{"product_id":"habsat-near-space-flight-module","title":"HabSat Near-Space Flight Module","description":"\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is It?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHabSat is a complete electronics platform for high-altitude ballooning. It is designed to make near-space exploration accessible to students, educators, makers, hobbyists, or anyone who has ever wanted to launch their own spacecraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/habsat.jpg?v=1784908436\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Flight Module\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact \u003cstrong\u003e10 x 10 x 7 cm payload\u003c\/strong\u003e weighing \u003cstrong\u003eless than 300 g\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is designed to be carried by a weather balloon \u003cstrong\u003eover 30 km (100,000 ft)\u003c\/strong\u003e above the Earth. This is high enough to see some slight curvature of the horizon, the blackness of space, and a view you'll only see during spaceflight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/near-space-2.jpg?v=1786385295\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile it's up there, the HabSat records its journey, measures the environment around it, transmits live telemetry to the ground, and sends back images while it is still flying, like the ones below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/habsat-thumbnail-mosiac-landscape.jpg?v=1786385309\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter approximately 2-3 hours, the balloon bursts in the stratosphere and the HabSat descends safely back to Earth via parachute to fly another day. You'll use our ground station software to track and chase the HabSat in real-time so you'll always know where it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/ops-chase.png?v=1786385325\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe HabSat is in final development and is coming soon! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease subscribe to our mailing list above if you'd like to be notified when it becomes available.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Near-Space Mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA HabSat mission begins with planning on the ground. This includes selecting a launch location and time, and predicting where it will land using the software we provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the flight, the HabSat will stream back to you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPS position and altitude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature, pressure, and relative humidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3-axis acceleration and motion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImage thumbnails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredicted flight path and landing location\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HabSat also records all of the above telemetry, as well as additional high-resolution images, to an onboard SD card for recovery after landing. However, even if the payload is lost (good mission planning will make this unlikely), you will still have the telemetry and images you received during the flight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Flight System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo coding, electronics, radio experience, or complex setup is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete HabSat flight system consists of \u003cstrong\u003efour main components\u003c\/strong\u003e, all of which you can buy from Midnight Make. For maximum flexibility, the balloon and parachute are optional purchases if you already have your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHabSat Near-Space Flight Module (\u003cstrong\u003ethis product\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHabSat Ground Station (\u003cstrong\u003ecoming soon\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRocketman 3ft High-Altitude Parachute (\u003cstrong\u003eoptional\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaymont 600g High-Altitude Balloon (\u003cstrong\u003eoptional\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HabSat has been flight-tested with the recommended 600g Kaymont balloon and Rocketman 3ft parachute that we sell, and has been specifically designed with those parts in mind, but you can use your own compatible balloon or parachute if you prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Ground Station\u003c\/strong\u003e (coming soon) connects to a laptop and communicates with the HabSat Flight Module over long-range radio. No separate radio equipment is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some basic specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 10 x 10 x 7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: approximately 283 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTelemetry interval: 5 seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImage interval: Approximately 1-2 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMax demonstrated altitude: 33 km (108,000 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReusable: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomatic onboard image and data storage: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGround station required: Yes (coming soon)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabSat Ops\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is our desktop \u003cstrong\u003emission-control software\u003c\/strong\u003e used to monitor the HabSat's flight. It displays the HabSat's position, predicts where it will land, displays streaming telemetry, and contains an image gallery of received image thumbnails. All of the received data is also automatically saved to disk so you won't lose it after the mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/ops-telemetry.png?v=1786385342\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-altitude balloons can travel a long way before landing! Some of our missions have flown 100 km away. An important feature of \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Ops\u003c\/strong\u003e is the integrated \u003cstrong\u003eflight prediction system\u003c\/strong\u003e that allows you to predict flight paths up to 1 week in advance, and also \u003cstrong\u003epredict in real-time during a flight\u003c\/strong\u003e where your balloon is likely to land. This is done by using real-time atmospheric wind forecasts combined with our custom physics model. This makes flight planning, tracking, and recovery part of the mission experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTelemetry data includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp time and boot count\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery voltage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPS position and altitude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPS health statistics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelative humidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarometric pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3-axis linear acceleration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeripheral (radio, camera, SD card, etc.) health status\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther telemetry and health statistics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to telemetry, the \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Flight Module\u003c\/strong\u003e also transmits image thumbnails (160 x 120) every 1-2 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Ops\u003c\/strong\u003e can also be used to \u003cstrong\u003etransmit commands\u003c\/strong\u003e to the HabSat to do the following:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjust the telemetry interval\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjust the camera capture interval\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart or stop the camera to manage power usage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart