Payload Guidelines

 

The overall payload on each balloon will be required to adhere to the following guidelines as set out by the UKHAS (UK High Altitude Society). The gemini team will work with you to help all payloads stick to these requirements.

 

• Keep within the ICAO regulations for light payloads:

  • The total mass of all components making up the overall payload should be less the 4kg.

  • If the overall payload is 2 kg or more the area density must be below 13 g per square centimetre. (4kg payload should have a footprint larger than 18x18 cm)

• Projects should aim to make their payload as light as possible not only for safety reasons but also because the payload mass determines the maximum altitude achievable.

• Payloads should include insulation surrounding the equipment both for maintaining temperature but also providing 'padding' on impact.

• Antenna elements that face down should be flexible - avoid metal rods.

• As there is a chance that your payload may not be recoverable, strive to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.