Table of Contents
Pegasus High Altitude Balloon Project
Based in Eastern UK, student run. By James Coxon (jacoxon@googlemail.com)
Uses a gps/gumstix/nokia mobile phone system and parachute for descent.
Launches
- Pegasus I - 15/10/05 - success, reached 66,000ft traveled 63miles (Suffolk to Lincolnshire)
- Pegasus II - 4/03/06 - contact lost after launch, feared to be lost in North Sea
- Pegasus III - 15/07/06 - communication test bed (explore alternative methods of communication)
- Pegasus IV - simple payload using a Motorola WR850G as a flight computer.
- Pegasus V - 28/04/07 - Gumstix based, testing 434mhz radio transmitting morse and digital compass.
- Pegasus VI - 02/11/08 - success, transmitting RTTY and SSTV
Run by James Coxon. jacoxon@googlemail.com
Firefly High Altitude Lifting Platform
Modular lightweight payload with simple GM862-GPS backup system (sms and morse radio) - allows for experimental payloads with the fallback tracker system. Once the basic system is complete and tested potential experiments include 2 way radio communications, video streaming, sunrise launches, etc.
Launches
- FHALP-1 - 24/11/07 - landed in the sea - oops
17/22/07 4/11/07- Test backup system, GM862-GPS, SMS and Radio comms (morse), single camera. - FHALP-2 - Launched 10/02/08 - Visual and Radio contact to apogee then loss of contact, landed in somwhere East Cambridge, at present lost. FOUND - see site for details.
- FHALP-3 - Launched 26/04/08 - Dual balloons - Flight computer died after launch, visual and radio beacon contact lost after 50 minutes. On landing the flight computer restarted and transmitted via sms landing site co-ordinates.
Goliath
Based on a Gumstix Goliath prototype board with onboard gps, gsm and usb hub. Uses soundmodem software to emulate a packet radio over the onboard soundcard attached to a Radiometrix NTX2. Also has usb storage.
Launches
BallastHalo
Experimental floating flights with latex balloons and small vents to provide a test platform for ballast tank that will then be used on the Atlantic Halo mission.