West Virginia (WV)
Balloon Engineering for Atmospheric Research (BEAR)
WV Space Grant Consortium has created a student initiative utilizing high-altitude balloon systems for atmospheric research, advancing technologies, and training the next generation of STEAM leaders. Students develop a variety of skills and capabilities while designing, developing, operating, and recovering upper atmospheric flight systems. WV students gain experience in programming, electronics, cybersecurity, scientific investigations, NASA mission life-cycles, project management, team building, and systems engineering. This experiential learning initiative is for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students across the state of WV. Whether you are in public schools or home schools, this initiative helps WV residents gain easy entry into the STEM disciplines.
During 2023 and 2024 the team was selected to participate in a NASA mission conducting atmospheric studies during the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses. The team was part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) and the students were from Trinity Christian High School in Morgantown, West Virginia University (WVU), and Glenville State University (GSU). This student team positively affected over 6,000 WV students during the one year flight campaign.
WV Space Grant is building upon these prior year successes and continuing to reach for greater heights. Here is to mission success ...
MarcusFisher@wvbear.com
Our Missions
William Jackson 1 and 2 Missions
First Mission - William Jackson 1 (WJ 1)
Launch Date: 10/14/2023
Launch Location: Odessa Texas
Launch Time: 1000 hours eastern Launch Window +1 hour
Launch Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgMnj3HlxHs
Second Mission - William Jackson 2 (WJ 2)
Launch Date: 4/8/2024
Launch Location: Erie Pennsylvania
Launch Time: 1354 hours eastern
Launch Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDVBPE-DoQ
Atmospheric Research
Through our high altitude balloon systems, we have conducted extensive atmospheric research, collecting valuable data and insights. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of our planet's atmosphere as well as provides data to study the Sun Earth connection.
The image to the right was taken in the near infrared from a student payload that flew during 2017 solar eclipse. The students were investigating plant health using NIR in combination of the shadow as it progressed over the surface of the Earth
Technological Advancements
The high altitude balloon systems are perfect platforms for advancing concepts and technologies. By pushing the limits of engineering and innovation, we aim to develop cutting-edge solutions that can be applied to various industries and sectors.
IN 2019 the first elementary school from WV to build and fly a small sat flew into space on an Antares rocket from Wallops Island, Virginia. Prior to space flight, the small sat was first tested on a balloon flight that reached 96,000 feet in altitude and flew for 4 hours.
In addition to our research endeavors, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. We conduct educational outreach programs to engage students and promote STEM education.
We have student activities from teaching the science of solar eclipse to the engineering of space systems. We are always looking for WV students to participate in our missions. There are various ways to participate, for example:
Offer a high school class at your school teaching and building high altitude balloon systems
Participate in summer workshops in building payloads for high altitude balloon systems
Participate in monthly lunch and learns
Conduct data analysis on post flight data
Collaborative Projects
We actively collaborate with other research institutions, universities, and organizations to undertake joint projects and share knowledge. Through these partnerships, we aim to foster innovation and drive progress in the field of atmospheric research and high altitude balloon systems.
Educational Outreach
These missions are named in honor of William "Bill" Jackson. Bill retired from NASA, a veteran of the Apollo program, and a mentor to the next generation. Our first two missions are named in honor of Bill, so they are called the WJ1 and WJ2 missions.
About Us
We are a team of students passionate about outreach, mathematics, engineering, and the sciences. Our WV students range from middle school to graduate school. Any WV student can participate is what we believe.
Emma Williamson (TCS)
Kate Barbabella (TCS)
Marcos Kniska (TCS)
Ethan Tomlinson (TCS)
Lucas Kniska (TCS)
Carmelo Kniska (TCS)
Donovan Hurley (TCS)
Brock Shuba (TCS)
Marcus Fisher (TCS)
Donovan Lawson (WVU)
Hasith Perera (WVU)
Michael Farha (WVU)
Ian MacDonnell (WVU)
Cole Hodges (WVU)
Corey Kinder (WVU)
Gabriel Piatt (WVU)
Nathan Bonafield (WVU)
Samuel Olsavsky (WVU)
The 2023-2024 Team consisted of:
Candy Cordwell (WVSGC)
Alyssa George (WVSGC)
Natalie Fout (GSU)
Anthony Rader (GSU)
Zoey Steele (GSU)
Contact Us
Get in touch with our team