downlinked thumbs/|picture thumbnails]] in-flight using 900MHz XTend radio module
    * Pictures were taken via remote USB feature of Canon camera and scaled down by a Verdex SBC for down-linking
    * Camera failed at about 10km
    * GPS of GM862-GPS module failed at 24km and did not resume when the payload landed, but the module still replied to SMS messages
    * Landing took place onto a minor street in Kitchener and was spotted by a person who called the number on the payload
    * 900MHz XTend radio went out of range (need to use Yagi antenna on the ground instead of high-gain omni-directional)
  * [[http://www.natrium42.com/halo/flight2/|HALO Flight 2]] - 08/10/07 - successful launch and retrieval
    * Captured 269 pictures and 58 videos (30 seconds each) with varying camera tilt (up, sideways, down)
    * Reached over 30 km (GPS failed at 24km, altitude estimated based on pressure sensor)
    * Parachute tangled, impact speed was over 60km/h, but everything survived
    * 900MHz XTend radio went out of range (need to use Yagi antenna on the ground instead of high-gain omni-directional)
    * GM862-GPS module failed at 24km, but was automatically restarted successfully and reported landing position via SMS
  * [[projects:halo_flight3|HALO Flight 3]] - 21/03/09 - successful launch and retrieval
    * Tested flight computer for Atlantic Halo
    * Tested Venus634LPx GPS chip -- fails above 18km
    * Tested SPOT satellite messenger
    * Tested live video and picture broadcasting of the launch preparations