Design, Build, Ride, Launch!

I am working with exceptional colleagues on the next "Iceland Project". Tom, Amira, Dan, Aaron (god of atmospheric science), Stratis and Thalassa - the teaching and coordination team - bring passion and exceptional professional experience to, “The Iowa Idea: Integrating Art, Science, and Engineering in High-Altitude Ballooning".

The riding team - Tom, Gary, John (Iceland 22' and 23'), Aaron (Iceland 23") and I - will traverse 732 miles of Iceland, through the Central and Southern Highlands, then up through the West Fjords. Dan, Kate and Kenyon will join the riding team in Þingvellir and make the trek from there to Isafjordur, the location of the balloon launch.

We will meet University of Iowa and University of North Dakota students in Þingvellir and again for the launch on August 12 in Isafjordur.

The interdisciplinary course titled “The Iowa Idea: Integrating Art, Science, and Engineering in High-Altitude Ballooning" will provide undergraduate and graduate students a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted process involved in designing, constructing, and deploying a high-altitude weather balloon specifically for the Iceland Eclipse Ballooning Project.

From the scientific perspective, the course covers, with the execution of the Iceland Eclipse Ballooning Project, atmospheric physics, meteorology, and data collection methodologies essential for understanding high altitude environments.

The Engineering components that the Iceland Eclipse Ballooning Project focus on are the design and fabrication of the weather balloon system itself. Students will study materials science to select appropriate lightweight yet durable materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures at high altitudes.

The artistic dimension has students students learning design and drawing skills for visually capturing the technical elements of the payload while also documenting the project through creative media, including photography and videography, to be able to capture empirical data and convey narrative elements linked to human curiosity surrounding eclipses and atmospheric exploration.

We will "build" the balloon elements and payload in the Visual Arts Building.