KerBalloon Program

  • Overview
  • Low Altitude
  • High Altitude

Program Patch

Given that rockets are inherently dangerous and thus the pace of our push to higher altitudes is paradoxically slow, atmospheric scientists banded together to form the KerBalloon Program and are working in conjunction with the KerBalloon agency itself to design various balloons that can be used to loft payloads up into the atmosphere to study weather and climate conditions, among other things.

Recent Program News

Show All News

Primary Program Goals

Launch and recover a payload safely
Test various science payloads/part crash tolerances (ongoing)
Study the atmosphere above all biomes on Kerbin
Show Secondary Goals
Study the atmosphere above the Ice Caps
Study the atmosphere above the Northern Ice Shelf
Study the atmosphere above the Southern Ice Shelf
Study the atmosphere above the Tundra
Study the atmosphere above the Highlands
Study the atmosphere above the Mountains
Study the atmosphere above the Grasslands
Study the atmosphere above the Deserts
Study the atmosphere above the Badlands
Study the atmosphere above the Shores
Study the atmosphere above the Water

Active Program Contracts

None at this time

Program Album

View full album on flickr

KerBalloon Test Probe

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Ground Track

Atmospheric Probe (Standard)

Up Up and Away

Red Dawn

KerBalloon Recovery

Rover Crash

KerBalloons

A Different Launch

Roll Out!

KerBallon "Cool Pics" Launch

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

Highlands Dawn Launch

Ready to Rove

Up and Away

Eclipse Atmospheric Temperature Study

Launch Prep

Sea Launch

KerBalloon Launch

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

New Batteries

Rolling Out Under the Stars and Nebulae

Highlands KerBalloon Launch

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Steaming South

All the parts!

Radiation Sensors

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

To New Heights

High-Altitude KerBalloon Probe
Program Duration: Sep 2016 – ongoing
Total Expenditure: 664,630
Total Income (Net): 1,408,912 (744,282)
Yearly Income (Net): 0 (0)
Active Vessels: Low Altitude, High Altitude
Number of Releases: 165
Program Success Rate: 90%
Program Ribbon:
Agency Partners: Umbra Space Industries, KerBalloon, Probodobodyne, Zaltonic Electronics

Vessel Patch

The initial KerBalloon was designed using material taken from airship hulls, which meant it was tough but not flexible, so it would eventually succumb to the internal pressure expanding during ascent and burst at 16.5km ASL. This still allows collection of data throughout the lower atmosphere during its ~45min ascent. This initial design can carry two small science instruments as its payload.

