Can i release a weather balloon

In meteorology, a sounding is a set of weather measurements collected vertically throughout the atmosphere. Thus, the data we collect with our sensors as the balloon goes up constitute a sounding. These data can be plotted on diagrams that help us visualize how the atmospheric conditions change with height. Very cold. This would be quite rare, but we do get asked this question a lot. We are not currently aware of any cases where this has occurred.

Smaller planes would probably be able to more quickly avoid a weather balloon if they saw it. If interested, you can read more about this topic here. Ballooning FAQ. What is a high-altitude balloon? What is the difference between a high-altitude balloon and a weather balloon? What is the balloon made of? The balloons that we use are made out of a stretchy material called latex. How big is the balloon?

How much does the balloon cost? How high can the balloon ascend? How far can the balloon travel? How long does a high-altitude balloon flight last? Why does the balloon pop? Can we see the balloon pop high in the atmosphere?

Why can't we touch the balloon with our bare hands? What payloads do we send up with the balloon? Can you tell me more about the SatCom?

Can you tell me more about the meteorological sensors on the SatCom? Can you tell me more about the video cameras? What do you do with the video footage? Can you tell me more about the backup GPS devices? What happens if we lose signal from all the GPS devices on the payload? Can I get the data that was collected by the meteorological sensors? Is there anything we are NOT allowed to send up with the balloon? Are there limits to how much the payloads can weigh?

What are the FAA regulations regarding high-altitude ballooning? How often do you do balloon launches? Why do people launch high-altitude balloons? Who else launches high-altitude balloons? Can I launch my own high-altitude balloon? Is Wyoming a good place to launch balloons? Will you launch anywhere in Wyoming? Do you launch balloons from outside of Wyoming? No, at this time we only launch balloons at locations within Wyoming. Do we have to let the FAA or airports know about our balloon launches?

Can bad weather affect a balloon launch? What other factors can affect a balloon launch? Can we launch a balloon near a thunderstorm? At Night? What is a tethered launch? What happens if the payload lands on private property? What happens if you launch in Wyoming but the payload lands in another state? Do you know where the payload is going to land before you launch? Is helium safe to use? Can you use hydrogen instead of helium? Where do you get your helium?

Aren't we running out of helium? When did the Wyoming Space Grant balloon program begin? How can I request a balloon launch at my school? Below are [our interpretations] of the applicable laws and regulations that apply to High Altitude Weather Balloon launches.

Always check for the latest updates at the links below to ensure that the Laws and Regulations listed below are up to date:. Here is a summary of the applicable rules and regulations that apply to your weather balloon. Note that the standard HAB BOM design as presented in our previous blog post complies with all standards listed herein, as long as the steps of our User Guide are followed without modification.

Our tracking software has a Launch-detect mechanism built into the software will put the tracking cell phone into Airplane mode automatically after launch, and will wait to disable Airplane mode until landing.

If the weight-to-size ratio of your payload is greater than 3. Total payload of two or more packages carried by one balloon must be less than 12 pounds total. News Headlines. Customize Your Weather. Privacy Policy. Weather Balloons Weather.

Current Hazards. Rivers and Lakes. Climate and Past Weather. Weather Balloons Twice a day, every day of the year, weather balloons are released simultaneously from almost locations worldwide! But, before you jump into this great project-based learning opportunity, you probably have a few questions. While no one can ever guarantee a weather balloon will soar to a specific height, the balloons typically reach between 60, and , feet. However, the highest recorded weather balloon flight on record was launched in and soared to an incredible height of , feet.

How amazing is that?!