Science Projects

One of the most intriguing research opportunities that Taylor offers is the High Altitude Balloon launches. Initially these tests began to conduct research on satellite equipment which will be used for the Taylor University Satellite program. By sending balloons thousands of feet into the air, real life conditions are able to be tested for things such as wind, pressure, temperature ect. The data can then be collected and analyzed when the balloon lands.

Recently the purpose of the balloon launches has shifted from strictly research oriented to educating students and teachers. At the CCLI (course curriculum and laboratory improvement) conference Taylor University was given a $217,000 grant for Balloon research.

When discussing Balloon launches utilizing new imaging systems and cameras David Patterson described the event saying, "You never really know what your going to get." One of the most enticing things about Balloon launches is the standard challenge of solving new problems when they arise. It is in this environment that students learn to readily solve challenging problems without intimidation.

One of the benefits of Balloon testing is the ability to study "near space" which is the area 12-60 miles above sea level. There has been very minimal research conducted in the near space environment, that is why this research is so exciting. Taylor Students participating in Balloon research have the opportunity to make discoveries which could effect satellite and information communication systems in the future.

The balloons fly to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet. The entire flight is videotaped by video equipment mounted to the balloon. The team utilizes gps equipment and freewave radio signals in order to find the balloons once they have landed. The radio signals are capable of communicating at distances exceeding 200km. The data is then analyzed for various things such as flight path and altitude. Balloon flight paths are then plotted on google earth to determine flight patterns and to compare various flights.

Balloon launches are a cheap alternative to deploying a space bound satellite. Each balloon costs about 6000 dollars which is a bargain compared to the millions it costs to deploy a satellite. Balloons are particularly advantagous because they operate in an area which is above air traffic from planes but is below any area of solar interference.

Taylor University has conducted 65 successful high altitude balloon missions. Taylor boasts an incredible 100% recovery record for every balloon experiment. The balloon experiments have been funded by the INSGC for five years running.

HALO Project

The purpose of the HALO (High Altitude Launch Opportunity) project is to set up a high altitude communications network. HALO was so successful that a grant has already been given for the HALO 2 project. In the HALO project, multiple balloon launches were coordinated. Balloons were launched from Indiana as well as seven other states. When one balloon would come over the radio horizon of another balloon they would link and and start communicating. The potential for this technology is astounding. According to David Patterson, "the technology could provide at least text messaging, and perhaps voice communications, to all properly equipped stations in range of the balloons." There is also speculation that such technology could one day help produce a low cost internet solution.

With the mounted cameras on the balloons, students are able to see the path of ascent that the balloon takes. In viewing the video footage, students are able to see the curvature of the earth