Recent Vessel News

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2020)
KerBalloon Badlands Science Survey #2 – 11/16/20
Both high and low altitude crews are dispatched deep into the Badlands for multiple releases as part of a larger scientific expedition to investigate a suspected super volcano caldera at Site X02-V
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 63 – 10/7/20
Releasing two balloons over Sector KD-T for Tiberdyne Aerospace this mission will take advantage of the orbiting Kerbin II to stay in communication & thus require less support to be taken along
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 62 – 9/1/20
Releasing over two locations, Sector LVS9B and Area D0J-60, the team sent up balloons to measure pollen levels in the atmosphere to further supplement data collected by quarterly Civvie flights
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 61 – 8/18/20
Making a short traversal via UTV out to the grasslands west of KSC, a release over Zone 7NW3XV for the Field Research Team aims to collect additional pollen data to augment quarterly Civvie flights
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 60 – 7/20/20
The crew head to sea once again to release two balloons over Sector QH-T96 for Flooyd Dynamics Research Lab, to study how wind patterns through the isle straits affect Kerblantic storm development
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 59 – 6/24/20
After some overland traversals the crew changes gears and ships out aboard a maritime service vessel to do a release over the ocean at Area G0-XK8 for L-Tech Scientific Industries
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 58 – 6/2/20
With support from Kravass the crew takes on another UTV traversal, heading out to Sector P-7NG4 north of the Wall to gather data about the weather boundary the terrain uplift causes
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 57 – 5/5/20
The longest overland trek to date using Utility Task Vehicles saw two releases, one each over Zone 88TN-K & Site WQ90-B to gather weather and atmospheric data for CTC Exploration
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 56 – 2/7/20
Although we were able to save costs making the trip to Site 0-C75S for CTC Exploration via a supply vessel it took the team over two weeks before they could make the return voyage!
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 55 – 1/22/20
A “local” mission that allows for cost-saving but treacherous UTV traversal sends the team out to Site V817DW on behalf of L-Tech Scientific Industries for an updated meteorological study of the region
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 54 – 1/13/20
Releasing two balloons from the deck of a maritime vessel, the notoriously bad weather found over Area F0SPD and Site Z1-P give trouble for this mission on behalf of Probodobodyne Inc
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2019)
Low-Altitude Science Survey 53 – 11/15/19
Releasing a balloon from within an old asteroid impact crater at Zone 347CR to conduct atmospheric analysis of the lower atmosphere for Experimental Engineering Group
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 52 – 10/16/19
Releasing a balloon near The Wall at Zone 99KL3 to better study the dual jet streams that run to the north and south of the mountain range for CTC Exploration
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 51 – 9/30/19
Joining yet another research expedition, the crew brings along two balloons to release over Zone 42-HGTG to study the lower atmosphere and radiation near the poles for Field Research Team
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 50 – 9/9/19
Traveling overland via UTV to release over Area XX-233 north of the western shore desert to help CTC Exploration get a better idea of the weather patterns in the area & if the same will happen here
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 49 – 8/26/19
Tagging along with an expedition up to the northern ice shelf, the team releases a balloon to gather atmospheric data over Site T1A664 for Tiberdyne Aerospace
Mission Report
Joint Science Survey – 8/14/19
Both the high- and low-altitude crews set out together aboard the MSV Tongjess to release over several locations, with the low-alt crew at sea and high-alt dropped off on an island with UTVs
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 46 – 6/11/19
Too far for a UTV traversal, the crew charters an airship to head out to the middle of a vast plain and release a balloon over Zone 23A9N for Kip Engineering
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 45 – 5/27/19
Taking an overland trek via UTV to a nearby mountainous region to release a balloon for Flooyd Dynamics Research Lab over Area 51KL2 & also set seismic sensors for field researchers
