Axis network camera delivered high quality images to Earth from 35,000 metres from a stratospheric balloon |
The Esrange Space Centre at the Swedish Space Corporation sent a high altitude balloon equipped with atmospheric physics research tools up to 35,000 metres. When the tests were completed, the 100,000m³ balloon was brought down with three parachutes. Unique to this launch was that the parachutes were equipped with a network camera from Axis Communications, the AXIS Q6034-E, which made it possible for the researchers to validate the parachute system and the landing with high quality images in real time from Earth. The balloon landed in northern Finland, which required the wireless network to have a reach of 400 km.
Phil Doyle, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Axis Communications said: "Axis outdoor video solutions are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and to provide reliable surveillance at all times. To manage to deliver images in conditions of -73º C for over three hours, with the lowest temperature reaching -90º C, is very satisfying."
Per Baldemar, head of the launching team of Rocket & Balloon Systems at the Swedish Space Corporation said: "To be able to visually see what is happening in real time, combined with the data we are recording, is invaluable for assessing how the parachutes behave and where they land. It will lead to more reliable and secure landings."