Basically a test flight of some electronics modifications, this will lead to an attempt to set an altitude record for balloons. Launch occurred before dawn during a calm which was preceded by gusting winds blowing through camp at about 2am. The M.E. ascended quickly; however, communication was lost at about 30,000 ft., cause still under investigation. Visual contact was lost at about 75,000+ ft. as it continued to climb out of view. Final altitude will be determined at a later date after a review of onboard data. Test flights and actual attempt are being sponsored by Parallax and To Space.

Communication is essential for a successful flight operation. Our ground control van allows for faster setup for everything from communicating with our platforms to organizing our recovery efforts.

The platform electronics are seated in the middle, attached just prior to launch. Last minute checks are performed as the systems are readied.

Ten balloons, two per arm, are attached to the arms of the Dark Sky Station. Winds began to pick up again but died down long enough to attach the balloons and steady the platform.

The Dark Sky Station begins its ascent. The platform tipped slightly at first but steadied nicely, demonstrating it can handle turbulent motion.

The platform climbed at a steady rate of about 500 ft. a minute. Lift was not as much as anticipated which slowed its ascent down. At about 38,000 ft., it was caught in fast low altitude winds and was traveling too far away for the team, and a decision was made to terminate the flight early. Analysis will be preformed to see what can be done to optimize lift. Overall, the platform performed well, remaining steady during the entire flight and sending back good quality video.

The recovery team, under the new direction of Tim Sargent, found the Dark Sky Station in record time. A special thanks goes out to the members of ERPS and the West Valley Amateur Radio Association who joined us for the flight, sacrificing not only their time but also, to some degree, the health of their vehicles in the rough desert terrain. And get this...they actually want to come out again next time!

A big thank you to the entire JPA team for a great job; also, many thanks to our sponsors who joined us this weekend: Takeoff Technologies, Porrazzo Strategic Technologies, AOSS, and American Classic Sanitation who provided us with food and some very exceptional facilities.