[SBhams] Near Space Exploration Group

[R]

DART III IS A GO!  Launch Date is August 11th, 2007 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Near Space Exploration Group will attempt a record breaking flight on
August 11th. This flight will consist of APRs, Digital Camera, CW ID Beacon,
and a simplex repeater.

The current altitude record is 120,522 feet. This record was set in 1999. We
feel very confident that we have the skills and equipment to take over the
top position.

Our last flight, on Mar 3 of this year was a test of equipment for this
upcoming flight. Even with a 800 gram balloon we achieved an altitude of
over 90,000 feet. 

They now have in our possession a 3000 gram balloon for this attempt. The
balloon is massive and weighs in over 6 1/2 pounds alone.

Here is the communications "footprint" for DART 3 at various altitudes.
http://www.nearspaceexploration.org/dart_iii_files/DART3_Coverage_area.JPG
At around 60,000 feet we should be able to hear it at Shreveport/Bossier
City, LA


Flight Date :  Aug 11, 2007

Tentative Configuration:

Balloon:  Kaymont KCI 3000  3000g (6 Pounds)

Gas:  Helium

Payload Box:  Custom Made NO5X

Parachute:  Orange and White, Chutes Specialties

Payload Box:

a.  APRS: 144.340 Alinco DJ S-11, OpenTracker, Rand McNally GPS (ID NO5X-11)

b.  CW ID Beacon:  Homebrew KC5TRB Kit, 147.475 MHz, Vertical

c.  HP Digital Camera 5 MP with 2 gigabyte storage (1700 images)

d.  Audio Alert (External)

For more info see: http://www.nearspaceexploration.org/

Ron
K5AI