The Ultimate Weather Balloon Guide to Sending Anything to Near-Space

Summary

In this video, Haley Nelson shares a step-by-step guide on launching a GoPro into space using a weather balloon. She covers everything from assembling the payload with multiple cameras and a GPS unit to selecting the right parachute and balloon. Haley also discusses the importance of weight, legal considerations, and the use of tools like Party City for helium and online calculators for predicting flight path and altitude. The video concludes with her thrilling retrieval of the payload, emphasizing the excitement and satisfaction of such a unique project.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The video is a comprehensive guide on sending a GoPro to space using a weather balloon.
• 🎥 Haley Nelson hosts the video, taking over from Rob and Jonah to share her experience with the project.
• 📸 Haley used five GoPro cameras in different orientations to capture various perspectives of the space journey.
• 🔗 A GPS unit is crucial for tracking the payload's location, with the Spot 3 model recommended for its frequent pinging capabilities.
• 🔋 Extra battery life is essential due to the unpredictable duration of the ascent and descent.
• 📈 The weight of the payload must be under four pounds to comply with legal requirements.
• 🪂 A parachute is necessary for the safe descent of the payload, with the size chosen based on the payload's weight.
• 🎈 At least two weather balloons are recommended due to their fragility and the ease of damage.
• 💰 The most cost-effective source for helium is Party City, where tanks can be rented for two days.
• 📍 Websites like sky vector and predicta Bob are used to determine safe launch areas and predict landing locations.
• 📉 The video details the entire process from preparation to retrieval, including filling the balloon with helium and tracking the payload's descent.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the video?

The main objective of the video is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to send a GoPro to space using a weather balloon.

Who is the presenter of the video?

The presenter of the video is Haley Nelson, who is taking over Rob and Jonah's filmmaking to show this cool and fun project.

What is included in the payload for this project?

The payload includes five GoPro cameras, styrofoam, a GPS unit, and duct tape, all assembled to capture footage from different angles during the space journey.

Why is extra battery life important for the GoPros?

Extra battery life is important because the exact duration of the ascent and descent is unpredictable, so having as much battery life as possible ensures the cameras keep recording throughout the entire process.

What is the maximum weight limit for the payload according to the video?

The maximum weight limit for the payload is four pounds, as anything above that is considered illegal for this type of launch.

What type of parachute did Haley choose and why?

Haley chose a six-foot parachute, which was overkill for their needs, but it was chosen to ensure the payload would descend safely. The size of the parachute should match the size of the payload.

Where is the best place to rent a helium tank according to the video?

According to the video, Party City is the most cost-efficient, cheapest, and most convenient place to rent a helium tank.

What is the maximum altitude a 300-gram weather balloon can reach?

A 300-gram weather balloon can reach a maximum altitude of 80,000 feet.

How can one predict where the payload will land after launch?

One can predict where the payload will land by using a website called predictaBob.com, where you input all the necessary information including the launch date and weather conditions.

What is the significance of the PVC pipe in the balloon's neck?

The PVC pipe in the balloon's neck is used to help fill the balloon with helium and is secured with zip ties to prevent the balloon from slipping off during inflation.

How did Haley and her team retrieve the payload after it landed?

Haley and her team used the GPS unit's tracking feature on their phones to locate the payload. They received pings from the GPS until it went out of range, and then started heading towards the predicted landing site once it was back in range.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Launching GoPros to Space

The script introduces a project where GoPro cameras are sent to space using a weather balloon. The host, Haley Nelson, takes over the filmmaking to share this exciting experience. The process involves preparing a payload with multiple GoPros facing different directions, attaching a GPS unit, and ensuring ample battery life. The payload is constructed with styrofoam and duct tape, with special attention given to not obstructing the GPS. The script emphasizes the importance of keeping the payload under four pounds and including contact information. The choice of a parachute is discussed, with a six-foot parachute being used despite being oversized for the purpose. The script also touches on the need for helium and the practicalities of obtaining it from Party City, as well as the importance of preparing the balloon carefully to avoid damage.

05:00

🎈 Balloon Launch Preparations

This paragraph delves into the specifics of preparing for the balloon launch. It discusses the need to calculate the right amount of helium for the balloon based on the payload size and provides resources for predicting the balloon's burst altitude and landing location. The script advises on choosing a launch site outside of controlled airspace and using a website to predict the landing area. The day of the launch involves setting up a safe area for the balloon, filling it with helium, and securing it to both the tank and the parachute. The script also describes the process of launching, including checking the payload, turning on the cameras, and tracking the balloon's journey. The host shares her experience of losing signal temporarily, which caused concern, but eventually, the GPS tracking helped locate the payload successfully. The excitement of finding the payload and the overall experience of the launch day is highlighted.

Keywords

💡GoPro

GoPro is a brand of action cameras known for their durability and high-quality video capabilities. In the context of the video, GoPros are used to capture footage from a weather balloon launch into space. The script mentions sending 'five GoPro cameras' to space, highlighting their role in documenting the journey.

