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The Science of a Space Launch
Our space balloons use lighter-than-air hydrogen to carry them into the nearest region of space. At altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet, the balloons float above 99.5% of our planet’s atmosphere, reaching the size of a two storey house before bursting.
Beneath the balloon, our bespoke launch vehicles carry client payloads, cinema-grade camera equipment and our cutting-edge flight computer system – which provides telemetry, tracking and control capabilities – as well as a parachute system to return the craft safely to Earth.
Planning the Launch
Our unique relationship with the UK Space Agency and Civil Aviation Authority means we can launch from over 15 sites across the UK with less than a week’s notice. We keep all consumables, manufacturing materials and equipment in stock, so we’re ready to launch whenever the call comes in.
In the weeks preceding our launch, we collect huge volumes of weather data from meteorological organisations across the globe to predict future airflow patterns. By precisely controlling the balloon’s ascent velocity, burst altitude and descent rate, we can take advantage of the weather conditions to inform an optimal flight path.
The Launch Event
Once the flight train is assembled and tracking systems are online, we’ll begin filling the balloon. The parachute size, volume of gas and balloon capacity are all calculated in advance to ensure an optimal flight path and secure landing location.
With the balloon filled to requirements, it’s sealed and connected to the flight train. After final pre-flight checks, the team will activate the cameras, fire up the spacecraft’s sub-systems and launch the balloon on its journey into space.
The Recovery Journey
As the space balloon rises through the atmosphere, our recovery team maintain live communication while travelling to the projected landing site.
Live telemetry data allows the team to update flight path calculations while in transit and narrow down the landing radius to a few metres.
Once the craft is recovered, a shot from peak altitude is transmitted to the office team, and our crew returns the equipment for post-launch breakdown and a team debrief. All aspects of the launch day can be captured on film to tell the exciting story behind your space launch.