Epsilon

Zephyrus Epsilon

Zyphyrus Epsilon was launched on May 17th, 2025, and consisted of two balloons, alpha and bravo. The purpose of this mission was to conduct logistical testing, collect data for research, and train new people about launch procedures.

This launch measured values from a stablized and unstablized Cosmic Watch. We also sent up a payload to help with a sixth grade research project.

Zephyrus Epsilon Launch info Balloon Alpha

Zephyrus Epsilon Launch info Balloon Bravo

Preparations

Zephyrus Epsilon Launch Logistics

The tables on the left show the payload for Zephyrus Epsilon. In all, the balloons consisted of parachutes, spot traces, LightAPRSs, unstabilized and stabilized Cosmic Watches, GMC-500, a payload for material testing, and the sixth grade experiment (combination of sensors) with the payload mass of Balloons Alpha and Bravo being close to 800 and 2100 grams, respectively. Path predictions as well as burst calculations were also conducted in advance in order to prepare for Zephyrus Epsilon's retrieval and to give a rough estimate of the neck lift, which was adjusted later.

Burst calculation and Path Predictions for Alpha (note: this calculation was done before we adjusted the actual payload stack so the actual mass was less than predicted)

Burst calculation and Path Predictions for Bravo

Launch Information

The two balloons for Zephyrus Epsilon were launched at approximately 11:25 EST (15:25 UTC) & 11:06 EST (15:06 UTC), respectively, and each took close to 15 minutes to fill up the balloon. Balloon Alpha had a payload weight of around 800 g with a neck lift of 1000 g (because we ran out of lifting gas), while Balloon Bravo had an approximate payload weight of 2100 g and a neck lift of around 3200 g.

Flight Information

The flight information for Balloon Alpha of Zephyrus Epsilon was not determined as it flew over the Atlantic. Balloon Bravo had an estimated flight duration of 2 hours and 7 min with an estimated maximum altitude of 95,150 feet (29,000 meters). Balloon Bravo landed at approximately 1:13 EST (17:13 UTC).

The data shown in the graph above was collected from stabilized and unstabilized Cosmic Watches. A Wilcoxon Rank Sign Test with continuity correction was conducted and yielded a p-value of 5.29 * 10^-10, indicating that there was a significant difference between the count rates.

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