Launching an Idea

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When the love of hobbies and career collide, innovation and opportunity arise. Brian Cieslak, of Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, enjoys teaching about astronomy and is a member of the Ham Radio Community where he is known worldwide by his call sign, K9WIS. Through his connections in the Ham Radio Community, Cieslak began making plans to launch balloons with GPS devices. Cieslak, whose job is also part of the School District of Waukesha, applied for a grant from the Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. during the 2019-2020 school year. 


The grant entitled “High Altitude Balloon-Circumnavigating the World” proposed to lift ‘Pico Balloons’ into the jet stream and catch a ride around the world. The two pancake-shaped, jellyfish-looking balloons are 36 inches in diameter and 15 inches thick. By applying physics, Cieslak determined how much helium gas the balloons would need to match the density of the atmosphere at the altitude he wanted the balloons to float. Hydrogen gas, which is often used, poses a safety risk as the gas can be explosive. Although hydrogen is inexpensive, the equipment required to use hydrogen safely is very expensive. Helium gas is more expensive than hydrogen, but it is safer to use. With helium being the more cost-effective and safer option, Cieslak said Welders Supply of Big Bend donated the necessary amount of helium gas for this mission. The balloons carry an 8-gram GPS device plus solar panels and antenna. “The unit is solar-powered and has the ability to conserve energy when it is not needed,” said Cieslak. “During the night time or on cloudy days, the tracker hibernates until the sunlight can charge the system again.” By using special, digital communication protocols which were developed and used by the Ham Radio Community, the balloons are tracked with short wave receivers and computers. This technology is also designed to detect weak signals. The Network of Ham Radio stations tracking the balloons is worldwide. The Network automatically forwards data to a central website via the Internet indicating where the balloons’ position can be viewed on a map of the world. The mission’s progress can be followed by visiting this website. Once the balloons rise above the weather ceiling and air traffic control areas (40,000 feet), they will float along the jet stream. Traveling as fast as 160 mph eastward, the balloons are predicted to orbit the earth in just eight days. Cieslak, who is missing his Planetarium field trip students this year, hopes students can follow the balloons’ travels. “I really hope to get the tracking sites into the hands of the teachers and students,” said Cieslak. “We are planning a future planetarium program to highlight the mission.” 

To follow the updates with Brian's almost daily blogs, click HERE. 
To track the mission's progress, visit this website. 

For more about the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, visit their website here.



Submitted by: Kim Tinder


Brian is "all smiles" as he gets ready to check the wind direction with his "test" balloon. 





Up up and Away! The balloon is off to see the world! 




Location: Found in Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167, Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188, USA

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