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HABET campaigns bring together engineering, atmospheric science, astrophysics, space weather, and public engagement. Some campaigns are part of larger coordinated research efforts, while others are student-developed projects created to solve specific flight, science, or outreach challenges.
NASA NEBP
1 of 5 high schools selected nationwide
Project HERA
Multi-institution collaboration in atmospheric and cosmic-radiation research
Iceland 2026
International eclipse launch collaboration with GeoCamp Iceland
Collaborative Campaigns
ICELANDIC TOTAL ECLIPSE
ICELANDIC TOTAL ECLIPSE
August 12th 2026
Building on its earlier eclipse flights, HABET is preparing for an international collaboration with GeoCamp Iceland during the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse over Reykjavík. These near-space missions are designed to capture real-time atmospheric and radiation data from the edge of space while extending student-led balloon research onto a global stage.
Status: Preparing for Launch
Launch Date: August 12, 2026
Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Mission
Atmospheric science
Radiation
Imaging
Partners
PROJECT HERA
PROJECT HERA
High-Altitude Engineering for Research in Astrophysics
Project HERA, High-Altitude Engineering for Research in Astrophysics, is a nationwide collaboration led by Drexel University. Through synchronized high-altitude balloon launches, participating teams investigate the upper atmosphere and cosmic radiation while sharing data, refining engineering designs, and contributing to a larger astrophysics research effort.
Past Campaigns
Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
Hanover High School was one of only five public high schools selected to participate in NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. HABET launched stratospheric missions during the 2023 annular eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse as part of a 57-team national effort, collecting data related to eclipse-driven atmospheric dynamics.
2023–2024
Current Phase: Archived
Solar Maximum Campaign
Solar Maximum Campaign
The 2024/2025 Solar Maximum Campaign launched student high-altitude balloon missions to capture data during the peak of solar activity. By studying the impacts of coronal mass ejections and heightened space weather in the stratosphere, the project provided valuable insights into solar–Earth interactions while engaging students in authentic, cutting-edge research.
2024–2025
Current Phase: Archived
Student Campaigns
NOVA
NOVA
Navigation & Operations for Venting and Administration
Navigation Operations for Venting and Administration is a precision control system engineered to vent helium and maintain a balloon at a specific altitude. Operated through ground commands relayed via the Iridium satellite network, NOVA represents a one-of-a-kind platform that the team has been refining over the past three years.
2024–Present
Current Phase: Flight Testing
ICEBOX
ICEBOX
Insulation Comparison Experiment for Balloon-borne Observation of eXtreme environments
The Insulation Comparison Experiment for Balloon-borne Observation of eXtreme environments explores how insulation thickness affects payload survival in the extreme cold of near space. Using two custom-built boxes with integrated heating and sensors, the project helps students test and compare thermal protection strategies for future missions.
2025–Present
Current Phase: Prototyping Version 2
F.R.O.S.T.
F.R.O.S.T.
Freeze I Research I Orient I Solidify I Temperature
Working with Dr. Ulrike Wegst, this project explores freeze casting as a way to create lightweight materials with carefully controlled internal structure. By studying how freezing conditions shape material performance, students connect materials science research to the broader engineering challenges of designing systems for extreme environments.
2026–Present
Current Phase: Prototyping Design
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary is HHS HABET’s engineering challenge to reach the maximum possible altitude with a latex high-altitude balloon. The project pushes students to design and test payload systems that can withstand harsh stratospheric conditions while striving for record-setting performance.
2024–Present
Current Phase: Waiting for a launch window
StratoSeeds
StratoSeeds
StratoSeeds sends Wisconsin Fast Plants seeds into the stratosphere to test their resilience under extreme cold and radiation. Partner classrooms then grow both flown and unflown seeds, allowing students to connect space biology with hands-on classroom science.
2024–Present
Current Phase: Ongoing. Packets of seeds launch with every flight
ASCENT
ASCENT
Advancing STEM Community Engagement through Near-space Technology
Advancing STEM Community Engagement through Near-space Technology is Hanover High School’s public outreach initiative. By combining high-altitude ballooning with community events and educational storytelling, ASCENT connects students, families, and the public to the excitement of near-space exploration.
2023–Present
Current Phase: Ongoing.
HABET Skunk Works
HABET Skunk Works
Skunk Works is the team’s space for bold, experimental ideas that push beyond standard missions. It gives students the freedom to prototype unconventional concepts, test creative solutions, and explore innovations that may shape future balloon systems and research directions.
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