RWK Radio Balloon Launch Coming This May

By Chip Coker KD4C

After the success of last fall’s RWK High Altitude Balloon Launch, we’re planning to do it again this May 2025! Why May? We have to wait for favorable air currents (so that the balloon doesn’t end up in Shreveport) and we expect that to be around the end of April or early May.

Work is already progressing on planning for the next launch. Our balloon will likely be similar to last fall’s and we hope again to achieve another 100,000 foot altitude, which puts the balloon in the air for around three hours total. This should give us plenty of time to interact with the payloads.

We’re looking to determine the complement of payloads for this launch, so let us know if you have a suggestion and would like to build a payload. Priority will be given to 1) payloads that do interesting science, or 2) payloads that encourage engagement with the balloon while it is in the air (for example, receiving or transmitting via the balloon). We expect to have some old favorites (DMR Single-Freq Repeater, SSTV, etc.) plus hopefully some new surprises that you can receive!

Of high priority is tracking the balloon while it is in flight. Those that participated last fall know that the “horus” system developed by the high altitude balloon community (yes, there is one!) offers superior tracking to the antiquated APRS beacons of the past. We will again be using that system for tracking and receiving telemetry (and high-definition video!) from the balloon. We will need multiple tracking stations – both home-based stations with good outside antennas and mobile stations that can assist with tracking and chasing – and the stations are fairly simple to build, so you can build your own! Join our “Balloons and Tea” group (meets every other Sunday) to find out how.

We hope to implement a “Worked All Payloads” award after we finalize the payload list. You will want to interact with as many of the “real-time” payloads as possible to brag to your friends and get the prestigious Balloon QSL card!

So get started on those tracking stations, start working on your ground stations, and stay tuned!

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