https://github.com/thunderfly-aerospace/tf-b1

high-altitude balloon experimental platform
https://github.com/thunderfly-aerospace/tf-b1

atmospheric-chemistry atmospheric-science autopilot high-altitude-balloon pixhawk pixhawk-controller px4 telemetry tf-atmon

Last synced: 4 months ago
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high-altitude balloon experimental platform

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/thunderfly-aerospace/tf-b1
• Owner: ThunderFly-aerospace
• License: gpl-3.0
• Created: 2020-10-19T07:41:37.000Z (almost 5 years ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2023-12-04T19:53:47.000Z (almost 2 years ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-06-13T22:39:28.897Z (4 months ago)
• Topics: atmospheric-chemistry, atmospheric-science, autopilot, high-altitude-balloon, pixhawk, pixhawk-controller, px4, telemetry, tf-atmon
• Homepage:
• Size: 907 KB
• Stars: 11
• Watchers: 4
• Forks: 4
• Open Issues: 2
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • License: LICENSE

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README

          
# TF-B1 - high-altitude balloon experimental platform

![Experimental high-altitude balloon illustration](doc/img/platform_illustration.png)

Pressurized stratospheric balloons, designed for several-hour flights, provide a unique platform for specialized experimental and research applications. These balloons, capable of ascending to altitudes around 30 kilometers, are ideal for short-term, high-altitude atmospheric research. They enable critical data collection on atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations. This information is crucial for understanding short-term weather phenomena and contributes to the development of more accurate weather prediction models.

In aerospace and materials testing, these pressurized balloons are invaluable. Their ability to reach near-space environments quickly allows for the efficient testing of spacecraft components and materials under conditions of reduced gravity, extreme temperatures, and high radiation levels. This provides a cost-effective and timely method for validating the resilience and performance of aerospace technologies before their deployment in more challenging space missions.

Furthermore, their short-duration flights make pressurized stratospheric balloons particularly suited for educational purposes. They offer a practical platform for students and researchers to conduct high-altitude experiments within a manageable timeframe. This not only fosters hands-on experience in scientific research and experimentation but also ignites interest and enthusiasm in the fields of science and technology, particularly among young learners and aspiring scientists.

![Block diagram](doc/img/block_schematics.png)

### Design features

  * Ready to use with  [TF-ATMON (atmospheric monitoring)](https://www.thunderfly.cz/tf-atmon.html) system

  * Redundant telemetry link

  * Gondola orientation tracking and logging

  * Reliable IMU sensor processing and calibration

  * Possible of use relatively high-power payloads

  * Pre-flight continuous charging possible

  * Power monitoring and maximal uptime calculation relevant to actual temperature

### Reference implementations

  * [FIK-9 experiment](https://github.com/ODZ-UJF-AV-CR/FIK-9)

  * [FIK-6 high-altitude-balloon flight](https://github.com/ODZ-UJF-AV-CR/FIK-6)

  * [FIK-5 experiment](https://github.com/ODZ-UJF-AV-CR/FIK-5)

Professional support for ThunderFly TF-B1 experimental high-altitude stratospheric balloon platform is commercially available even in the form of service from [ThunderFly s.r.o.](https://www.thunderfly.cz/), write an email to info@thunderfly.cz