JMU takes to the sky with first high altitude balloon test

OR JMU high altitude balloon tests are out of this world

The JMU DukeSAT team took its first steps towards space this month with the launch of the first of several planned high altitude balloon tests. (James Madison University)

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison University announced the launch of “Hi-SAT One” which is the first launch of their planned high altitude balloon tests.

The balloon launched on Sunday, Nov. 7., rising to an altitude of over 60,000 feet, and had a total flight time of three hours.

Recommended Videos



The JMU DukeSAT team behind the launch is made up of past and present JMU students, faculty members, and members of Staunton and Harrisonburg ham radio operator clubs.

With the MESHSat project, JMU DukeSAT team hopes to develop and test a mesh network, or wireless internet, in space using small satellites.

The “Hi-SAT One” flight is the first step in the process to show the team’s ability to launch, track, document and recover a payload. The next stage in the process will involve launches of balloons with networking hardware.

To learn more about the project, click here.


About the Author

Kamryn Buza joined 10 News as an intern in September 2021.

Recommended Videos