GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MSU BRAINIA MANIA STUDENTS LAUNCH HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON
Great Falls, MT—Friday, August 14, Great Falls College MSU Brainia Mania students will launch a high altitude latex balloon which can reach heights up to 90,000 feet. The high altitude balloon launch will take place in the North East lawn at Great Falls College MSU, which is located at 2100 16th Avenue South.
Set up for the launch begins at 7:30am. Upon arrival at 8:00am there will be a brief explanation of payloads to the students. The Launch will take place at approximately 8:30am.
The class will use latex weather balloons filled with helium. These balloons have a maximum altitude of approximately 90,000 feet above sea level, which is high enough to see the curvature of Earth and blackness of space. The balloon will carry instruments capable of measuring atmospheric variables such as ozone, methane, temperature and smoke levels for experimentation. Also on board the balloon will be yeast, plant seeds and brine shrimp eggs. GFC MSU faculty members Mathew Fisher and Dr. Brenda Canine plan on using these organisms to create opportunities for GFC MSU students to assess the effects of high altitude radiation on survivability and mutation rates.
When launched, the balloon has a diameter of about six feet. As it ascends it grows in size due to reduced atmospheric pressure. At its highest altitude the balloon diameter can reach approximately 45 feet before it pops and safely parachutes back to Earth. To track the balloon in both its ascent and descent it will be carrying a GPS tracking device. Additionally, a GoPro Camera will be attached to provide documenting video of the launch and experiments. Brainia Mania students will spend the remainder of the day tracking and recovering the balloon and its scientific payload.
The high altitude balloon launch is a partnership between Great Falls College MSU, Sims High School and the Montana Space Grant Consortium.
The launch, travels of the balloon and descent will be tracked in real time HERE.
Great Falls College MSU fosters the success of its students and their communities through innovative, flexible learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations resulting in the self-fulfillment and competitiveness in an increasingly global society.
For more information, please contact:
Lewis Card
Executive Director—Development, Communication and Marketing
(406)771-4412
[email protected]
Mathew Fisher
Biology Faculty & Montana Space Grant Consortium Affiliate
(406)268-3706
[email protected]
