Launched on the morning of April 11th, this tested inexpensive Qualatex mylar balloons for long duration pico flights. Like NSL-79, a solar powered LightAPRS-W tracker transmitted both APRS (2m) and WSPR (20m). The payload, antennas, and line massed 16g.  A 0.92m Qualatex foil balloon carried the payload. Pico flights typically specify a positive neck lift of 2.5g to 10g. For this flight, 8g of neck lift via H2, filled the balloon to ~50% volume (22C 913hPa)  About to launch Slow ascentThe LightAPRS-W worked very well. Both APRS and WSPR transmissions were strong. WSPR signals were picked up all across North America. After several hours, the cell made it to 7746m (25,413ft, 362hPa) before it failed. This led to a slow descent into the Atlantic off of Virginia. There was a possibility that the cell was not sealed well. And that a gas leak at the neck, not a rupture, may have led to the failure.  |
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