Send a Camera to Space

Sending a camera to space is very simple, and if done correctly, the outcome is outstanding. It involves using a high altitude weather balloon 1200g, which holds the payload and films/ takes photos from space. I myself have done this project, and my video can be seen here. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ldzSXsLsUV4

Please pm me for a kit. Which is a lot cheaper then the one I will show you. You can expect the payload + balloon to go to 30km or 100,000 ft.

Step 1:

Step 2: Materials

To make this project you will need

Eagle Flight Computer - our robust flight computer records data such as temperature, pressure, altitude, wind speed, GPS coordinates, etc. to a micro SD card for post-mission analysis. Unlike most GPS receivers that cut out at 18,000 m ~ 60,000 ft, the GPS receiver on our flight computer will work up to 80,000 m ~ 260,000 ft!

Delta Flight Frame - designed to be as light and strong as carbon fiber at a fraction of the cost, our patent pending Delta Flight Frame forms the rugged backbone to which all the flight hardware is attached. Its unique design makes it the most stable camera platform on the market.

Camera Mount - securely fastens any camera of your choice to the Delta Flight Frame. If you would like to mount multiple cameras, purchase our Universal Camera Mount Kits.

Near Space Balloon - these are the highest quality balloons available on the market. This kit comes in either a 600 g or 1200 g balloon version.

0.9 m Near Space Parachute - Our parachutes are designed specifically for near-space flights and manufactured right here in the US by a company that specializes in manufacturing parachutes for defense contracts.

Max Safe Inflation System - the safest inflation system available on the market. It has a built in gas pressure regulator and gas filter to make sure that you are safely filling your balloon with nothing but pure helium gas.

Spot II Satellite Tracker - the most robust and reliable tracking solution for high altitude balloon flights. This exceptional piece of hardware communicates directly with satellites in orbit allowing you to track your payload just about anywhere on (or off) the planet. A $150 annual service subscription is required. Visit www.findmespot.com for details.

Eagle Flight Manual - a thirty page full-color manual that teaches you everything you need to know to successfully launch a mission to the edge of space and recover your payload every time.

All of which can be bought from http://www.highaltitudescience.com/products/eagle... ($675)

Or pm me for a more affordable version

Step 3: Cameras?

Next you will need to choose your camera. If your camera is

Small (300g or less)

Waterproof ( Splash proof )

Long battery life ( 2 hours +)

Then it will suit this project. The camera I used for my weather balloon video was a GoPro hero 3 black edition + a battery bacpack.

Which worked fine

Step 4: Check Everthing Works

After you receive the kit make sure everthing works, and make sure to get helium and a large sd card. 64gb to be safe.

Step 5: Choose a Day

After making sure you have everything ready to go including the main ingredient helium, not hydrogen. Choose a day that has minimal or no wind, few clouds and somewhere that is isolated. And make sure to be in touch with your local aviation authorities for approval.

Step 6: Launch the Balloon

Now launch your balloon, and make sure the GPS is turned on and the cameras. Believe me it happens.

Step 7: Find the Balloon and Payload

After the launch sit down and relax at a cafe or at home, and watch the balloon in real time travel ( until 40,000 ft). At the findmespot.com website. The spot gps will send out its gps signal every 10 minutes until it enters the blackout zone, but when it re enters it will again send out its location until it lands. Make sure to ask for permission if it's on someone's property, and look at the awesome footage you got.

Please if you do this project, or enjoy this instructable I'd love to know what you think.