💡Weather balloon

A weather balloon is a type of lightweight, high-altitude balloon used to carry instruments aloft for weather data collection. In the video, a weather balloon is used to lift a payload containing GoPro cameras into space. The script describes the process of filling the balloon with helium and its role in the launch.

💡Payload

In the context of the video, the payload refers to the package or object being carried into space by the weather balloon. It includes the GoPro cameras and other equipment. The script emphasizes the importance of the payload, discussing its assembly and the need to keep its weight under four pounds.

💡Parachute

A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of the video, to gently lower the payload back to Earth after the balloon bursts. The script mentions attaching the payload to a 'parachute' and the importance of choosing the right size.

💡GPS unit

A GPS unit is a device that uses Global Positioning System technology to determine the precise location of a vehicle, vessel, or object. In the video, a GPS unit is attached to the payload to track its location after it lands. The script specifies placing the GPS unit on top of the payload and using it for retrieval.

💡Helium

Helium is a lighter-than-air gas used to fill weather balloons, allowing them to rise. The script discusses obtaining helium from a tank and filling the balloon with it, which is crucial for the balloon's ascent into space.

💡Burst altitude

Burst altitude refers to the height at which a weather balloon bursts due to the thinning atmosphere and increased pressure on the balloon material. The script mentions a 'burst diameter' and the use of a calculator to predict how high the balloon will go before it bursts.

💡Retrieval

Retrieval in this context means the process of recovering the payload after it has landed back on Earth. The script describes the use of a GPS unit for 'retrieval' and the excitement of finding the payload using the GPS coordinates.

💡Party City

Party City is mentioned in the script as a place to rent helium tanks, which are necessary for filling the weather balloons. It provides a practical and cost-effective solution for obtaining the helium needed for the launch.

💡Sky vector

Sky vector is a website mentioned in the script for checking controlled airspace to ensure the launch and landing of the balloon occur in safe, unregulated areas. This is important for legal and safety reasons during the balloon launch.

💡PredictaBob

PredictaBob is a website referenced in the script for calculating the predicted landing location of the payload. It uses various factors, including weather, to provide an estimate of where the balloon will land, which is helpful for recovery efforts.

Highlights

Introduction to sending a GoPro to space using a weather balloon

Explanation of the process from payload to retrieval

Details on creating a payload with styrofoam and GoPros

Importance of extra battery life for the GoPros

GPS unit placement and its function

Requirement for the payload weight to be under four pounds

Choosing the right size parachute for the payload

Selecting and handling weather balloons

Filling the balloon with helium and the role of Party City

Using a burst calculator to predict balloon pop altitude

Pre-launch preparation including attaching a PVC pipe

Choosing a launch site and avoiding controlled airspace

Using predictaBob.com to estimate landing location

Setting up for the launch with a drop cloth and helium tank

Filling the balloon with helium and attaching it securely

Tracking the payload and the importance of turning on cameras

The experience of losing signal and regaining it later

Retrieving the payload using GPS and the excitement of finding it

Encouragement to try the project and share footage

Transcripts

three-two-one holy crap our today

the comprehensive guide to sending a

GoPro to space everybody ready

[Music]

