On the 18th Dec, the HABEX team launched 2 high altitude balloons carrying various radio and measuring equipment.

Unfortunately the one balloon failed but consisted of simply a controller board and ancillary equipment.

The main exercise consisted of other equipment and flew in excess of 100 000 feet before returning to earth. A parrot repeater was certainly the highlight of the day with many radio operators making use of the frequency. Contacts were made into Harrismith and Victoria west among many others.

The balloon was launched at 07h10 and initially headed in a general southerly direction turning SE. Just south west of Koppies, at about 18 000 meters, the balloon then turned completely heading in a direct westerly direction towards Bothaville. It was at this point that the balloon burst.

Recovery teams who were chasing the balloon descended on the area and started the search. Approximately an hour later the payload was found in a farmer's field.

The project was a further learning curve for the team who will build on the knowledge gained for further launches.

	This is some of the recovery team approaching the payload.
	Payload found
	Here is the parrot repeater that gave the radio fraternity such a great day. Much fun was had by all. Also in this package was the 70cm APRS which was our savior for the day.
	Again, just some of the HABEX team just before returning home to Johannesburg.