Mike Coslo wrote:

A number of near space launches were not held this past weekend:

ASTRO-1 was not launched.

go here to see what they did not launch and did not do:

http://www.mae.okstate.edu/aero/astr...O-01/INDEX.htm

They didn't use a Kaymont latex balloon to not launch their 4.4 pound
payload.

Some pictures of the payload and balloon that they didn't use to not
launch are he

http://www.mae.okstate.edu/aero/astr...to_gallery.htm

remember it's a long link, so pay attention to the wrap.

The launch, or not launch, was the first for this group, and they had
some telemetry problems. From what telemetry was functioning, they
estimated that they reached over 100,000 feet. All in all, not too bad
an effort for no launch.

Other groups that were not launching this past weekend, and some that
they won't be launching in the coming weeks:

http://users.crosspaths.net/wallio/A...ouncements.htm

These folks (SSOK) haven't been launching balloons since 1992:

http://www.petesias.com/balloons.htm

It appears the the Civil Air Patrol is not launching these things either!

http://www.capnspace.org/Missions/?dir=cns-001

Note that they had to delay the date that they don't launch their second
mission to December 4th. Weird things happen when you don't launch these
things.

The Civil Air Patrol effort looks like a *very* well done effort.
Perhaps a model. I may contact the local CAP and see if they might be
interested.

Mea culpas on the sarcasm, but this is just too weird.

Mike,

The 1986 OH0MD/OJ0 team on Market Reef was really reluctant to let its
balloon go so we tethered it with some light nylon cord with very light
gauge magnet wire wound around it--enough for just about 5/8 wave on
160m.
The balloon stayed up for several days, enabling us to make the first
ever OJ0 QSOs to North America on top band. We carried a helium tank
with us. With the arrival of a very large storm, the balloon beat
itself to death on the granite rocks.

The Ohio State University Amateur Radio Club, W8LT used a helium-filled
kytoon for some years for supporting antennas in 160m contests. Old
QST's from the 70's and 80's have photos.

Dave K8MN