Flight #2001-3 "Capstone 2001"
Launch Date: August 2nd, 2001.
Launch photos
more launch photos by SpSt student Jacob yates
Recovery photos
APRS Log file
Pump datafile
August 2, 2001
Flight 2001-3 was 'mostly successful', in the finest style of our group.
The balloon was launched just before a cold front came through along with
a thunderstorm, but the balloon remained in the clear air ahead of it.
Last-minute scrambling to launch before the weather moved in cost us the
time we needed to add the camcorder package to the gondola. Never the less,
the mercury experiment worked well and scientists at EERC are reviewing
the data.
John G., our founder, was present for this flight since he was visiting to
do his final duties as a faculty member of UND. He seemed to enjoy himself
a great deal and we were all glad to get the chance to do one more mission
with him. At the post-mission party, the group presented him with a
fishing pole and tackle, so he can better enjoy his retirement in Mississippi.
July 31, 2001
Preperations continue for flight 2001-3. This mission will consist of a
three-part gondola, using the APRS/flight computer module and 8mm camcorder
module from the last flight. We are adding
an additional module to carry
an upper-air mercury sampling experiment designed by
EERC.
This mission will be launched from the Olsen Farm north of Grand Forks at
approximately 2:00 pm central time. The mission will be lofted by a 3000g
latex balloon, and will carry APRS/GPS, flight computer, 8mm camcorder,
mercury experiment, and a 35mm film camera loaded with infrared film.
The balloon will rise for approximately one hour, at which time the cutdown
will be activated and the gondola released. It should take about 30 minutes
for the gondola to parachute back to earth.
This mission is being held during the work week to allow
Space Studies
Capstone students to come and view the launch and chase. It also allows
our former leader, John G., to come and participate for one more mission.
Return to the UND HABP webpage.