MAKE SURE TO WATCH IN HD!
High altitude unmanned balloon launch that goes up to near space and back.
HOW I GOT THE FOOTAGE BACK:
I used a SPOT GPS tracker in the payload to track where the payload fell after the balloon burst. Then I retrieved it with the GoPro and its recorded footage inside. See links below for much more details.
Yes, it’s a GoPro, yes they have a built in semi fish eye lens. Think what you want, I did this for my own enjoyment, not to prove any point.
Two posts I've made that can answer many of the questions in the comments:
Post on the launch: imgur.com/gallery/UXezC
Post of How to do your own Balloon Launch: imgur.com/gallery/8a40L
All designed and launched by myself. All FAA regulations were followed, the FSDO was notified and given all the details, and a NOTAM was even filed with Ft Worth center for balloon activity.
A lot of people asked me why I was doing this. Mostly, I had free time and needed a project/hobby to keep me engaged and secondly, space is neat. Check out the video and see for yourself.
The Coin in the video is from my AFROTC detachment at Purdue University. Go Boilers! Shout out to Purdue Engineering for teaching me how to tackle a project like this.
If you are interested in doing your own balloon project check out this website. It is a great place to start.
www.balloonchallenge.org
Thanks for watching!