57-Hour Transatlantic Journey of an Amateur Radio High-Altitude Balloon

Article Description: A remarkable amateur radio balloon flight that set records for distance and duration, showcasing the spirit of exploration.

The journey of the amateur radio high-altitude balloon K6RPT-11 is a tale of innovation, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of amateur radio enthusiasts. Launched from San Jose, California, this remarkable balloon flight traversed over 6,236 miles in just 57 hours, breaking records and crossing the Atlantic in a spectacular fashion.

Key Takeaway

• The K6RPT-11 balloon flight set a new distance record for amateur radio high-altitude balloons at 6,236 miles. (1)
• It achieved a flight duration of 57 hours and 2 minutes, showcasing the capabilities of amateur radio and balloon technology. (2)
• The successful journey highlighted the collaboration among the global amateur radio community in tracking and supporting the flight.

The Launch of CNSP-11: Setting the Stage

The California Near Space Project (CNSP) organized the ambitious flight, dubbed CNSP-11. Launching from San Jose at 4:00 PM on December 11, 2011, the team was eager to push the boundaries of high-altitude ballooning. The weather was cooperative, and the crew was optimistic.

Preparation and Logistics

The preparation process for launching a high-altitude balloon is extensive. This flight involved meticulous planning and coordination among various amateur radio operators. Setting up the balloon required careful assembly, including filling a latex weather balloon with helium. The team worked diligently to ensure that the GPS payload and radio transmitter were functioning correctly to enable real-time tracking via APRS.

The Journey Begins

Upon launch, the K6RPT-11 quickly rose to cruising altitudes between 105,000 and 115,000 feet. The ascent was tracked closely by amateur radio stations, each eagerly monitoring and reporting its progress. The initial phase of the flight saw the balloon traveling at speeds around 150 miles per hour, a remarkable pace that excited the team back on the ground.

Crossing the Atlantic: A Record-Breaking Adventure

As the balloon traversed the continental United States, it soon approached the Atlantic Ocean. The thrill of a transatlantic crossing was palpable among the operators. The balloon flew over the vast ocean, where it encountered the jet stream, enhancing its speed to over 160 miles per hour at times.

Real-Time Tracking and Communication

Amateur radio operators around the world engaged in the tracking of K6RPT-11. Utilizing the APRS system, they adjusted their listening frequencies to ensure they received continuous data. The balloon’s telemetry data, which included altitude, speed, and position, was shared in real-time, fostering a sense of community among amateur radio enthusiasts.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey was not without its challenges. The balloon had to contend with extreme weather conditions and the unpredictability of the jet stream. However, the careful monitoring and adjustments made by the team proved effective in navigating these obstacles.

The Historic Splashdown

After an exhilarating 57 hours and 2 minutes, K6RPT-11 approached the coast of Spain. The team watched with anticipation as the balloon neared its destination. It ultimately splashed down in the Mediterranean Sea, marking the end of a historic journey. The balloon burst off the coast of Algeria, but not before achieving a significant milestone for amateur radio ballooning.

Achievements and Records

The CNSP-11 flight broke records previously held by other amateur radio balloons. Covering a total distance of 6,236 miles, it shattered the previous record of 3,300 miles. This accomplishment showcased the advancements in balloon technology and the dedication of the amateur radio community.

Reflections on the Journey

The success of K6RPT-11 serves as a testament to the spirit of exploration inherent in amateur radio. It brought together enthusiasts from different parts of the world, united in their passion for ballooning and radio communication. This flight not only marked a milestone in distance and duration but also inspired future amateur radio projects.

Future of Amateur Radio High-Altitude Ballooning

The achievement of CNSP-11 sparked renewed interest in the field of high-altitude ballooning. As technology continues to evolve, amateur radio operators are likely to embark on even more ambitious projects. The success of K6RPT-11 serves as a foundation for future flights, encouraging others to explore the limits of what is possible.

Collaboration in the Amateur Radio Community

The journey highlighted the importance of collaboration within the amateur radio community. Operators from various regions contributed to the tracking and communication efforts, showcasing a global network of support. This spirit of teamwork is vital for the success of future ballooning endeavors.

FAQs

What made the CNSP-11 transatlantic balloon flight a record-breaking balloon flight in the amateur radio community?

