Flight Recap of EOSS-8

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Below is the text of a flyer printed up to hand out about EOSS-005. The formatting in the original was very nice but I am just copying the text into a web layout below. Because this information is 14 years old as of this entry, I've removed all personal contact information. If you want to try and get in touch with someone listed in this entry, contact the webmaster and I'll initiate a search to see if I can find current contact information.

Edge/IAAS Balloon Launch

Colorado State Fair, August 29, 1992

Mission Overview

On August 29, 1992 the Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) and the International Association of Astronomical Studies (IAAS) will jointly launch a stabilization experiment to learn more efficient ways of stabilizing balloon payloads for future missions such as astrophotography experiments. The EOSS Team will provide payload, coordination of launch and general assistance.

International Association of Astronomical Studies

The International Association of Astronomical Studies (IAAS) is a group of high school students based at the Denver Museum of natural History who are dedicated to utilizing their skills in advanced research projects dealing in astronomy, electronics and many other aspects of science. They further all facets of science education and personal growth using astronomy as a vehicle. For more information call: Bren Worth or J8im Moravec (contact phone numbers removed).

Edge of Space Sciences

The Edge of Space Sciences (EOSS) is a non-profit (c)(3) corporation formed to promote science and education through amateur radio and high altitude balloons. Our student members have created a video presentation that tells about our group. The video is approximately 6 minutes long and we will copy it if we are provided with a VHS or 3/4" tape. (webmaster note: no copies available)

Participating Student Scientists

The scientific payload has been built by students of teh IAAS. These students are representatives of: Green Mountain High School, golden High School, Wheat Ridge High School, Arvada High School, Arvada West High School, George Washington High School, Heritage High School, Manual High School, Cherry Creek High School, Jefferson County Open School, and other Denver Metro Area high schools.

Sponsors

The IAAS sponsors include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the national Center for Atmospheric Research, the Denver Museum of Natural History, National Radio Astronomy Observatories, the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy, National Solar Observatories, the International Association for Astronomical Studies, the Denver Astronomical Society, the Rocky Mountain Radio League, the American Radio Relay League, the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and the Colorado Repeater Association.

IAAS Experiment

The stabilization experiment will include a 35mm camera, a precision convex mirror, the "vein" experiment to control stabilization, an on-board CCD camera, and various instruments to record temperature and altitude. The data from these instruments will be plotted in real-time as a public display at the Ground Control Station at the Science and Technology Building. The experiment will be lifted to approximately 100,000 feet before the helium in the balloon has expanded to the point where the balloon can no longer contain it.

Deep Space Exploration Society

During the launch, the Deep Space Exploration Society will be attempting to receive TV transmissions using the 60 foot parabolic dish located at the ITS site north of Boulder. The Boulder antenna is over 150 miles from the launch site of the balloon.

Launch Time

Launch will be Saturday, August 29, 1992 at 11:00 MDT. Weather holds are August 20 and the subsequent weekend of September 5.

Launch Site

The launch site will be at the Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, CO. As of August 14, 1992, the launch site will be from the top of the agricultural building. the mission's control center will be outside of the Science and Technology Building in a circus-like tent. The balloon is expected to rise approximately 100,000 feet, the edge of space, and the expected flight time is 2-3 hours.

Flight Path

The experimental payload may be carried for as much as 150 miles from the launch site. Amateur radio stations should be able to copy the beacons within 500 miles of the balloon. The footprint should include, eastern Colorado, and possibly parts of western Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma and northern New Mexico. Net controls will be able to announce the projected path on the morning of the flight.

Spacecraft Frequencies

The following frequencies will be coming down from the spacecraft and can be monitored using scanners.

  • Spacecraft Tracking Beacon (FM) - 147.555 MHz

  • 10 Meter Tracking Beacon (CW only) - 28.321 MHz

  • Telemetry (CW and Packet) - 144.340 MHz

  • ATV (AM signal TV) - 426.250 MHz

EOSS Net Frequencies

These frequencies are subject to change at any time, EOSS networks will start about 3 hours before launch. The general public can use their scanners to monitor the following frequencies and follow the progress of the flight.

  • Two Meter Net - 146.880 MHz

    • FM repeater, Pueblo ARC - Thanks folks!

  • HF Net - Approximately 7.232 MHz LSB

Mission Contacts

International Association of Astronomical Studies

  • Suzanne Wahrle, Project Lead

  • Jean Kaluk, Public Relations and Co-Lead

  • Jeannine "9" Garralda, Public Relations and Co-Lead

  • Mike Ditto, Payload Lead, Balloon Lead

  • Brian Abrams, Ground Control Lead

  • Chris Rand, Recovery Lead

EOSS Mentor Leads

  • Jack Crabtree, AA0P, Project Lead

  • Tom Isenberg, N0KSR, Project Lead

  • Marty Griffin, WA0GEH, Public Relations Lead

  • Ann Trudeau, KA0ZFI, Public Relations Lead

  • Mike Manes, W5VSI, Payload Lead

  • Marty Hill, KB0FVY, Ground Control Lead

  • Greg Burnett, K0ELM, Recovery Lead

  • Merle McCaslin, K0YUK, Balloon Lead