Students of the ASS start weather balloon: A look at space!

Students of the ASS start weather balloon: A look at space!

On May 13, 2025, around 15 students of the Astrophysics course of the Albert Schweitzer School (ASS) started a weather balloon in Alsfeld with a special probe for data collection on the edge of the earth's atmosphere. The project has been prepared in four teams since February, which dealt with various aspects such as data recording, construction of the probe, flight routing and planning of the buoyancy. For the climb, the balloon was filled with 5,000 liters of helium, which makes it easier because helium is easier than air.

The probe used was equipped with sensors for height, speed, temperature, humidity, infrared radiation, air pressure, a GPS tracker and a camera. These technologies are crucial to collect precise data that can help with the analysis of the earth's atmosphere. The project received financial support from various positions, including the Vogelsbergkreis, the Lions Club Lauterbach-Vogelsberg and the Ass.

Planning and preparation of the flight

Before the start, all necessary permits were obtained from German air traffic control, the regional council and the Alsfeld Air Sports Association. This is essential because weather balloons are not allowed to start without appropriate permits. The weather balloon was designed to climb up about two hours before it was supposed to burst due to the falling air pressure. The return of the probe was also planned: it should glide with a brake parachute to Earth and transmit its GPS position to land safely.

Originally, the landing of the balloon was planned in another area, but the weather conditions brought the probe to the east, so that it landed near Merkers in Thuringia. After the flight, an evaluation of the results collected will take place to analyze the data obtained and gain possible knowledge.

weather balloons in the field of education

Weather balloons are an important method for data collection in meteorology. Many weather services use such balloons every day to capture information about the weather and atmospheric conditions. Schools are encouraged to carry out similar projects, but require technical skill and permits from teachers to ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken.

The project of the ASS was praised by school head Patrick Krug, who highlighted the performance of the students. Projects like this not only promote interest in natural sciences, but also provide a practical insight into the earth's atmosphere.

In the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere, which can be achieved through such balloon flights, many climatic and meteorological phenomena play out. Most weather symptoms occur in the troposphere, which ranges up to 10 kilometers high, while contraceptive strips of aircraft arise at heights of about -50 degrees Celsius.

The experiment at the Albert Schweitzer School is a successful example of linking theory and practice in the field of education, which both conveys knowledge and stimulates interest in natural sciences.

Further information about similar projects and the use of weather balloons for scientific purposes can be found on the pages of Osthessen News and Dlr .