A group of students from the class 13ME of the G.C.E Advanced Level Batch of 2016 have successfully launched a Ultra High Altitude Balloon (UHAB) vehicle powered by photovoltaic cells and fitted with an array of cutting edge sensors and metrics into the edge of the Earth’s Stratosphere to obtain corresponding readings. The UHAB vehicle had carried a crest and a flag of Royal College with it and a plaque which mentions the names of Teachers of the A/L Science Section. The vehicle reached a maximum altitude of 131,800 ft(40km) above the surface of the Earth.

A state of the art payload module capable of withstanding extreme atmospheric conditions fitted with a camera to record the launch and free-fall of the UHAB module was used. In addition to that, an experimental two stage parachute system was also included in the UHAB system to maintain stability during the descent stage and to ensure a safe landing. The College Song was played and transmitted via an amateur radio frequency band after the module had reached the stratosphere. After lasting a few minutes at the edge of space, the device started to descend. Its descent was brought under control by the parachute system. The System was able to successfully obtain data about ozone levels via the Potassium Iodide Ozonesonde device during its ascent and other weather related data during its descent through the clouds .

A representative from the innovative team of developers of this module stated that their systems which were developed over a period of 8 months, met their expectations and that they wish to dedicate this project to their teachers and colleagues from the GCE Advanced Level Science Section.

A video which had captured the module’s launch, brief stay in the Stratosphere and free-fall is viewable below: