Abstract

In 2009, the NASA SC Space Grant Consortium (SCSGC) implemented a high-altitude ballooning program designed to involve students in NASA related research. Students were able to work with a faculty mentor on a hands-on NASA science project. The students designed their own experiments and constructed equipment “pods” to carry their experiments to the edge of space. Each of the selected student teams received a $5,000 award to design and build their own experiment. So far, experiments have ranged from measuring wind speeds, atmospheric pressures, temperatures, and radiation in the upper atmospheres, to bacteria growth, and remote sensing using digital cameras. The 2009 launch involved 5 teams of students & faculty from five different SC campuses. The 2010 launch involved 4 teams of students & faculty from four different SC campuses. The 2011 launch involved 3 teams of students from 2 different SC campuses and one elementary school. Each of the students participated fully in the loading of their experiments and launching the balloon. Comments from the students and faculty show that this ballooning activity is an exciting learning experience for everyone involved. The SCSGC is looking forward to another launch in 2012 that will involve even more students and more institutions.

How to Cite:

Kaufman, C., Hall, C. & Scozzaro, T., (2011) “Joining the 18.9 Mile High Club”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2011(1). doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8137