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 44 – 4/30/19
Sailing and then trekking out to a spot in the Great Desert, the crew release a balloon over Site T1A402 for Tiberdyne Aerospace and also witness the effects of a meteor impact
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 43 – 4/1/19
The crew returns to a research site last scienced back in 2017 to gather new readings, this time for Reaction Systems Ltd
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 42 – 3/22/19
After a previous civvie overflight back in 2017 scientists are still unsure weather this volcano is actually extinct, so gas concentrations are being gathered over Zone J-7438 for Tetragon Projects
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Surveys 38-41 – 2/21/19
Embedding with a month-long expedition out to the Kongo River basin, the team deployed 4 separate balloons over Area YP-725, Area YP-852, Zone 1-DIU and Sector A2-6438 for various agencies
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 37 – 1/29/19
The crew head out overland to the desert west of KSC for a release on behalf of Rokea over Site 32-K6E and to conduct additional fieldwork, the closest mission to home in quite some time
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2018)
Low-Altitude Science Survey 36 – 9/7/18
Attaching to another scientific expedition setting out to examine a small highly-acidic lake over a volcanic area, meteorological data will be collected for Kerbodyne as well over Area M-32Q
Mission Report
KerBalloon Badlands Science Survey #1 – 7/13/18
Both high and low altitude balloons are dispatched to the Badlands under Sector X1-37A to collect various science readings for Flooyd Dynamics Research Lab
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 34 – 5/16/18
After a near-disaster in the southern sea, specialists Bob & Bill head north to Sector B-C49 to perform similar temperature gathering in a body of water that can be just as unpredictable & dangerous
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 33 – 5/11/18
Specialists Bob & Bill brave the southern sea a second time after their first attempt to reach Zone 60P-5X nearly ended in disaster thanks to a strong storm
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 32 – 2/2/18
Specialists Bob & Bill take a sea voyage out to Site DAW-LEG to gather temperature data for Kip Engineering
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 31 – 1/24/18
Specialists Bob & Bill use every available mode of transportation – land, sea and air – to carry out two balloon releases far west of KSC over Sector GV-001 and Site 0B-RZ
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 30 – 1/17/18
Specialist Bob is dropped off on the way home from another balloon mission to release a temperature survey balloon for Rockomax Conglomerate over Zone 9-LM7
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2017)
Low-Altitude Science Survey 29 – 11/15/17
Specialists Bob & Bill traverse overland to the West Shore Desert to gather temperature data from Zone DJSNM for use by Albert Kerman Industries
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Surveys 27 & 28 – 11/8/17
Specialist Bob launches from sea aboard MSV Lymun to gather pressure data from Site JF-455 and temperature data from Zone TR-001, suffering a partial & uncharacteristic failure during one ascent
 Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 26 – 10/23/17
Specialists Bob & Bill set out for the longest overland trek in UTVs to date, looking to cover nearly 260km to make it to Area DRA55 to get low-altitude temperature data for Flooyd Dynamics
 Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 25 – 10/5/17
Specialist Bob, still aboard MSV Tongjess, launches from Sector RP-010 to gather pressure data for Kerbolyov Design Bureau while Specialist Bill stands by in the event of a land recovery due to winds
 Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 24 – 10/4/17
Specialist Bob heads to Sector RT-M0H aboard the Maritime Service Vessel Tongjess to launch & recover after gathering temperature data for Zaltonic Electronics
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Surveys 22 & 23 – 9/28/17
Specialist Bob sends up two balloons over Zone EBGY-010 & Sector N9-Q9B to gather temperature data for Glowing Kraken Industries & Armstrong Siddeley and Royce Engineering respectively
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 21 – 9/13/17
Specialist Bob goes 33km out to sea to launch in Area H-MJW and collect temperature data for Rokea. high winds from the north keep the balloon out to sea after launching close to land
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 20 – 9/5/17
Specialists Bill & Bob, one by land & one by sea, head for Zone 83H-2K to gather temperature readings for Umbra Space Industries. One or the other will collect the payload depending where it lands
