Youngsters getting grounded in space science

Barry Lutz (in blue) with students preparing payloads for high-altitude balloon launch

Elementary and high-school students from schools around the state, including DeMiguel Elementary School in Flagstaff, will launch high-altitude balloons carrying payloads on Saturday, April 30, from Maricopa, Ariz., as part of a space-science education project directed by NAU's Space Grant Program and funded by NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander Mission. The balloons are scheduled to rise at 8 a.m. from Maricopa School.

The space-education project, called Changes in Altitudes, brings the science of space a bit closer to home for Native American Students and students in rural communities who don't have a lot of exposure to space-related projects.

For the launch this weekend, each payload will contain a digital camera, thermometer, pressure sensor, heater and altimeter, enabling students to collect data and photos about atmospheric pressure and air temperature as the balloons soar to about 19 miles above the earth.

The launch takes place from Maricopa because of the favorable conditions of the geography there: it's flat and wind conditions are stable enough to maintain a safe zone, said Barry Lutz, NAU professor of physics and astronomy and associate director of the Arizona Space Grant Consortium project, which involves the three state universities.

For more information about the project, click here.