Atmospheric Sensor Package
Temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and UV sensors log the full vertical profile of the atmosphere across every altitude band.
High-Altitude Balloon Systems
We fly engineered payloads to the edge of space. STRATOS designs, launches, and recovers high-altitude balloon systems carrying scientific instruments into the stratosphere — capturing atmospheric data and imagery from altitudes commercial aircraft never reach.
Mission Overview
Each STRATOS mission lifts a custom payload into near-space conditions on a latex weather balloon, gathering temperature, pressure, humidity, and radiation data alongside high-resolution imagery of the curvature of the Earth.
Members own the full lifecycle — mission planning, payload integration, predictive flight modeling, launch operations, live tracking, and field recovery — turning atmospheric science into hands-on aerospace engineering.
Payload Systems
The payload is a self-contained instrumentation platform built to operate in extreme cold, low pressure, and high UV exposure throughout the flight.
Temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and UV sensors log the full vertical profile of the atmosphere across every altitude band.
Stabilized cameras capture wide-angle stills and continuous video of the stratosphere and the visible curvature of the Earth.
Dual GPS and radio telemetry transmit live position and altitude, enabling real-time tracking and precise recovery coordination.
An onboard flight computer timestamps and stores every sensor reading to redundant storage for full post-mission analysis.
Lithium cell packs and insulated enclosures keep electronics within operating range at temperatures down to -60°C.
A foam-and-composite enclosure protects the payload through ascent, burst, and a high-velocity descent before parachute deployment.
Flight Profile
Recovery Operations
Recovery begins before launch. Predictive models forecast the landing zone using wind data and burst estimates, while live telemetry guides the chase team to touchdown.
Engineering Skills Developed
Annual Launch Campaign
Phase 01 — Design
Define science objectives, select sensors, and design the payload enclosure and power budget.
Phase 02 — Build
Assemble electronics, validate logging and telemetry, and run thermal and drop tests before flight.
Phase 03 — Launch
Fill, check, and release the balloon, then track the ascent live from the ground station.
Phase 04 — Analyze
Recover the payload, process flight data and imagery, and publish results for the next campaign.
STRATOS is open to all students — no prior experience required, just curiosity and commitment.
Join the program