> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.kscucf.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.kscucf.org/ballooning/general-ballooning-information.md). # General Ballooning Information Access to ballooning is an integral part of any student space organization, providing cheap and reliable access to different environmental conditions across the Earth's Atmosphere. There are two ways to perform ballooning experiments: Unmanned Moored Balloons, which are limited by the FAA to be no greater than 500 feet, and Unmanned Free Balloons, which fly to the top of the Earth's atmosphere. This portion of the Wiki is meant to serve as a guide for new students within the Knights Satellite Club and other groups who want to get started in experimenting with ballooning. ## Definitions Unmanned Moored Balloon - A balloon carrying a payload that is secured to the ground and flies at an altitude of less than 500 feet. Unmanned Free Balloon (High Altitude Balloon -or- HAB) - A balloon carrying a payload that flies to the top of the atmosphere. Unmanned Free Balloons pop when the volume of gas in the balloon stretches the latex beyond its failure point. Neck Lift - How much upward force a filled balloon has when measured at the neck of the balloon. Lifting Gas - The gas that fills the balloon to produce lift. It should be either Hydrogen or Helium. ## Materials Below is a list of reusable materials that you should have prior to any balloon flight: * Picnic Blanket/Tarp * Rubber Gloves * Shower Hair Nets * Hardware Gloves * Balloon Inflator Hose * Zip Ties * Nylon String or Heavy Duty Fishing Line * Electrical Tape * Force Spring Scale * 2-inch O-Rings (3D Printed or Metal) * Carabiners (3D printed or Metal) * Key Chain Rings * 360 Swivel Eye Bolt * Parachute * Stabilizer (if a 2 payload setup is used) * Radar Reflector Below is a list of materials that will need to be replaced often: * Balloon (Sized Correctly) * Payload * Lifting Gas
## Sizing Balloons You need to choose the right balloon for what you are launching and where you are launching to. Unmanned Moored Balloons don't need a very large balloon since you are restricted to 500 feet off the ground. First, you need to determine if you're launching a Moored Balloon or a Free Balloon. If you're launching a Moored Balloon, your Neck Lift, or how much upward lift your balloon has, doesn't need to be too large. Second, you need to determine the weight of your payload. Launching on a Moored Balloon requires slightly more Neck Lift than what is required for buoyancy since the balloon doesn't need ot lift very fast. Once these two things are determined, you can start playing with a launch calculator like [Habhub](https://habhub.org/) to determine the balloon size and how much Lifting Gas you will need. Launching in Florida is not great for unmanned free balloons that want to be recovered. There is only a short window in the year when the upper altitude winds blow westward. Thus, most free balloons will want to be slightly overfilled to travel to the top of the atmosphere quickly without traveling a great distance across the ground. Depending on the size of the balloon, this could mean that the balloon pops at a lower altitude than desired. ### Orlando FSDO Contact 8427 Southpark Circle, Suite 500\ Orlando, FL 32819-9060 Phone: (407) 487-7000 <9-AVS-AFG-ORL-FSDO-91@faa.gov> This will be the point of contact when submitting launch & landing notices. ### Misc. Information It is a good idea to label both Moored and Free Balloons with contact information so that if the payload gets lost, it can be recovered by private citizens. Place the identifying piece of paper on the top of each payload box with a few other phone numbers on each box. In the past, the Knights Satellite Club has used the sitting Project Committee Chair or the President's phone numbers. The following Template can be used. {% file src="/files/u5sc9mZAaphC94htXJ4A" %}