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 19 – 9/1/17
Specialist Bob takes sail aboard a Maritime Service Vessel a short distance offshore at Sector Q4CLVG to launch a payload for Umbra Space Industries to gather pressure data
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 18 – 7/25/17
Specialists Bill and Bob head north 38km to Sector QKRM in order to deploy a low-altitude balloon to gather temperature data for Armstrong, Siddeley and Royce Engineering
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 17 – 7/6/17
Specialists Bill and Bob head north 23km to Eumon’s Tears in order to deploy a low-altitude balloon to gather temperature data for Kerbodyne
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 16 – 6/13/17
Specialists Bill and Bob head out with a crew in UTVs 57km to Sector FY4KLL north of KSC in order to deploy a low-altitude balloon to gather temperature data for Periapsis Rocket Supplies Co
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 15 – 6/9/17
Specialist Bob boards the MSV Lymun at Umbarg to carry out a temperature survey at Catry’s Anomaly for Goliath National Products, unaware that something lurks in the deep…
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Surveys 13 & 14 – 6/8/17 & 6/9/17
With the sites so close together, surveys were carried out simultaneously over Gilmon’s Descent and Site VNJ-4 for Real Chute and Tarsier Space Technology, respectively.
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 12 – 4/13/17
Take pressure readings in flight below 14,700 meters near Derfred’s Recklessness for Jeb’s Junkyard and Spaceship Parts
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 11 – 3/9/17
Measure the temperature in flight below 17,300 meters near Zone 5-BBQ for Shadow Space Technologies Unlimited
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 10 – 1/25/17
Measure the temperature in flight below 16,600 meters near Sector NM-1P9 for Tokamak Industries as part of a 3-launch sea voyage
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 9 – 1/17/17
Measure the temperature in flight below 17,800 meters near Site ZT-8 for Aerojet Kerbodyne. Unfortunately disaster struck en-route to the launch site
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2016)
Low-Altitude Science Survey 8 – 12/20/16
We measured the temperature in flight below 18,200 meters near Jorsey’s Passage for RealChute
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 7 – 12/14/16
We collected some temperature data in the region around KSC for Vac-Co Advanced Suction Systems
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 6 – 11/30/16
We collected some temperature data in the region around KSC for Coatl Aerospace
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 5 – 11/25/16
We collected some temperature data in the region around KSC for Fuel Tanks Plus
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 4 – 11/23/16
We attempted to collect some temperature data in the region around KSC for Experimental Engineering
Mission Report
Cool Photos from 16.5km – 11/22/16
We sent up a KerBalloon for the sole purpose of seeing what cool photos we could get from and on the way to 16.5km. For added effect, we did it at sunset
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 3 – 11/18/16
We gathered some pressure data in the region around KSC for an undisclosed agency
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 2 – 11/15/16
We collected some pressure data in the region around KSC for Kip Engineering
Mission Report
Low-Altitude Science Survey 1 – 11/10/16
We gathered some temperature data in the region around KSC for an undisclosed agency while an eclipse was happening
Mission Report
5-Biome Campaign Flight 5 – 10/27/16
We set out to explore the various biomes that exist in the area around KSC. Shores, Water, Highlands & Grasslands have been scienced, now for Deserts
Mission Report
5-Biome Campaign Flight 4 – 10/25/16
We set out to explore the various biomes that exist in the area around KSC. Shores, Water & Highlands have been scienced, now for Grasslands
Mission Report
5-Biome Campaign Flight 3 – 10/21/16
We set out to explore the various biomes that exist in the area around KSC. Shores and Water have been scienced, now for Highlands
Mission Report
5-Biome Campaign Flight 2 – 10/20/16
We set out to explore the various biomes that exist in the area around KSC. Shores have been scienced, now for Water
Mission Report
5-Biome Campaign Flight 1 – 10/20/16
We set out to explore the various biomes that exist in the area around KSC starting with the easiest, the Shore, as that is where we reside
Mission Report
Low Altitude Test Flight – 9/21/16
We get our first production sample from KerBalloon and see how it handles an ascent to max altitude of 16.5km and back to the ground
Mission Report

