TVNSP
Amateur
Near Space ExplorationWhat can you do with $150 worth of balloon and helium? You can
send experiments into near space! Near space, that region of
the Earth's atmosphere between 75,000 and 328,000 feet, has an
environment far more similar to space than it does to the
surface of the Earth. In fact, the near space environment
closely matches the Martian environment. While easily reached
by balloon, near space is above the altitudes that most
airplanes can reach. So, why send objects up into the upper
atmosphere? There are a variety of reasons, the most important of which is
to learn more about the planet we live on. By conducting experiments in atmospheric and cosmic
ray studies, remote sensing of the Earth's surface, radio wave propagation, and
astronomical and technological evaluations, we discover more about the world
around us. Onboard cameras photograph the Earth's surface from various altitudes,
allowing us to see the Earth's curvature. Whole cities or
states can be viewed in a single image. Near space exploration is the perfect
meld of amateur radio, technology, science, and wonder (especially the
latter). After all, who hasn't watched a balloon float gently up into the
sky and wondered what it would be like to venture into outer (near) space?
Getting Involved
Who are we?
The primary audiences of
TVNSP includes; Amateur Radio Operators, Students, and the Amateur Scientist.
Near space programs like TVNSP are excellent for designing and testing
functioning models of satellite and space science experiments. Nearcraft are
also excellent platforms for performing remote sensing and amateur astronomy
observations.
If you would like to see a copy of TVNSP's
informational program brochure, click here.
for information on our next flight!
Join Us!
Have a great idea for a near space experiment? Interested in knowing
in what TVNSP is up to next? TVNSP maintains an
email listserv at Yahoo! Groups for those who want to be informed on the latest
TVNSP activities, including upcoming launches. To subscribe, go to the Yahoo!
Groups site and click on "join this group".
Updated 04/04/04
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