High Altitude Balloon & HALO - Taylor University

High Altitude Balloon & HALO
One of the most intriguing research opportunities that Taylor offers is the High Altitude
Balloon launches. Initially these tests began to conduct research on satellite equipment
which will be used for the Taylor University Satellite program. By sending balloons
thousands of feet into the air, real life conditions are able to be tested for things such as
wind, pressure, and temperature. The data can then be collected and analyzed when the
balloon lands.
Recently the purpose of the balloon launches has shifted from
strictly research oriented to educating students and teachers. At
the CCLI (course curriculum and laboratory improvement)
conference Taylor University was given a $217,000 grant for
Balloon research.
When discussing Balloon launches utilizing new imaging systems and
cameras David Patterson described the event saying, "You never
really know what you’re going to get." One of the most enticing
things about Balloon launches is the standard challenge of solving new problems when
they arise. It is in this environment that students learn to readily solve challenging
problems without intimidation.
One of the benefits of Balloon testing is the ability to study "near space" which is the
area 12-60 miles above sea level. There has been very minimal research conducted in
the near space environment, that is why this research is so exciting. Taylor Students
participating in Balloon research have the opportunity to make discoveries which could
effect satellite and information communication systems in the future.
The balloons fly to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet.
The entire flight is videotaped by video equipment
mounted to the balloon. The team utilizes gps
equipment and freewave radio signals in order to
find the balloons once they have landed. The radio
signals are capable of communicating at distances
exceeding 200km. The data is then analyzed for
various things such as flight path and altitude. Balloon
flight paths are then plotted on google earth to
determine flight patterns and to compare various flights.
Balloon launches are a cheap alternative to deploying a space bound satellite. Each
balloon costs about $6000 which is a bargain compared to the millions it costs to deploy
a satellite. Balloons are particularly advantageous because they operate in an area which
is above air traffic from planes but is below any area of solar interference.

Taylor University has conducted 65 successful high altitude balloon missions. Taylor
boasts an incredible 100% recovery record for every balloon experiment. The balloon
experiments have been funded by the INSGC for five years running.
HALO (High Altitude Launch Opportunity)
The purpose of the HALO (High Altitude Launch Opportunity) project is to set up a
high altitude communications network. HALO was so successful that a grant has already
been given for the HALO 2 project. In the HALO project, multiple balloon launches
were coordinated. Balloons were launched from Indiana as well as seven other states.
When one balloon would come over the radio horizon of another balloon they would
link and start communicating. The potential for this technology is astounding. According
to David Patterson, "the technology could provide at least text messaging, and perhaps
voice communications, to all properly equipped stations in range of the balloons." There
is also speculation that such technology could one day help produce a low cost internet
solution.
The HALO 2 Project is now currently under way with coordinated balloon launches
scheduled for this spring.