[LeArc] Balloon launch will aid communications

[Duane Whittingham]

[I thought this was interesting, Duane]

VALPARAISO

Balloon launch will aid communications

Valparaiso University will participate in a simultaneous launch of 
high-altitude balloons across the Midwest on Saturday as part of a 
project to demonstrate the ability of balloons to provide an 
emergency communications network.

VU is one of nine locations in six states where there will be 
launches by the High-Altitude Launch Opportunity Network. The balloon 
launch is scheduled for 9 a.m. between Neils Science Center and 
Kallay-Christopher Hall.

The balloons are expected to reach heights of 100,000 feet or more, 
above 99 percent of the Earth's atmosphere.

Each balloon will carry a HALO networking pod which will be used to 
create a high-speed communications network reaching into at least 13 
states and Canada. The emergency network could be used in widespread 
disasters similar to Hurricane Katrina in which land-based 
communication systems such as cell phone towers are destroyed.


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Amateur Radio Operator
Duane Whittingham - N9SSN
Skywarn, ARES/RACES, EMA/ESDA
Red Cross Volunteer & SATERN Member