Vessel Images

View all images on flickr

Windy Launch

How Does the Goo Feel?

KerBalloon Test Probe

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Test

KerBalloon Ground Track

Atmospheric Probe (Standard)

Up Up and Away

Red Dawn

KerBalloon Recovery

Rover Crash

KerBalloons

A Different Launch

Roll Out!

KerBallon "Cool Pics" Launch

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

Highlands Dawn Launch

Ready to Rove

Up and Away

Eclipse Atmospheric Temperature Study

Launch Prep

Sea Launch

KerBalloon Launch

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

"Cool Pics" Balloon Flight

Up Goes the Balloon, Down Goes the Sun

Rolling Out Under the Stars and Nebulae

Highlands KerBalloon Launch

Steaming South

All the parts!

Sunrise Anchors Aweigh

Up, Up and Away!

Triumphant Return

Back Home

Home +1

Shipping Out

Dawn Rollout

Recovery

Carry Vehicle

Away at Dawn

Clouds? No Problem

Sunset

Calm Ascent
Vessel Lifetime: Sep 2016 – ongoing
Total Expenditure: 269,876
Total Income (Net): 707,798 (437,922)
Yearly Income (Net): 0 (0)
Number of Releases: 77
Mission Success Rate: 89%
Vessel Ribbon:

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

Advancements in the materials used to construct the gas envelope has allowed for greater flexibility, allowing the gas to expand further without rupturing. This balloon can remain intact in atmospheres greater than 1kPa, which on Kerbin comes out to just short of 26km ASL. The unit also has external rails that can take parachute attachments manufactured specifically for recovering KerBalloon units.

