StratoStar 2021 CAP Mission

ACE Basin Composite Squadron is proud to be one of the 168 CAP squadrons That sent cadet-led science into space with StratoStar

On August 21st, 2021 one of the two capsules with our experiments flew to the edge of space at over 103,000ft! The other remained on the ground as a control.

Now the flight is over and the capsule is returned safely to Earth, we will evaluate our samples to see what changes we can find. 

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Cadets worked together to design and plan the experiment.

Cadets developed their ideas over many weeks.

When the idea was locked-in, cadets put the experiments together.

One sample would fly, one would be sent to stay on the ground. The team chose to keep a third sample here.

Three samples ready to go.

Live data and video were streamed on launch day.

Experiments from 168 squadrons were loaded on two balloons.

Col. Joe Kittinger made several high-altitude balloon flights from 1956 to 1960, setting a world record for the highest skydive from a height greater than 19 miles (31 km). He participated live during the event.

Our experiment reached over 103,000ft (19.5 miles) before parachuting back to earth. Live data (Speed, Altitude, Temperature, Pressure, Spin, Turbulence and more) was streamed and recorded.

CAP Ground teams and Aircraft used the recovery mission to practice their search and rescue roles. THe baloons were recovered in record time.

...And here is how we did it!