High-altitude balloons carry sensors into the stratosphere — up to ~115,000 feet. Learn how Midwest SDS designs and flies the lightweight X2Griffon payload, then try launching one yourself in the game below.
Three interactive challenges that teach real concepts used in high-altitude balloon science and the stratosphere.
The balloon starts overfilled. Reduce the helium to the correct amount so the X2Griffon reaches the stratosphere without bursting early.
The balloon is currently overfilled. Lower the helium to the safe range, then launch.
Put Earth’s atmosphere layers in the correct order from the ground up. The stratosphere is the layer where X2Griffon flies.
Test what you know about the stratosphere, near-space, and high-altitude balloon science.
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Open any page in a new tab, then save or print the image. Great for home, classroom, or after-school programs.
Design and color a science payload box like the ones flown on real high-altitude balloon missions.
Open Full PageColor a high-altitude balloon on its journey into the stratosphere.
Open Full PageA simple activity sheet that introduces near-space balloon launches and atmospheric science.
Open Full PageTip: After the image loads, right-click and choose “Save image as…” to download and print.
Color one of the pages above, take a photo of your finished drawing, and include the child’s age. One entry is selected each month to receive a bottle rocket kit.
Please include the child’s age with every submission. Winners are announced on our Facebook page.
Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems designs, builds, and flies lightweight high-altitude balloon platforms from Casey, Illinois. The flagship X2Griffon payload (~1.01 lb) collects temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind data during rapid ascents to approximately 115,000 feet. All data is released publicly. Operations are FAA Part 101 compliant and support open science and STEM education.