About the Project
Exploring the stratosphere from the southern tip of Africa.
Mission Statement
The South African Pico Balloons project is dedicated to the advancement of high-altitude ballooning and amateur radio experimentation. We aim to design, build, and launch educational payloads that can travel thousands of kilometers, providing real-time data on atmospheric conditions and global wind patterns.
The Technology
Our balloons use "super-pressure" technology, which means they are sealed to maintain a constant volume. This allows them to float at a stable altitude (around 12,000 to 14,000 meters) for long durations. The electronics are solar-powered, allowing for continuous transmission during daylight hours as they drift across the horizon.
Community & Collaboration
This project is part of a global network of enthusiasts. We rely on the WSPR.live API and thousands of amateur radio receiving stations worldwide to keep track of our balloons. Every packet received helps us refine our flight models and understand the upper atmosphere better.