Recent Vessel News

Show All News

Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2020)
KerBalloon Badlands Science Survey #2 – 11/16/20
Both high and low altitude crews are dispatched deep into the Badlands for multiple releases as part of a larger scientific expedition to investigate a suspected super volcano caldera at Site X02-V
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 70 – 9/11/20
Spending a month out in the Kongo River basin the crew sends up 5 balloons to measure various aspects of the atmosphere and help improve weather forecasting for surface expeditions in the area
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 69 – 8/20/20
After flying out to Ockr the crew takes an airship to Sector M-J8B4 to release for L-Tech Scientific Industries & gather weather data that could help forecasts for the new surface colony to the south
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 68 – 7/25/20
After flying out to the Kongo River base, the team takes a ~450km trek via UTV to the center of Kerbin’s largest plain to release a balloon for Kip Engineering over Area GQP7-S
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 67- 5/28/20
Joining a month-long science expedition out to the Badlands, the crew releases two balloons over separate locations near Area F-CDSX for Reaction Systems Ltd
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 66 – 5/7/20
Hitching a ride with a deep-sea expedition to the northern sea, the release over Sector Q-0ZN5 for Tetragon Projects will gather data from the heights as opposed to the depths
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 65 – 3/2/20
After making initial observations last year, the Field Research Team returned to the Tundra with more balloons and equipment for additional study of the atmospheric radiation from the outer belt
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 64 – 1/29/20
Shipping out to a new island at Area J8209R recently formed by volcanism, the crew releases a meteo payload for Field Research Team to study the terrain’s effect on winds off the smooth water
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 63 – 1/14/20
Hopping an airship out to the location of the new planned surface colony, the crew releases a balloon over Area C9QBZF for Kip Engineering to help with site surveying from a meteorological standpoint
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2019)
High-Altitude Science Survey 62 – 12/9/19
Staging out of the Kongo base, Lead Scientist Cheranne take a team of her field researchers north to Site LP-Z23L to test new radiation equipment where the Outer Belt interacts with the upper atmosphere
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 61 – 11/18/19
Staging out of the Kongo River Research Base, the team deploys over Area KD-6392 to gather atmospheric measurements of the dry desert air for Flooyd Dynamics Research Lab
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 60 – 10/29/19
Staging out of the Kongo River Research Base, the team deploys over Site JJ-3492 to continue to explore the atmosphere & air currents over terrain upthrusts, this time for the Field Research Team
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 59 – 10/17/19
Staging out of the Kongo River Research Base, the team deploys over Sector HH-3947 to get more data on the air currents that swirl around these mountains on behalf of Tetragon Projects
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 58 – 10/1/19
Staging out of the Kongo River Research Base, the team deploys over Area ZX-363 to get more data on how the extreme, high terrain of the Great Desert affects upper-level air currents for L-Tech Sci Ind.
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 57 – 9/12/19
An unfortunate accident prevented the team from releasing over Sector ABLE for Reaction Systems Ltd, but thankfully only one major and mostly minor injuries were sustained by the crew
Mission Report
Joint Science Survey – 8/14/19
Both the high- and low-altitude crews set out together aboard the MSV Tongjess to release over several locations, with the low-alt crew at sea and high-alt dropped off on an island with UTVs
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 55 – 6/6/19
Releasing from a MSV over Zone 564KL for Probodobodyne Inc, the team uses UTVs to recover the payload after its flight into the upper atmosphere, then battle a sea storm on the way home
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 54 – 5/30/19
Crossing the Kerblantic aboard a science ship to a lake deep within a mountainous region the team releases over Sector HA-K64 for Rokea to gather more information about the surrounding area
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 53 – 4/26/19
Departing via Maritime Service Vessel for Area EE-22G in the northern sea, the crew had to wait a few days for proper release conditions in order to avoid icing and conducted a successful recovery
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 52 – 3/25/19
Embedding with a team of keologists out to Area 23-KTB to track wind patterns over the torturous terrain, an amazing discovery is made that could have huge cultural impact
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 51 – 2/15/19
Partaking in a perilous sea expedition that sailed over 2,000km one way to release two weather balloons over Sector B1-6537 for CTC Exploration and Zone 9-UB3 for Field Research Team
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 50 – 1/16/19
Embedding with another scientific expedition allows the crew to carry out a relatively inexpensive release over Site 23-O3N to gather temperature data for Moving Parts Experts Group
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2018)
High-Altitude Science Survey 49 – 10/3/18
Crews embed themselves with an expedition to Site RAD-073 by the south pole in order to launch two balloons to measure the radiation levels in the upper atmosphere under the aurora
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 48 – 7/27/18
Although the northern polar region has been explored by aircraft, no high-altitude measurements have yet been taken until now, with a release over Zone CIE-386 for Albert Kerman Industries
