Accelerate your project
With high-altitude balloon rideshare
testing for your space-bound products
No simulation can capture all the complexities of space
- Simulations fail to accurately replicate the impact temperature, pressure, altitude, and other factors can have on your hardware
- Launching your product on a rocket or satellite is often cost-prohibitive— especially in the early stages of R&D
- Without authentic data, your research and progress can slow to a halt
You can try to gather critical real-world data on your own, but DIY high-altitude balloon kits come with significant risks, including inaccurate data, loss of payload, FAA violations, and unexpected complications.
Stratospheric balloons offer R&D teams, aerospace engineers, universities, and advanced high school aerospace programs a bridge to space— and the opportunity to gather the high-quality, near-space data you need to move forward.
Why leverage high-altitude testing
for your product or research?
Ease-of-use
High-altitude balloons take your product to the edge of space— and back— at a fraction of the cost and effort of satellite or rocket testing
Repeatability
A high-altitude balloon from StratoStar can be relaunched repeatedly for long-term testing and optimizations
Quality data
While simulations can test a handful of factors, near-space testing exposes your product to true conditions— revealing weaknesses and opportunities sooner
Testimonials
With the help and expertise of Jason Krueger and Stratostar, we were able to gain the hardware and knowledge to allow our balloons to fly out over the ocean and recover them successfully.
Nichole – NASA
Utilizing StatoStar’s training and SatCom Program our engineers are able to rapidly test their prototypes and software using high-altitude balloons, which provides valuable data to accelerate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
alex – Northrop Grumman
StratoStar high-altitude balloon Rideshare
fully-supported end-to-end mission and payload integration services
Payload Specifications
- Payload Enclosure Provided
- 3U – (10 x 10 x 35 cm)
- 6U – (20 x 10 x 35 cm)
- Payload Power Provided via Gondola
- 12 Volts
- 2 Amps
- On/Off Switch & Status Indicator Provided
- Payload Visibility
- Full View – Up / Down / Horizon (1 side)
- Optional Realtime Two-way Data Link
- Receive Live Data from payload
- Send commands / upload data to payload
- Rugged Shipping Case Provided
Full Launch Service
- One-on-One welcome meeting
- Online Training Course for Payload Development
- Payload Design Review
- Integration and Testing Service
Live call to verify payload is working
- Flight on Zero Pressure High-Altitude Balloon
6-8 hrs above 60,000 ft
Online Real-Time Tracking of Gondola
Recovery of Payloads
Flight Data and Report for the mission (< 24 hours)
- Return shipping of your payload to your location
Rideshare launch Schedule
- 5/16/24 – Cheyeene WY – Zero Pressure Balloon (6-8 hr Flight) – Cost $3,600 per lb
- 9/12/24 – Cheyenne WY – Zero Pressure Balloon (6-8 hr Flight) – Cost $3,600 per lb
- Launch Dates 2025 TBD
- Launch Dates 2026 TBD
How to participate in your first
high-altitude Rideshare mission
1. Connect
Hit the button below to book a consultation call with our team. We’ll discuss your project goals and scope, then send over a detailed quote and timeline.
2. Prepare
We’ll develop a personalized launch or training plan based on your project goals. In the days leading up to your launch, you’ll receive the support you need to enjoy an ideal stratospheric balloon launch.
3. Launch!
Gather critical data your team can leverage to accelerate your project— delivered in real time through our proprietary Mission Control software.