The amateur radio balloon known as K6RPT-11, launched by the California Near Space Project, set multiple records during its incredible 57-hour balloon journey. This high-altitude balloon traveled 6236 miles from its San Jose launch to a Mediterranean Sea splashdown near the Algeria coast. This cross-Atlantic balloon achieved a maximum altitude of 111,503 feet while reaching speeds up to 160 mph top speed as it rode jet streams from the United States to Europe. This unmanned balloon flight shattered previous distance record and flight duration record marks.

How did amateur radio technology help track this weather balloon during its journey from California to Spain?

The ham radio balloon used APRS tracking (Automatic Packet Reporting System) with a radio transmitter sending digital data transmission on 144.39 MHz in North America and switching to European APRS frequency as it crossed the Atlantic. This helium-filled balloon carried a GPS payload that constantly updated its position. The global radio network of amateur radio enthusiasts used the digital repeater network to relay signals, allowing for real-time balloon tracking through a balloon tracking website. This balloon flight monitoring system lets people watch the balloon flight map unfold live.

What was special about the latex weather balloon used for this near space exploration experiment?

This wasn’t an ordinary weather balloon! The stratospheric balloon was specifically designed for this amateur radio experiment to withstand extreme conditions at 105,000 feet altitude and beyond. The scientific ballooning team behind this project carefully calculated the helium-filled balloon’s expansion rate to avoid premature balloon burst events. The balloon endurance was remarkable, lasting through day and night temperature changes during its transatlantic balloon flight. The balloon experimenters selected materials that could handle the stress of near-space ballooning while maintaining balloon navigation capabilities.

How did balloon launch logistics and jet stream navigation contribute to this balloon experiment’s success?

The balloon launch event required incredible planning. The team studied weather patterns to time the San Jose launch perfectly to catch favorable jet streams. This strategic timing allowed for an optimal balloon flight path across the entire continent. The balloon navigation relied entirely on natural wind patterns, with no ability to steer. By releasing the balloon at just the right moment, it could ride the fastest jet stream navigation paths, helping it reach 150 mph balloon speed across the ocean. The atmospheric science knowledge of the team was crucial to this success.

What scientific value came from this transcontinental balloon journey beyond just breaking records?

While setting an altitude record was impressive, this near space exploration mission provided valuable atmospheric research data. The scientific payload collected balloon telemetry data about conditions in the upper atmosphere. Weather monitoring at various altitudes helped scientists understand atmospheric conditions across the entire flight. The balloon signal reception across such vast distances also taught the amateur radio community important lessons about radio signal propagation. The balloon telemetry provided insights about regions of our atmosphere that are difficult to study through other means.

How did the global amateur radio community help track this balloon across its journey from California to the Mediterranean?

The success of tracking this transatlantic communication marvel relied on balloon tracking stations spread across two continents. As the cross-Atlantic balloon traveled, different radio operators would pick up its signal and relay the information. The APRS encoder on board constantly transmitted the balloon’s position, altitude, and speed. When the balloon approached Spain, balloon landing was anticipated, though it ultimately reached the Algeria coast before ending its journey. This balloon journey documentation was only possible because of dedicated volunteers across the world.

What ultimately happened to the K6RPT-11 balloon at the end of its 57-hour journey?

After traveling 6236 miles from California, the balloon experienced its balloon burst event somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea. This is normal for high-altitude balloons – they expand as they rise until they eventually pop. The final balloon signal reception showed it descending rapidly toward the water near the Algeria coast. Unfortunately, payload recovery wasn’t possible in this case due to the remote splashdown location. Despite this, the balloon flight milestone had already been achieved, with complete balloon telemetry data collected throughout the journey.

How did this amateur radio achievement inspire future near-space ballooning projects?

This remarkable balloon flight map showing a journey from the United States to Europe inspired many balloon experimenters to attempt their own ambitious projects. The balloon endurance demonstrated during this 57-hour balloon journey showed what’s possible with careful planning and radio frequency adjustment for international tracking. The balloon experiment proved that even amateur teams could achieve extraordinary results in scientific ballooning. This balloon flight milestone established new goals for the amateur radio community and sparked interest in near-space exploration using similar techniques and technologies.

Conclusion

The 57-hour transatlantic journey of K6RPT-11 remains a landmark achievement in amateur radio ballooning. It not only set new records but also inspired a new generation of enthusiasts to explore the skies. As the community reflects on this remarkable flight, the legacy of K6RPT-11 will undoubtedly continue to influence future high-altitude balloon projects for years to come.

References 

1. https://www.arrl.org/news/breaking-the-amateur-radio-balloon-altitude-record 
2. https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-balloon-flight-crosses-atlantic-sets-records