HAPB is an unmanned high altitude balloon designed to be launched, tracked, take photographs of the curvature of the Earth, perform various high altitude experiments, and be recovered.  HAPB currently operates under the exempt rules of FAA Part 101 subpart “a” governing unmanned balloon flight and flies to altitudes above 90,000 feet.  The program has been setup to accommodate additional experiments referred to as a “hitchhikers” and is designed to promote science, mathematics, and engineering.

The fundamental principle behind the Hitchhiker Program is to use shared computer resources for individual experiments while primary mission objectives and flight operations are in progress.  This approach allows the experimenters to concentrate on their experiments and not the flight operation systems needed to track and recovery the payloads. The optimal hitchhiker would utilize the multi-processor based Propeller designed by Parallax where unused cogs, code space, and power are made available to participants.  A Propeller based application is not required to be eligible for the program and any PIC based micro controller or un-powered experiment is encouraged to participate.

High altitude unmanned ballooning is a fun, challenging, and learning activity that can provide valuable insights into our planet.  Upper atmospheric conditions are extremely hostile with temperatures at -60 degrees Fahrenheit and no breathable air.  Payloads can reach speeds of over 100 mph and travel with the prevailing upper winds.  Flight durations are typically over 2 hours. Landing sites vary with terrain. Previous capsules have been retrieved from fields, cow pastures, and reservoirs.

The Hitchhiker Program is open to individuals, schools, and organizations that wish to conduct upper atmospheric experiments without the expense of developing their own balloon launching, tracking, and recovery system for small lightweight payloads. The Hitchhiker Program Guide provides a complete description of the program, qualifications, and provided resources.

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