We launched a helium filled weather balloon from the posted
coordinates. Beneath this balloon carried our custom electronics
including GPS, APRS tracking, camera, and a small Geocache filled
with sunflower seeds.
Liftoff was spectacular, and the package quickly disappeared
above the clouds. We had to rely on GPS coordinates sent from the
package every 30 seconds. The GPS was disabled at 80,000 feet due
to government requirements in response to fears of improper use by
rogue nations. So we had to wait until the balloon ruptured and the
package returned back under the 80,000 feet ceiling before another
signal was received. We estimated the package flew to a peak height
of 99,715 feet.
During this flight time, the package traveled at times over 90
mph. The final destination was unknown, so we had two chase
vehicles following as fast as possible (within the posted speed
limits of course!). We got constant telemetry until the package
fell below the foot hills north of Mount Hood, and into a ravine.
Our last coordinates got us close. As we drove up the mountain back
roads, we kept the laptop running in case we got a final landing
coordinates. We were prepared for a ground search with a
directional antenna and a beacon attached to the electronics
package. However, as we rounded a corner on top of a ridge, a final
landing coordinate was received. 45 36.870 -121 42.860
We parked as close as we could, and hiked to the landing site.
When we found the package, we saw amazing pictures from the onboard
camera of clouds wrapped around our local mountain tops, the
curvature of earth, and the blackness of space. Amazing!
Visit our link to the
Amazing
Pictures
So here is where YOU can help with our experiment. The onboard
sunflower seeds in the Geocache were exposed to the inhospitable
high altitude environment. I have placed these “space” seeds along
with “control” seeds (normal) in separate containers within the
Geocache lid. I ask you to take 1 seed from each container, and
plant at your yard next spring. Please report back if you see any
difference between these two plants. I am excited to know the
outcome.
So here is how to get to the final coordinates to the Space
Cache Experiment. The starting coodinates are for the beginning of
the trail to get to the cache.
You may find the location of this cache is very appropriate.
>>
BEWARE of the TRIPWIRE at the beginning of the path. Just step
over it and you will be fine!<<