Space has always been a source of wonder for humanity. It represents one of the highest levels of science, where human ingenuity meets the vastness of the universe. Space exploration is a captivating adventure that sparks fascination and admiration, inspiring scientists, engineers, and the general public alike. The study of space brings together a multitude of disciplines, from astronomy and physics to aerospace engineering, chemistry, and biology. This interdisciplinarity makes space a rich and complex field, where each discovery opens new perspectives and presents new challenges.
One of the main objectives of this Final Year Project is to gather and apply all the knowledge acquired during these years of study. Designing and launching a weather balloon to an altitude of 30 km is an endeavor that allows the practical application of theoretical and practical concepts learned in class, while also developing skills in project management, teamwork, and solving complex problems. This project is the ideal opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the technical and scientific skills accumulated.
The mission of this project is multifaceted and aims to push the boundaries of our scientific and engineering capabilities. The primary objective is to design and fully construct a weather balloon capable of reaching an altitude of approximately 30 km. This balloon will be equipped with a variety of measurement instruments, including temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and other necessary scientific instruments, to collect valuable data from the stratosphere. An essential part of the mission is to launch the balloon and track its journey via live telemetry transmission, with some measurements available in real-time through a web interface accessible to everyone.
Throughout the project, a dedicated website will be maintained to document progress during the design and implementation phases. Upon retrieval of the balloon, the data collected during the flight will be analyzed, focusing on two main experiments. The primary experiment involves the simple collection of environmental data, such as temperature and pressure. The secondary experiment will be a comprehensive analysis of a specific scientific inquiry sent to this altitude, such as studying radiation levels or atmospheric composition. An overarching aim of the project is to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during our studies, all while fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Most importantly, we aim to enjoy the process and the learning experience it brings.
Completely compliant with the SERA Appendix 2 in application during the launch period