Far Horizons Project Initial Questions

Below is a list of questions and proposed answers to help define the requirements for this project retroactively. You can view the meeting minutes here

Q1. Why are we making this?

A1. Adler's original motivation for developing the Far Horizons Project High Altitude Balloon (HAB) program is to act as a gateway to developing CubeSats. Adler's design is highly influenced by assistance from L. Paul Verhage and his book. The Far Horizons Project has the added benefit of providing educational opportunities to practice near space missions with students and enthusiasts which fits in with Adler's goals of democratizing space exploration.

Q2. Who is this for?

A2. The Far Horizons Project is for anyone who wants to build experience in the area of near space missions. This includes schools and school clubs, scouting troops, makers and makerspaces. Adler's goal is to help groups get the experience to fly their own missions.

Q3. How will this be used?

A3. The HAB provides a platform to carry scientific and engineering payloads to a near space environment. This environment exposes the vehicles and payloads to very low pressures and temperatures, and radiation levels significantly higher than those experienced on the ground for a duration on the order of a couple of hours. These payloads are limited by a total vehicle weight of 12 pounds with individual payloads of 6 lbs or less.

Q4. What features does it need to have (now)?

A4. The High Altitude Balloon needs to:

Q5. What features does it need to have (later)?

A5. Desired enhancements include:

Q6. What are the legacy requirements?

A6. The HAB must comply with FAA regulations (FAR 101)

Q7. Who's going to build this?

A7. Small teams (2-3 members minimum) of volunteers, students, and space enthusiasts. The designs are openly licensed so anyone can put together a team to build and operate a Far Horizons Project HAB. Note, while the technical requirements to build the HAB are small, an amateur radio license is required to run the tracking radios during missions.

Q8. How many do we want to make?

A8. We expect teams will want to build one or more systems (the reusable components of the HAB) for their own use. Note, each mission requires the purchase of a new balloon envelope and lifting gas.

Q9. What is the budget?

A9. A minimum budget for a first flight (build and operation of one HAB) is $300. Versions with more robust tracking and payload systems will require additional investment.

Q10. What is the timeline?

A10. It is anticipated that from build to launch will take approximately 4 weeks.

Q11. What waste products will be produced by the manufacture and/or operation of this?

A11. Each flight will require the disposal of a latex balloon (part of which will be lost in the sky) and lithium batteries. Construction materials include "pink insulating foam".