“Congratulations! You now have two antennas floating at the edge of space at 120,000 feet over western New Mexico, one for transmission at 10 watts on 1801 MHz, and the other receiving on 2263.5 MHz.” – Hank Schraeder, Columbia Scientific balloon Facility (CSFB), to the team at Southwest Antennas, September 7, 2023.
NASA’s Commitment to Accessible Space Research
When envisioning NASA, many conjure images of monumental rockets, lunar missions, and the International Space station. However, the agency also dedicates considerable resources to making scientific exploration more accessible, particularly for those with limited funding.
Innovative Balloon Services at Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility
Located in Palestine, Texas, the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) offers unmanned balloon services to universities and research institutions worldwide. This initiative enables these organizations to conduct experiments while CSBF manages the logistics of launch, tracking, and recovery. A notable collaborator is Louisiana State University, which operates the High Altitude Student Platform (HASP) project, sending multiple student-designed payloads soaring into the stratosphere, reaching altitudes of up to 120,000 feet (36 kilometers).
HASP: A Platform for Student Innovation
The HASP initiative was established to provide students with opportunities for mid-atmospheric research, functioning as a bridge between small weather balloons and full-fledged orbital satellites. Each year, HASP launches in August or September from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, accommodating up to eight small payloads weighing around 3 kg each and four larger payloads of approximately 20 kg.
Enhancing Communication Systems with Southwest Antennas
HASP transmits telemetry data back to ground control, allowing operators at Fort Sumner to monitor the balloon’s journey in real-time. When NASA identified the need for an enhanced communication system, they partnered with Southwest Antennas, a California-based company known for its RF and microwave solutions. With a strong track record of collaborating with various NASA divisions, Southwest Antennas is recognized for delivering high-performance antenna products and addressing unique challenges efficiently.
Robust Antenna Solutions for Extreme Conditions
To meet the demands of high-altitude operations, NASA required a durable antenna capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -55 to +55 degrees Celsius and pressures as low as 3 millibar. the solution was the 1001-143 half-wave dipole omni antenna from Southwest Antennas, which was installed on HASP—one for transmitting at 10 watts on 1801 MHz and the other for receiving on 2263.5 MHz.
Testing and Integration for Optimal Performance
To ensure the antennas would perform reliably, Southwest Antennas conducted extensive testing to verify gain and beamwidth patterns, as well as subjecting the antennas to rigorous temperature chamber evaluations. The company also provided expert integration support, advising NASA on optimal antenna placement on the HASP platform for maximum efficiency.
Successful Launch and Performance Validation
Following the launch,both NASA and Southwest Antennas confirmed their expectations were met. The signal strength from the Quasonix receiver linked to the antennas was sampled approximately every 30 minutes, with real-world gain closely aligning with predictions. Floating at the edge of space, the antennas maintained performance as the distance between HASP and the ground station at Fort Sumner increased.
Curtis Wooten, Engineering Supervisor at CSBF, remarked on the project’s success: “Thank you to Southwest Antennas for all your work to help us make this happen. Getting this system live will definitely help us provide better support to the science community, and we look forward to getting more of these in the air!”
Empowering Scientific Endeavors with Enhanced Capabilities
Thanks to the durability and high performance of Southwest Antennas’ products, HASP is now better equipped to serve the scientific community. The company’s commitment to customer service and expert support from concept to flight has played a crucial role in this achievement.
Collaborate with Southwest Antennas for Your next Project
Southwest Antennas thrives on tackling challenging RF and microwave antenna issues. If you have a project that demands reliable mission-critical communications, reach out to their team early in the design process to ensure your project’s success.
