2023-10-22 · HAST / SkyEdge · Mission archive
Send a command and a camera high above Earth takes a photograph carrying your call sign. During the Celestynów Radio Picnic, receivers could actively interact with the balloon payload.
- Altitude
- over 26 km
- Images captured and sent
- 120
- Command link
- APRS
Receivers became participants
On 22 October 2023, the balloon launched in challenging weather during an event organised by SP5POT and SP5MASR. The payload responded to an APRS takephoto command, captured an image, added the correspondent's call sign and transmitted the result to the ground.
A keepsake created during a real flight
This was not a pre-made picture. Each request produced a personalised frame from the payload's current location. The post-flight account records 120 photographs captured and transmitted at HD and 4K resolutions, with the balloon reaching an altitude above 26 km.
A shared communications and recovery effort
Receiving stations decoded the Wenet downlink. Hilary SP5D contributed to the software, while Krzysztof SQ5NWI provided event coverage. SQ4O and the recovery team retrieved the equipment after landing near Nowe Kalinowo.
An event the audience can take part in
The mission demonstrates a way to connect radio communications, imaging and active public participation. A similar approach can support an educational project or an amateur radio club mission, with commands and access arrangements defined for the specific project.
Based on the team’s archived post-flight account. The figures describe this mission and are not guarantees for future flights. More missions.
