Started in 2005, HAPB is an unmanned high altitude balloon experiment platform. The primary mission is to design reliable near space imaging instrumentation and innovative control systems that can be used to further our understanding of planetary atmosphere, global weather and climate patterns.  Each mission has brought about new ideas and challenges that have resulted in more efficient designs and learning experiences.

Operating under the exempt rules of FAA Part 101 subpart “a” governing unmanned balloon flight the program has been setup to accommodate additional experiments.  Encouraging interest in science, mathematics, and engineering through unmanned ballooning is the focus of future missions and objectives.

3/19/2009 - PNI is now a sponsor of HAPB projects. Since filing their first patent in 1988, PNI has been at the forefront of innovation in the design, development, and application of sensor technology. Their patented Magneto-Inductive (MI) sensors and modules provide accurate and reliable attitude and magnetic-field information for a wide range of applications, including robotics, surveying, navigation, and oceanography.

2/3/2009 - Winter weather and winds have arrived in Texas. HAPB-5 launch is postponed until April.