Reaching the Edge of the Atmosphere

Lift off in 3… 2… 1…

As the radio chatter goes silent, the entire crew of VAST launch #15 waits to hear for feedback for a successful connection to the payload. The entire team is eager to receive a location from the satellite in order to retrieve the valuable project they spent months building. 

As a former member of the club, this is has been my experience with every single launch we’ve had and all I can say is it is nerve-wracking to know if one thing goes wrong, it’s all over. 

Working with the Vandal Atmospheric Science Club (VAST) at the University of Idaho has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. This student-led club, affiliated with NASA, focuses on creating payloads for weather balloons that reach the edge of space, soaring to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet. These high-altitude missions provide invaluable data for atmospheric research and present unique challenges and learning opportunities for everyone involved.

As the Imaging Team Lead for VAST, I had the privilege of directing a groundbreaking project that pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Under my leadership, we successfully attached and operated a 360-degree camera at over 100,000 feet above sea level. This achievement was particularly significant because few had accomplished it at the time, and it provided us with a wealth of new visual data that had far-reaching impact for our research and ability to share the edge of space with those in our community.

The many projects under VAST were always a true interdisciplinary effort, requiring collaboration with various team leads, including the Flight Director, Assistant Flight Director, Science Team Lead, Satellite Communication Lead, Radio Communication Lead, and Engineering Team Lead. Each of us brought our expertise to the table, ensuring that every aspect of the mission was meticulously planned and executed.

One of the most exciting moments was seeing the 360-degree camera footage for the first time. As the balloon ascended, the camera captured stunning, panoramic views that transitioned from the lush, green landscapes of Earth to the deep, inky blackness of space. The curvature of our planet soared into our view, with the thin blue line of the atmosphere contrasting against the void beyond. It provided us with a glimpse into the perspective of just how small we really are —a view where the world below seems both vast and fragile, hanging in the expanse of the universe.

This visual data was not only awe-inspiring but also incredibly valuable for our research. It allowed us to gather new insights and information that we could use in various studies across the university. The ability to observe weather patterns, atmospheric composition, and other phenomena from such a high altitude provided a unique vantage point, enriching our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.

The success of this project was a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. It demonstrated how combining different fields of study—engineering, science, communication—can lead to remarkable achievements and advancements in research. For me, it was a powerful reminder of the value of pushing the boundaries of what we know and exploring new frontiers.

Working with VAST has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, discoveries, and moments of awe. It has given me hands-on experience in atmospheric science and the opportunity to contribute to significant research efforts. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained through this experience are invaluable, and the memories and achievements will stay with me forever.

Looking back, I am proud of what we accomplished and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a forward-thinking club. The Vandal Atmospheric Science Club not only provided a platform for academic growth but also fostered a drive to explore the unknown.