Balloon makes 18-vertical-mile flight

Fairbanks, Alaska -- The Alaska Space Grant Program and the Arctic Amateur Radio Club say a high-altitude balloon they launched reached an altitude of 95,327 feet last month.

The balloon, equipped with radio transmitters and cameras, was launched from Alaska's Poker Flat Research Range May 10, capturing more than 100 photos and videos during its flight.

The balloon had three payloads in tow, all built and designed by Dan Wietchy of the Arctic Amateur Radio Club of Fairbanks. Officials said the packages performed well, allowing participants to track and document the balloon's flight, and its subsequent recovery. The balloon was found less than seven miles from where it was launched.

Alaska Space Grant Program officials said they intend to expand the project to allow University of Alaska-Fairbanks students to fly payloads of their own design, and to conduct atmospheric research.

Former Alaska Space Grant Director Neal Brown will recap the balloon's flight during a Friday meeting of the Arctic Amateur Radio Club at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks campus.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.