four three two one

hey there I'm Haley Nelson and I am

taking over Rob and Jonah's filmmaking

together and the reason I'm doing that

much in the way that Weird Al used to

take over MTV is because I've got

something really cool and fun to show

you Rob and Jonas and I launched a bunch

of GoPros into space using a weather

balloon now it took me a really long

time to figure out how to do all that

and to get all the great footage that we

got so guess what I'm going to show you

how to do it all so that you can do this

I'm talking from the payload I just like

saying the word payload over and over to

the parachute to the balloon to the

retrieval it's going to be awesome stick

around so that you can send whatever you

want to into space too

so let's look at the big picture first

you have a payload which is just

whatever you're sending up in this case

we're sending five GoPro cameras and

that is going to be attached to a

parachute and that parachute is going to

be straight and flat on the way up and

then because it's attached to a large

balloon filled with helium it goes up

the balloon is expanding it expands

until it bursts and then when it bursts

the parachute opens up and your

beautiful payload gently walks down

lazily to where it needs to go now that

sounds pretty simple it's actually super

duper tricky first let's talk payload

for my payload in essence what I did was

just get some styrofoam and put a bunch

of GoPros in it facing different

directions and duct tape up the whole

thing

with a GPS unit duct tape to the top in

more detail I put to grow pros going

down one going up to catch the burst of

the balloon one going out to the side

when going out to the other side with a

picture of the untain science crews so

that we could sort of virtually be in

space altogether how fun would that be

you want to make sure that you have

extra battery life because you don't

know exactly how long it's going to be

to go up and go down you can accurately

predict it to a point but you want to

have as much battery life as you can

when you place your GPS unit you place

it on the very top because it can't be

obstructive on anything also metal tape

don't use that because it'll screw up

the GPS unit regular duct tape any color

you choose the GPS unit that about is

called a spot three but it was great

because you could just kind of ping it

from where if it was it pings every 10

minutes or how often you said it and it

comes to your phone and shows you

exactly where it is peer south of Monroe

once you have your payload totally

assembled that means everything that's

in there it's going to be in there your

total weight you're going to need to

have a really accurate measurement

because you're going to use that

measurement for all sorts of

calculations make sure the weight of

your payload is under four pounds

because anything above that is illegal

also remember on your payload to write

your contact information next is the

parachute you're going to want to

purchase a pair

and some light strong cord now when

you're choosing a parachute you want to

match the size of your parachute to the

size of your payload the parachutes that

I chose was a six-foot parachute which

is not it's just really overkill for

what we needed and so we ended up having

to drive three hours to find the payload

thankfully there's a handy dandy chart

for how to choose your parachute as

compared to the size of your payload

alright now for the balloon oh these are

the balloons these are the villainess

when you purchase a weather balloon you

want to get at least two because they're

actually pretty easy to damage with the

oils on your fingers so make sure that

you don't handle them very much pre

launch and when you do handle them with

gloves and work loves on the day of the

launch as well there are 300 gram

balloons and they're eight foot in

diameter they go to a maximum of 80,000

feet with a burst diameter maximum of 12

foot 4 inches a lot of the people who

launch use that balloon seem to work

fine then of course you're going to need

to fill that balloon with helium a

helium tank and I wondered if you guys

rent the whole tanks and I checked a lot

of sources and it turns out that the

most cost efficient place the cheapest

and the most convenient happens to be

Party City Oh awesome when you get it at

Party City you can get it for two days

so you can get it the night before and

then you can have it ready for an early

morning lunch basically we be feeding

the GoPro and sending things into space

helium everybody awake just returning

okay I really like this entire tank of

helium it's very expensive is like

killing the dollars you want to figure

out how much helium to put in your

balloon that's also related to the size

of your payload there's a chart the lift

of helium balloons chart also you're

probably wondering when your balloon is

going to burst how high your balloon is

gonna get and there's a burst calculator

that's really helpful for that as well

and the actual prep that you can do on

the balloon before launch day includes

putting a PVC pipe in the neck now you

take that you put the PVC in the neck of

the balloon and then you cinch it down

with zip ties and now for the launch

then you have to decide where you're

going

launched and where what you launched is

going to land and you want to make sure

that you launch and land in places if at

all possible that are not controlled

airspace and you can go to sky vector

comm to figure out in your area where

those areas actually are close to you so

you can avoid them now you're probably

wondering okay well if I pick a launch

spot how do I know where it's going to

land guess what there's a really cool

calculator for this at a really cool

website predicta Bob comm you plug in

all the information you know the day

you're going to launch it includes

weather in math and magic leprechauns

and it gives you a pretty accurate

description of where your payload is

going to end up we actually ended up

changing the day of our launch because

that day was supposed to end up I'm

going into the ocean now the actual day

of your launch we had a pretty sweet

setup we ended up bringing a big kind of

drop cloth so that everything could be

neat and tidy and we could keep the

balloon safe now you're gonna fill it up

with the helium tank that you brought

which is pretty heavy so you want to

attach your balloon to two different

places you want to attach your balloon

with your cording to the helium tank and

you want to attach it also to the top of

the parachute actually getting it filled

let's talk about that coming out of the

tank you have a regulator and it's gonna

tell you how much is coming out and you

attach a piece of tubing I had a piece

of old flexible tubing and just attach

that on there stuck it through the PVC

the very last thing you do before you

cut the cord and let everything go is

check your payload turn on all the

cameras cinch it up tight it took more

time than I thought it would it'd be

nice if there was a practice run for

that because we lost precious GoPro

footage time I wanted to get the burst

of the balloon in slow motion and it

didn't happen so the only thing that you

have to do is turn on the cameras

[Music]

you can start tracking immediately it'll

give you a pinpoint right away and then

every few minutes you'll get one up

until the point when goes out of

range we got in the car and went to go

eat breakfast and I'm sitting there

getting pings and then all of a sudden

we don't get pings anymore and it was

very scary oh I guess I don't know

thinking oh gosh

what have we lost it but it was just out

of range it was going in space 45

minutes later it got down back into a

space where it was within range started

heading in that direction and it ended

up taking three hours to drive to where

we need to go with a little luck I mean

there's like this is there's like no

house is on this plot other than this

one yeah put on our like nicest-looking

clothes and I think that could be it

accuracy of the GPS within three feet of

where we were

there's yeah we found it it was really

wow really exciting for me I hope that

you actually get to do this again and if

you do please feel free to share your

footage on Rob and Jonas filmmaking I

will definitely see it there because I

know them Rob's my husband whoa

all right see you next Tuesday

[Music]

what yeah