Supplies are on their way!

Supplies for the next launch are on their way and I will update when everything arrives. We are trying a new balloon type with a burst diameter of 30 feet. We will be using three of these balloons and I will be putting together a diagram of a new design to both record high definition video and stream low quality video. If you have any ideas for low draw communication with the probe feel free to post. Thanks!

The sky is not the limit

The opportunities are endless and some of the things that can come from attaining equilibrium is energy! At the height we are planning on attaining bringing solar panels almost out of our atmosphere would increase the output ten fold and allow to possibly use wireless energy "when more refined" to beam it back to earth. This would bring valuable energy to places on the planet where it is difficult or nearly impossible to route energy. This does not necessarily have to be done by wireless energy the way your ipod charges on a platform but more so is the possibilities of lasers beaming the energy back to earth. It would be much more efficient to actually have these solar panels in orbit and direct the energy back to the earth via laser. Depending on many different variables this could solve our energy crisis eliminating any need for fossil fuels. I believe this is where our energy is going to be derived from in the long term. The ability to have energy directed to a precise location such as a factory, home or even a car one day!

EQUILIBRIUM

Attaining equilibrium is a very difficult task and is almost impossible to maintain that equilibrium over a long period of time. One of the ways to do this is by somehow gathering water and realizing it through condensing. I am unsure of the amount of water (if any) at that altitude. This would be one of the best ways so far to regulate the weight but is a more complex than I prefer. Another way is to fix the probe with much more lifting ability and balance that extra lifting ability with small lead pellets that can be released on command. To bring the probe to the desired height four of the balloons will be fitted with an electronic release valve to adjust the pressure of the balloon slowing its assent to a point of equilibrium and when the balloon starts to descend the lead is slowly released. This will work for a short period of time but eventually it will loose all of its lifting ability. We are looking into a low energy way to produce and pressurize our own hydrogen making the probe completely self contained.

Funding

My brother and I have taken a break while working on our space project. The fall semester of college has started and finally things have settled down. I will be attempting to request funding from the university of Michigan to help expand our operations.