Weather Balloon to the Stratosphere with a Raspberry Pi
Open-source hobby project StratoPi sends a weather balloon to the stratosphere to collect data.
1Project Goal
StratoPi aims to launch a helium-filled weather balloon into the stratosphere and record the entire flight. The primary objectives include successfully recovering the payload, which consists of a Raspberry Pi computer, GPS data, temperature, pressure, humidity measurements, and video cameras. The project is purely hobby-based with no financial incentives, and all parts were purchased at retail prices.
2Technical Infrastructure
The software is developed using Python 3 and standard PyPI packages. Each application polls specific data and inserts it into a PostgreSQL database. The exception is the communication app, which listens for data from PostgreSQL via pg_notify and sends it to Slack over wireless networks. Systemd services were chosen over Docker to keep things simple and reliable.
3Sensors and Data Collection
The project uses a Bosch BME280 sensor to measure temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity. A Waveshare GPS module provides date, time, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and course data. Vertical speed is automatically calculated per minute via a PostgreSQL trigger. Battery percentage and temperature are also regularly recorded.
4Legal Process
Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required. Laws and regulations may change suddenly due to ongoing developments involving spy balloons. The project team is tracking these legal requirements. Permissions are being sought for launch and recovery operations in Tennessee.
5Community Contribution
StratoPi is an open-source, community-developed project. Code reviews, PRs, and part recommendations are welcome on GitHub. Support is needed for 3D modeling and printing, particularly for structural and mounting aspects. Participants with flight and space experience are encouraged to contribute their expertise.
6Future Plans
The next phase includes video editing of flight footage. Collaborations with helium and latex balloon suppliers are being sought. Personal participation in the Tennessee launch is planned. Data visualization will be done using tools like GPS Visualizer and Google Earth/Maps.
7Risks and Challenges
The project faces technical and logistical challenges. The weather balloon risks bursting in the stratosphere. Sensor operation in extreme cold isn't guaranteed. Uninterrupted wireless data transmission is critical. Weather conditions may significantly impact recovery operations.
8Why It Matters
StratoPi is a unique project combining open-source and DIY spirit. It demonstrates how accessible technologies like Raspberry Pi can enable scientific experiments. It showcases the potential of community-driven projects while offering a low-cost model for stratospheric research.
Original article: Hacker News: Show HN — Raspberry Pi ile Stratosfere Hava Balonu Gönderisi