Purpose of the flight and payload description

To support the periodic launch of reusable launch vehicles, some sanitization of the airspace must occur to ensure that the area around the launch and landing sites are clear of air traffic. One of the major concerns is the uncertainty of the vehicle's descent path, especially while flying under parachute. This project aims to evaluate a prototype UAT-based (Universal Access Transceiver) ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponder developed to support commercial space transportation. A UAT-based ADS-B receiver will provide the same capabilities that an ADS-B receiver provides for manned space flight. It broadcasts to ground-based and airborne receivers the current altitude and position of the vehicle once per second. It is anticipated that the developed prototype will become a standard payload on any flight of reusable launch vehicles once it has been proven robust and reliable.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 2/15/2013 at 11:24 pst
Launch site: Naval Air Station Tillamook, Oregon, US  
Balloon launched by: Near Space Corporation (NSC)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon  
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 2/15/2013 at 14:59 pst
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 3 h 32 m

External references

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