Preparation, Launch and Loss of a Pick Balloon

[John Laidler]

I launched a pico balloon on Monday 12 August. The flight started well with the WSPR spots being received and LU7AA reporting location and altitude. After 2 hours and at an altitude of about 7,000m and still ascending it flew into a region of storms north of Bristol.

It was never heard from again and probably suffered what SpaceX call a RUD or Rapid Uncheduled Disassembly. 

I'm kicking myself for focusing too much on the conditions at the launch site and not looking "down range" to see what the conditions were like where the balloon might be heading. 

However, this was a useful trial.  It was the first time I've used a 32" clear Yokohama balloon and the stretching and sealing seemed to go well. 

I hope for better luck with the next one which won't be until much later this year when the threat of thunderstorms has passed. 

I have made a video which might be of interest. 

https://youtu.be/0__J1ly8jAw?si=Qx-bCbUcklO240C3

John

M0WIV

[Kevin Walton]

Nice video John, covered all the points I might have asked about!

One question, did you add the tape for the primary attachment point when the balloon was under pressure?  Just a small concern if not about local stress that might create?

I'm not sure about the launch point, but you know the road best hehe 😉

Such a shame to loose it so soon after all that detailed prep.

Try again - took me 8 attempts to get my first circumnavigation 3 or so years ago now. 🥰

Cheers
Kev

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Sent from my Android device. Please excuse my brevity.

[John Laidler]

Kev,

Yes, I added the tape when it was fully stretched. I expected it to wrinkle when deflated but I couldn't see any wrinkles. I think once the balloon has stretched it doesn't shrink back much, it must be stressed past the elastic stage, or whatever it is called and remains largely there.

I pinched your screenshot of the storms - hope you don't mind, I forgot to take one myself.

John

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