Learners to build payload HABEX

South Africa's SciBono Discovery Centre (ZS6SCI), in association with the Gauteng Department of Education initiated the High Altitude Balloon Experiment project, called HABEX.

HABEX was inspired by the BACAR project. The objective is to involve schools in Gauteng in the entire process of developing and building a payload that will be launched into high altitude using an unmanned meteorological balloon.

SciBono approved a budget for the building of HABEX and approval has been obtained from CAMU to launch the balloons on 24 July. We plan to launch from Klerksdorp Airfield.

Ten school teams are involved and several radio amateurs have also opted to join in this exciting project. A team of radio amateur engineers and designers are assisting the schools in developing the payloads. You can also join in the activities planned for the HABEX 2010 Launch.

"We are so enthused by the project that a world record attempt will also be made to launch the unmanned balloon to an altitude exceeding 38 000 metres," Chris Gryffenberg, ZS6COG, told SARL News. "To achieve this, special balloons have been ordered to carry the payload to this altitude. Currently 10 payloads are under construction and schools will be actively building their payloads on 16 June on Youth Day".

The weekend of 23 - 24 July will see many radio amateurs and learners from schools camping out and preparing their missions in true Space Programme Style with a mission control, search and recovery teams and even a launch pad.

"If you want to be part of this exciting project you are requested to contact the SciBono Discovery Centre on 011-639 8400 and ask for Fannie Matumba. We still need many search-and-recovery teams to assist in this massive undertaking," Chris said.

SARL