Pico Balloon Flight 2

Mission Goal

After the disappointing launch of the first pico balloon, we decided to launch a second pico balloon using APRS instead of WSPR for tracking. The balloon was named "Maddie," in honor of the youngest balloon launcher that we know of, Maddie Batoff, who attended and assisted with this launch.

Launch Preparations

July 14th, 2025 - A 12-panel solar panel array was created and tested for voltage output. The panel generated approximately 6.5 volts in the sun when connected to the light APRS. A Kenwood TH-D75 handheld radio was used to confirm APRS transmission, but the APRS did not transmit on the solar panels, despite getting a voltage within the acceptable range for the light APRS. The APRS transmitted normally when it was attached to batteries (as confirmed by the Kenwood TH-D75), so there was clearly an issue with the power from the solar panels.

July 16th, 2025 - After a desperate day of research about capacitors and an overnight Amazon order, two 3.3F capacitors were connected in series to the light APRS. Because each capacitor only had a 2.7V working voltage, a new, nine-panel solar panel array was created. With the capacitors, the APRS transmission was successful. To prepare to launch the next day, the balloon (which was already prestretched from the prior launch) was inflated with hydrogen.

July 17th, 2025 - The APRS was tested and confirmed to be tracking. The neck lift was adjusted since it was too high, and 6g of free lift was achieved. The balloon was launched around 10:45 am and immediately tracked on APRS.fi.

Pico Log book

Flight Path

The APRS transmitted for approximately an hour and a half but cut out over New Jersey. The anticipated path, based on weather predictions, would take the balloon out toward Bermuda, then return west after a few days to circle Florida. The balloon has not reappeared on APRS since its initial transmission.

The balloon's path from Philadelphia PA to near the Jersey shore where reception cut out.

Lessons Learned & Acknowledgments

This mission got farther than the last one, so that's something? We successfully launched and tracked the balloon through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but lost reception at the Jersey Shore. We believe that the APRS antenna likely detached and are looking into ways to attach the antenna more securely in the future. The APRS is significantly more expensive than the Jetpack Traquito (approximately $125 per piece, vs under $20 per piece), so for the long term, launching on WSPR is more financially viable; future attempts will likely use WSPR.

This balloon was designed and launched by Leo Cohen (SCH '26), Jonathan Berkson (Elon '27), and Alissa Sperling. Peter Randall, Sienna Barbaeu, and Maddie Batoff assisted in the launch.

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