Edge of Space Sciences

Saturday, August 22, at 6:55 a.m., EOSS launched EOSS-405 a 3,000 g balloon with 8 payloads from students participating in the Colorado Space Grant Consortium program. This summer's students were from Arapahoe Community College, CU Boulder, CU Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak. The launch site was the Limon Softball Field. The balloon ascended to an elevation of 107,526 ft (Close to a record!), landing south of Limon, CO, about 1mile west of Highway 71. The crossroads were N/S CR201 and E/W CR34.Students started arriving at the Limon Softball in Limon, CO at 4:30 am.

One 3000g balloon was launched from Genoa Colorado at 7:12 am on July 25, 2026 carrying five payloads built by BAE Systems' BIRST intern program. Three of the payloads were intended for a rocket launch, but high fire danger prevented the use of that vehicle. The three payloads were added to the balloon launch. The payload teams camped overnight at the site in Genoa and assisted in the balloon launch. The balloon ascended to approximately 67,700 feet and birst earlier than expected. The payload string descended under a 12 foot parachute and landed on a ranch southwest of Arriba Colorado.

On Saturday July 11, 2026 EOSS launched pico balloon EOSSP-6 from Castlewood Canyon State Park in Douglas County, Colorado. This is a 2 meter APRS beacon that transmitts on 144.390 MHz and 144.340 MHz. This can be tracked directly on http://aprs.fi/ae0ss-9 using the beacon call sign (not the flight number like the other EOSS pico balloons). 

The balloon was launched as part of the EOSS-400 celebration picnic, honoring the many EOSS members that have accomplished 400 successful balloon flights.

The pico balloon equipment includes:

On June 20, 2026 a 1500g balloon was launched as part of the Great Plains Superlaunch mass launch from Pella, Iowa. The balloon reached an altitude of 101,342 ft, burst, and descended into power lines near West Point, Iowa. 

    EOSS members submit mileage for reimbursement here.

EOSSP-5 was launched on Monday, May 4, 2026 (Star Wars Day) from Peace with Christ Christian School in Aurora, Colorado. After an initial tangle around the launch staff, the balloon floated up over the students and off to the east. 

To monitor the balloon, follow this link: https://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2FEOSSP-5&timerange=3600&tail=3600

A perfect day for the launch of 2/1500g and 1/3000g balloons carring student payloads from both Littleton Epic and MSU.  On May 2, 2026, the parking lot at Deer Trail School was full of cars, students and parents. The predicted landing sites were near Limon, a short drive from Deer Trail.