3rd Barrel payload launched

We launched our third BARREL payload yesterday and recovered a payload, all on the same day. The launch was smooth and our team was able to perform most of it on our own, while being guided by the professional CSBF personnel. Most people will do various tasks during the launch and mine involved setting up the device to hold the balloon, holding the top of the balloon during inflation, and then holding and running with the payload on launch.

A balloon launch, depending on the size of the balloon, can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours from start to finish (assuming perfect conditions). For a 0.3 million cubic foot balloon like ours, the layout and preparation are relatively simple and don't require the use of cranes, trucks, or bulldozers (unlike the large balloons). A long 180' cloth is laid out on the ground and the ~100' long balloon is taken out of its' box and laid flat on top of it. The balloon is in a protective casing which will be removed before flight.

The balloon has a tube leading into it on the side near the top of the balloon. This is the inflation tube where helium enters the balloon. Inflation begins and the bubble begins to expand. When the balloon is fully inflated, the bubble stands about about 30' high. After the balloon is inflated the tube is tied off. The balloon is clamped at the base of the bubble and this clamp is released by cutting a rope. The bubble rises swiftly up into the air and takes up the remainder of the balloon followed by the parachute and payload at the base. Once the balloon is carrying the weight of the payload, it can be released.