We attended the U of M balloon launch, track and landing today.
What an absolute perfect day, we and they thought.  Perfect blue sky, close to zero wind for filling the 2 balloons and launching.  The first balloon took flight at around 10:35 AM from Amboy, MN and landed about 60 miles away, 15 miles east of Owatonna, MN.  We had the privilege to use a radio and computer to track the flight as we drove under it to the landing.  The first balloon reached 107,000+ feet (20+ miles up) and traveled at times up to 108 MPH.   The second balloon landed within a mile away.  Pretty impressive to think they could go so high, travel so fast, and yet land so close to each other.

Launch Video (1:22)

Additional Photos

Additional information from the U
     ...two balloons to be launched on April 14.  Starting at 7 AM, Launch at 10:00 AM

Your Space Team plans on attending for as much of the day as possible to learn, learn, learn

We hear back from the U of M with great news about there upcoming flight schedule
     ...the next 3 weeks will be busy for them, as they are flying 10 payloads...

Mike C provides details about where to purchase a spherical shaped capsule made from SmothFoam(TM)  www.plasteelcorp.com

The second meeting of HAB-FAP Team Members
Review project plan details

John shows off the new GoPro Hero2 camera with the many features that make it ideal

Takeaways:
Report back to the group with progress by 4/3 (one week)

Reach out to University of Minnesota (U of M) balloon team for info (blog, arrange a meeting)
Research balloon options
Research Spot GPS options, make purchasing recommendation
Create a site on the Hub once we are up and running

Research hydrogen/helium options, find someone who will sell us a tank of go-go gas
Figure out image correction in Photoshop CS6 for using GoPro cameras as both video and still cameras
Research requirements for added electronics for subsequent flights (ham license, real-time down-link, etc.)

Build blog or website for documenting the project
Reach out to Mike C from the rocket club to find out where he bought the styrofoam sphere for his flying spider

Research FAA rules, and determine our need for a radar reflector. When do we need to fly one?
Research insurance requirements/options/costs. If needed: Does any of our current insurance cover us? How much for a policy to cover each flight?

Team:
Corporate sponsorship?

The first meeting of HAB-FAP Team Members
Jon, John, Brian, Chris
Review initial project plan
Target timeline to first balloon launch set
Budget for balloon launch set with expectations of reusing electronics and cameras

Takeaways:
Continue to identify additional resources for a successful first launch