High-Altitude Balloon

We launched a balloon up to 60,087 ft. (highest APRS ping; probably got higher), and then it came back down in a stand of trees. Not the open field right next to trees, but in the trees. 30m up a pine tree with no low branches.

After...four? Five? Some large number of retrieval attemps, we managed to get the balloon back down. The combined efforts of a bow, fishing pole, several lengths of string and rope, and a grappling hook were able to dislodge the payload. Thanks to Tim for his help!

We had some identified issues with the APRS after it got in the air, but we did receive five packets. We'll post a link to the video it took after someone uploads it to YT.

The main payload - camera, sensors, and a stability control experiment
The main payload's lid - holds APRS tracker
The secondary payload - Spot GPS tracker
Preparing for launch!
It landed at the very top of this. Can you find the payload? We had to search for a while.
Eli tried to shoot a string up to it. Tim and I had to come back later with a fishing rod , more rope, and a grappling hook to go with the bow.
I tried climbing it. Then I realized I was not ready to negotiate a tall whippy tree with that many side limbs.

by Nathan Yinger - 24 May 2015