WE ARE ARBONET:

We represent a poor man's space program. We are comprised of a self-funded group of individuals and club members that are focused on reaching the edge of space and all the challenges the edge of space has to offer. The effort is technically challenging and socially fulfilling, the team members that work on ARBONET make up an excellent team. We gratefully accept club donations to help with costs, such as the fuel for our near space ship, (helium), and we welcome participation in the many areas of the launch and recovery, including chase planes and direction finding hobbiests.

We launch High Altitude Balloons with payloads of a diverse nature, but typically payloads related to communications and position reporting. The payloads often ascend to near or over 100,000 feet ASL and provide a wonderful platform for experimentation. These experiments are often focused on pure survival of the device or devices placed on board, since the ascent to the edge of space includes great variations in temperature and pressure, creating a challenging environment for electronics operation. We welcome participation by educators and students, from K-99.

Did you know?  There is 14.696 Pounds of Pressure at Sea Level and only 0.16 Pounds of Pressure at 100,000 feet! That means 99.98% of the mass atmosphere is beneath the balloon!  That is why it is called "Near Space".

The team consists of several Amateur Radio Operators and Individuals from many cities and counties near the Dallas and Fort Worth area, spanning from as far as you can go in North East Texas to places and spaces South West of Fort Worth. Several ham operator clubs and individuals participate in the program, and some have High Altitude Balloon progams of their own.

You can can be a part of the ARBONET team! We encourage Amateur Radio Club support as well as individuals that are interested in the high-altitude ballooning hobby!