or stop an audible alarm to help with locating nearby after landing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemote reboot in case of a problem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, the \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlight Module\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Ground Station\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Ops\u003c\/strong\u003e software provide an integrated system from launch planning to flight to recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTouch Space From the Ground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring flight, the \u003cstrong\u003eHabSat Flight Module\u003c\/strong\u003e transmits a constant telemetry data stream every 5 seconds, and transmits image thumbnails every 1-2 minutes. This allows you to track everything in real-time and watch your flight unfold from your laptop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis means that students, spectators, or other participants can see what the flight module sees while it is up there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOne Mission, Many Projects\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHabSat is intended for students, educators, hobbyists, engineers, and space enthusiasts. Possible projects include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtmospheric science experiments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlight dynamics analysis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImage processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRadio communications experiments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGPS and navigation projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeather-model comparison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eData visualization\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayload and enclosure design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMission planning and trajectory prediction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNear-space Earth photography\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single mission can touch logistics, physics, meteorology, radio, mechanical design, data science, and photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlight Proven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HabSat has \u003cstrong\u003ealready flown multiple high-altitude missions\u003c\/strong\u003e. Our development systems have reached as high as 33 km (108,000 ft), transmitting telemetry and images throughout the entire flight before returning safely to Earth for recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've used these flights to refine our hardware, ground station, flight-prediction tools, and operating procedures that will become part of the HabSat system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow are some images from a real HabSat mission, from launch preparation through recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/launch-story.jpg?v=1786387153\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor Classrooms, Clubs, and Makers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HabSat is being developed for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh schools and universities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTEM and engineering programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobotics and aerospace clubs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakerspaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmateur radio and ballooning groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndependent experimenters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether your goal is a student launch, or a deeper engineering curriculum built around mission planning, the HabSat provides a common platform for the entire project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat You Need To Launch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMidnight Make provides the electronics, mission control software, balloon, and parachute. You can also provide your own balloon and parachute instead, if you wish. Lastly, you will also need a \u003cstrong\u003elift gas\u003c\/strong\u003e such as helium. Helium is commonly available from party balloon suppliers, welding gas suppliers, or industrial gas suppliers. (We usually use party balloon suppliers because they're low-fuss.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe provide complete guidance for selecting a balloon, parachute, and helium, as well as \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/guides\"\u003ethorough guides\u003c\/a\u003e for planning the mission, preparing the payload, operating the mission safely, and performing chase and recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-altitude balloon missions are subject to applicable aviation and radio regulations, so operators are responsible for ensuring that their launch complies with the requirements in their location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat About Regulations? Is This Legal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the \u003cstrong\u003emost common question\u003c\/strong\u003e we get asked (yes, even more so than \"is the Earth actually round?\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor the recommended HabSat configuration and hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e, the payload is designed to fall well below the payload thresholds that determine whether certain unmanned free balloon requirements of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-14\/part-101\"\u003e14 CFR Part 101\u003c\/a\u003e apply in the United States. This means that the standard FAA notification requirements (e.g., a Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM) generally do not apply to this configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you modify the payload or use a different flight configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e, you are responsible for verifying that your mission remains compliant with applicable regulations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you are not in the United States\u003c\/strong\u003e, you will need to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding unmanned free balloons and whether you can legally and safely operate this system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHundreds of thousands of high-altitude balloons are launched globally every year for weather observation, research, education, and amateur experiments. With appropriate mission planning and operating procedures, they can be flown safely and responsibly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComing Soon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HabSat is currently undergoing its final round of hardware and software development and testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core flight system and software has already been successfully flight-tested multiple times, and we're now finalizing the production ground station, mission software, guides, and kit experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpected availability: 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions? Get in Touch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're an educator, school, university, club, or organization considering a near-space project, we'd especially like to hear from you! We're currently talking with prospective users about their programs, timelines, and how they would like to use the HabSat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e if you'd like to learn more or if you have any questions!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midnight Make","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46910518198444,"sku":"MM-HABSAT-FM-V1","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/9798\/2892\/files\/habsat-front.jpg?v=1786404513","url":"https:\/\/www.midnightmake.com\/products\/habsat-near-space-flight-module","provider":"Midnight Make","version":"1.0","type":"link"}