Upper Sixth pupils Andrea, Clara and Pippa presented the process, launch and flight data of the Helium Balloon Launch they took part in in the Summer Term.

The students constructed a HAB (high altitude balloon) with a box underneath to be sent into space. They spent months preparing for the great HAB launch, which included lots of calculations, code and daily weather and flight path prediction checks. Once a suitable day was selected and Air Traffic Control gave their permission, the balloon was launched. The fight time was just under two hours and the crew found it after forty-five minutes of searching in Thaxton, Essex (a special thanks to Ms Ballie-Whyte).

They were able to get lots of data on the temperature, pressure, humidity and UV intensity of up to 29km above sea level. In addition, they were able to send a marshmallow, strawberry laces, rubber bands, basil seeds and sea monkeys to the stratosphere for testing later! Cameras and tracking devices were mounted onto and inside the box to record the effects of the atmosphere’s conditions on the samples, as well as tracking the flight path. The girls found that the lowest external temperature was around -48.6°C, while the lowest internal temperature of the polystyrene box was only -15.8°C. This demonstrates not only that polystyrene is a good heat insulator, but also one can collect a huge amount of data from just one experiment!

The thrill and significance of this experience can be summed up in Clara’s words: “It was like a mission”.

The lecture attendees asked many questions, curious to learn more from their peers. Make sure to come to Lunch ‘n Learn next Half Term, when we will enjoy many more riveting and inspirational lectures!

Gaby da Silveira Pinheiro, Lower Sixth Student and STEAM Prefect