Squadron partners with San Antonio Radio Club

On May 27, 2023, cadets and senior members of the Randolph and Lackland Composite Squadrons were joined with the San Antonio Radio Club to launch a high-altitude balloon from the Kitty Hawk Ultralight Flying Field in Schertz, Texas. The event was led by Lt. Kappas of the Randolph Composite Squadron. Cadets Aristeguieta, Marrs (Lackland Squadron), Moss, Rosin, and Scott assisted with the set-up and launch of the balloon.

Attached to the 1,000g helium balloon was a payload box consisting of APRS light transmitter, HAM radio, GoPro video device, and GPS-enabled tracking systems. Cadets assisted with inflating the balloon, calling in to ATC to inform of the upcoming launch, sealing the payload box, and eventually launching the balloon.

The balloon system travelled to the edge of space, reaching a maximum altitude of 102,267 feet at a varied ascent rate. It was tracked using amateur radio. Once the balloon burst, the attached parachute brought the system down to a landing area outside of Nixon, Gonzales County, Texas and was recovered by CAP and SARC personnel.