Balloon with GoPro to Near Space

MAKE SURE TO WATCH IN HD!
High altitude unmanned balloon launch that goes up to near space and back.
HOW I GOT THE FOOTAGE BACK:
I used a SPOT GPS tracker in the payload to track where the payload fell after the balloon burst. Then I retrieved it with the GoPro and its recorded footage inside. See links below for much more details.

Yes, it’s a GoPro, yes they have a built in semi fish eye lens. Think what you want, I did this for my own enjoyment, not to prove any point.

Two posts I've made that can answer many of the questions in the comments:

All designed and launched by myself. All FAA regulations were followed, the FSDO was notified and given all the details, and a NOTAM was even filed with Ft Worth center for balloon activity.

A lot of people asked me why I was doing this. Mostly, I had free time and needed a project/hobby to keep me engaged and secondly, space is neat. Check out the video and see for yourself.

The Coin in the video is from my AFROTC detachment at Purdue University. Go Boilers! Shout out to Purdue Engineering for teaching me how to tackle a project like this.

If you are interested in doing your own balloon project check out this website. It is a great place to start.

Thanks for watching!

[squirmydawormy]

So my balloon that I lost 9 years ago is passing by Jupiter?

[tisin]

NASA is mad because this guy found a way to explore space for cheap

[xanderdrayp.sembrano]

And I think this video was







*Out of this world*

[kayty]

I would love to watch the entire 3 hours minus any added sound/ music. It is priceless to hear the silence of the sky

[Ben.]

I don't know why I was picturing the balloon red

[victordreyfus]

This is the kind of video I like to see: not clickbait, clear title and begins right away, no boring 5-10 minute intro

[moderater.]

That moment you realize this video was uploaded 4 years ago

[swiatlowiekuiste]

The closeup of the grass at the end was kind of comforting

[tazzy]

Let me guess...this was randomly recommended to you

[crazysweetcorn]

Next project instead of that Coin, you should put a digital temperature meter so we can see changes of temperature.

[biancahamel]

Okay so what if I try this...







But then the balloon pops and the GoPro falls back to earth and kills someone




Will I get arrested?

[JJGenell]

I watch YouTube 24/7 and this is up there with one of the coolest videos I’ve seen .. appreciate this my dude!!

[coleertel]

When the balloon popped and the camera flipped to face the sun, that may have been one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen.

[birdstheword]

The earth is so pretty from up there no traffic, no yelling, and it just seems relaxing WITH GEAR ON PEOPLE

[veritusmiller]

ever wonder wear your 7th birthday baloon went when you let go...

[michaelangellstudios]

It's rare that a YouTube video makes one feel like a little kid again, soooo rare!

[amritabasu]

How far did it drop from your initial location? Curious

[denimunicorn]

Is nobody gonna talk about the fact this came out 4 years ago and everyone is just seeing it?

[TheLastChip]

So This Is The Best Way To See Space Without A Rocketship

[Alive_N_freeridin]

17mi seems like nothing on the ground…doesn’t even get you across Phoenix metro, yet it gets you to outer space going up. I still find that wild. 🤔.