Mission Report
KerBalloon Badlands Science Survey #1 – 7/13/18
Both high and low altitude balloons are dispatched to the Badlands under Sector X1-37A to collect various science readings for Flooyd Dynamics Research Lab
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 46 – 6/27/18
Hitching a ride on a temperature survey over Area PB-G4, more Mystery Goo heads up into the atmosphere for additional tests of its ability to go into a protective stasis
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 45 – 6/15/18
Crews make an overland trek to climb a bit up the mountains and release from Zone MO247 to gather material science data, including mystery goo, for WinterOwl Field Research
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 44 – 6/12/18
The development of a strong storm gives short notice to crews to head out and release a balloon but luckily they have one on hand to send up over Site Q3P-010 for the Field Research Team
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 43 – 6/4/18
Crews trek overland aboard Utility Task Vehicles to release a balloon over Zone MOI24 in the desert region to collect material science data for Probodobodyne Inc
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 42 – 5/25/18
Specialists Bob & Bill trek overland aboard Utility Task Vehicles to release a balloon over Zone MOI65 in the rough interior Highlands and collect material science data for Probodobodyne Inc
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 41 – 4/19/18
Specialists Bob & Bill will head out to sea in order to release a high-atmospheric balloon to gather wind data over a strait between two large bodies of water at Area P3OR for L-Tech Scientific Industries
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 40 – 2/12/18
Specialists Bob & Bill embark on another long distance sea voyage to gather temperature data over Sector PHCV-843 near the Great Desert for Probodobodyne Inc
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 39 – 1/26/18
Specialists Bob & Bill use every available mode of transportation – land, sea and air – to carry out two balloon releases far west of KSC over Sector GV-001 and Site 0B-RZ
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 38 – 1/15/18
Specialists Bob & Bill make their longest overland journey yet over 400km north towards Kravass to release a pressure-monitoring balloon over Site GLE-F8 for Experimental Engineering
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2017)
High-Altitude Science Survey 37 – 12/7/17
Specialists Bob & Bill travel to Ockr once again to test data relay through to KSC, this time launching from land over Zone 8CH2-L to ensure line of sight to Ockr during ascent
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 36 – 11/29/17
Specialists Bob & Bill continue to test our future data relay infrastructure, this time through Ockr with a double-release over Site 1BP3 after several weather delays
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 35 – 11/23/17
Specialists Bob & Bill carry out the KSA’s northern-most mission to gather new science and also test out data relay through Kravass from Zone JB354 for Nehemiah Engineering
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 34 – 11/2/17
Specialist Bob travels 212km southwest of KSC to Zone 72R72X in order to launch a balloon into a large storm system & record data (but not recover the balloon) for Reaction Systems Ltd
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 33 – 10/17/17
Specialist Bob heads out to sea once again to satisfy a contract for Kerbodyne over Area H1S7 53km northwest of KSC, gathering temperature data from the upper atmosphere
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 32 – 9/27/17
Specialist Bill spent two days north of KSC waiting for clear skies at sunset to release a balloon over Site WK71 to gather temperature data for Wobbly Rockets, unaware of potential health dangers
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 31 – 9/26/17
Specialist Bob heads out to sea south of KSC at Site T3KCSD to await good weather in order to gather pressure data during ascent up to 1kPa for Glowing Kraken Industries
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 30 – 9/15/17
Specialists Bob & Bill have gone their separate ways to Sector P42P in order to launch from land & recover from (rough) sea after gathering temperature data for Kerbodyne
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 29 – 9/6/17
Specialist Bob is out to sea to gather temperature data for Probodobodyne Inc over Area HX-HD after first recovering a payload launched from land that drifted out over the water
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 28 – 8/30/17
Specialist Bill & crew head 97km north with 3 days of supplies to await good weather for launching a payload at Area CQ-49 to gather temperature data for Experimental Engineering Group
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Surveys 26 & 27 – 8/25/17
Specialist Bob leads a crew aboard the Maritime Service Vessel Lymun to Site Q-WL9 & Site Z-6O4 to gather pressure data for L-Tech Scientific Industries and Reaction Systems Ltd, respectively
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 25 – 8/23/17
Specialists Bill & Bob lead another 3-day mission but manage to launch on day one – however despite the early launch & great ascent recovery operations quickly became complicated due to steep slopes
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 24 – 8/18/17
Heading up into the central plains region, Specialists Bill and Bob lead a crew in 3 UTVs to camp out and await good weather for temperature readings over Sector PG-XF for Moving Parts Experts Group
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 23 – 8/9/17
Another combined land & sea mission, this time from the southern part of the continent, gathered temperature data for Moving Parts Experts Group over Site K-119E
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 22 – 8/7/17
A marathon 14hr mission saw a launch from land & recovery from land although it was intended to be by sea, as temperature data was gathered over Zone 5-3S for Tiberdyne Aerospace
