Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to propose science and technology experiments that NASA could launch on a scientific balloon in fall 2016.
Projects can include any variety of experiments that would benefit from flying to the edge of space. Those accepted in the past include compact satellites and long-range communication devices, space science, particle samplers, sensors, and rocket nozzles.
The balloon will be launched from Fort Sumner, N. M. and fly for 12 to 15 hours at an attitude of about 23 miles. Up to 12 student-built payloads can be supported. The balloon provides its own power, mechanical support, interfacing, data downlink, and command uplink communications with use with the instruments. Payloads can weigh up to 8,000 pounds.
The balloon will be part of the High Altitude Student Platform mission, a collaboration between the space agency and the Louisiana Space Consortium. It has been in place since 2006 and has selected more than 110 student payloads for flights.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to support the students flying these experiments, many of whom are getting their first real taste of hands-on engineering and science,” said Debbie Fairbrother, chief of NASA’s Balloon Program Office. “Programs like HASP are key to educating, training, and inspiring the next generation.”
Applications must be received before Dec. 18. Experts from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas, and LaSPACE will chose the finalists. Additional information will be available during a question-and-answer teleconference held on Nov. 13. For more, visit NASA.gov/education.
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense, Student programs
