Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
For a near-space balloon photography project launch, you need the following major
components in addition to the Raspberry Pi (which is a part of your payload):
• Balloon to lift the payload
• Parachute to bring it down safely
• The payload itself (contents described next)
• A tracking device to find it
Build the Payload
Your first step is to build your payload, because that's the only way to find out how
heavy it is. Knowing that piece of information is critical to figuring out what size balloon
and parachute you'll need and how much helium to lift it.
If you're launching in the United States, you should keep your payload under four
pounds, which keeps you from having to do further weight/size ratio calculations for
the FAA (see note on
FAA Regulations
). You should also contact your local FAA office
(or the relevant airspace organization for your country) prior to planning a flight to
make sure you follow their recommendations for the design, launch, and retrieval of
the payload.
FAA Regulations
In the United States, the relevant section of the
Code of Federal Regulations is Title
And Unmanned Free Balloons. Part 101.1(4)
, which describes the size limits of the
payload:
•
More than four pounds with a weight/size ratio of more than three ounces
per square inch of any surface of the package (determined by dividing
the total weight in ounces of the payload package by the area in square
inches of its smallest surface)
•
More than than six pounds (regardless of weight/size ratio)
•
A payload of two or more packages that weighs more than 12 pounds
Before launching anything, you shuld read this section of the Federal Regulations
in its entirety to be sure you comply.
You should first decide what you will use for you payload container. Whatever you
choose, keep it light and waterproof. A styrofoam cooler is an easy and cheap solution,
because you can make modifications with nothing more than a knife. Lightweight
plastic containers are also useful.