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 21 – 8/2/17
Not knowing how good the weather would be, Bill & crew stocked up for a 3-day mission to wait for good launch conditions to send up a balloon over Area X07TT for Periapsis Rocket Supplies Co
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 20 – 8/1/17
Heading over 100km out to sea, Specialist Bob & his crew handle the launch and recovery from Site L-7H1 to satisfy Tiberdyne Aerospace’s interest in temperature data
Mission Report
Negative Gravioli Test Flight – 7/5/17
After numerous delays waiting for idea conditions, a high-altitude balloon launched from KSC carried aloft a new science instrument designed to measure subtle changes in gravitational fields
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 19 – 7/4/17
Just offshore from Umbarg out in the Kerblantic a balloon launch attempt by Bob & crew off the MSV Tongjess over Zone 39-W for Kerbal Aircraft Expansioneers Ltd is thwarted by safety concerns
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Surveys 17 & 18 – 6/28/17
Bob leads a crew aboard the MSV Lymun out of Umbarg to carry out launches at Kathie’s Prize and Sector MJD6 for Reaction Systems Ltd and Junk Systems Inc, respectively
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 16 – 6/26/17
Bill leads out a crew north to Pilot’s Wonder to complete a contract for Sean’s Cannery that failed last week when the balloon ruptured on lift off due to over-pressurization
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Surveys 15 & 16 – 6/22/17
Crews set out to launch two high-altitude balloons within close proximity of each other at Elinica’s Legacy and Pilot’s Wonder, however complications prevent them from completing both missions
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 14 – 6/16/17
Bill & Bob head down to Umbarg so a balloon can be launched just offshore over Jeschel’s Luck for Albert Kerman Industries. The question is – where will it come down?
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 13 – 6/2/17
Bill & Bob join up to trek 100Km+ inland to Sector SS7DMM in order to launch a high-altitude balloon for Glowing Kraken Industries, without the assistance of the Genesis program to deliver the payload
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 12 – 5/25/17
Measure the pressure in flight above 17,300 meters near Area C8FN9 for Albert Kerman Industries. Will carry out in partnership with Genesis Program
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 11 – 5/17/17
Still aboard the MSV Tongjess, Specialist Bob has swapped control units with a balloon he brought with him to perform a second mission at sea over Hendon’s Drift for Silisko Industries
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 10 – 5/17/17
Specialist Bill leads out a team of UTVs on a short 44km overland mission to launch a high-altitude balloon for a science survey at Site W-82 for Integrated Integrals
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 9 – 5/16/17
Measure the temperature in flight above 19,200 meters near Lisnne’s Crater for Bloeting. Will carry out in partnership with Genesis Program
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 8 – 5/15/17
With the storm past and Tongjess’ engine repaired, Specialist Bob once again sets sail to attempt to launch a balloon over the survey spot they missed last week – Zone 5-L3DS
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 7 – 5/10/17
Although it was one of our better ascents for the high-altitude KerBalloon unit, the onset of a strong storm & mechanical issues ultimately spelled doom for this mission to Area H2W37
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 6 – 5/8/17
Measure the temperature in flight above 16,700 meters near Zone 6-VZLB for DMagic Orbital Sciences. Civvie will drop a KerBalloon to perform this contract
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 5 – 4/21/17
Measure the temperature in flight above 19,200 meters near Kirrim’s Dawn for Rokea Inc. Dropped from a Civvie to be deployed over the area
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 4 – 4/5/317
After failing to launch our Progeny Mk3 rocket we renegotiated with the Maritime Service and the vessel on station for rocket recovery sailed out to handle a balloon launch at Manley’s Lament
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 3 – 3/6/17
Measure the temperature in flight above 17,500 meters near Zone 7-BNC for Umbra Space Industries
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 2 – 1/25/17
Take pressure readings in flight above 17,800 meters near Zone 5-0D for Shadow Space Technologies Unlimited as part of a 3-launch sea voyage
Mission Report
High-Altitude Science Survey 1 – 1/25/17
Measure the temperature in flight above 19,300 meters near Jaalla’s Trough for CTC Exploration as part of a 3-launch sea voyage
Mission Report
High Altitude Test Flight – 1/20/17
Before we send any units out for contract work we want to make sure they function properly, as this test flight will ascertain.
Mission Report

Vessel Images

View all images on flickr

New Batteries

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Steaming South

All the parts!

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

Photos from Ground to 25km

To New Heights

High-Altitude KerBalloon Probe

High-Altitude Balloon Launch

Sunrise Departure

Bon Voyage!

KerBalloon Launch

Time to Get Ready

KerBalloon Payload

Taxi Out for Deployment

Falling to Kerbin

Payload Flight Departure

Over the Mountains

Payload Inspection

Launching with the Dawn

Rising Sun

To Umbarg

Up and Away

Grasslands Highlands Mountains

Island Chain

Tumbling Down

Stuck in a Tree

KSC From Above

Vaporized

Upper Atmosphere

Bye Bye Balloon

Perfect Weather

Rolling Home

Off Into the Blue

Day at the Beach

Land Ho

No Moons, Only Dark

Out to Sea

Somewhere, Up There

Northward Bound

Sundown
Vessel Lifetime: Jan 2017 – ongoing
Total Expenditure: 368,872
Total Income (Net): 701,114 (332,242)
Yearly Income (Net): 0 (0)
Number of Releases: 88
Mission Success Rate: 90%
Vessel Ribbon:

Vessel Blueprint