The HMS Beagle Science Store and Make:KC, as part of our Maker Summer, have assisted high school students from Blue Valley CAPS and Lees Summit with the Dark Matter Assent balloon launch into near-space. The balloon will lift a high definition DSLR camera and GoPro video camera along with other sensors.

The balloon launch (weather permitting) is scheduled for this Saturday October 1 with the launch location to be announced. Last minute preparation and filling the balloon starts at 9:30 am with release scheduled at 11:00 am. You are invited to attend and watch the launch. For up to date information and links to the live feeds on UStream and to track the progress from Google Maps, check the Dark Matter web site.

Dark Matter’s “Ascent” is supported in part by a Rocket Grant from the Charlotte Street Foundation.  The Dark Matter Ascent balloon is made possible with donations and technical expertise from:

• Astronomical Society of Kansas City,
• Blue Valley CAPS Aerospace Engineering
• HMS Beagle Science Store
• ICSTARS Astronomy
• Longview College Engineering Department
• MakeKC
• Moonglow Technologies
• Sunex
• Union Station