On August 21, in conjunction with the solar eclipse, students from the Santa Fe High School NJROTC unit launched a high-altitude helium balloon to collect video and atmospheric data.

The balloon was launched at 10:20 a.m. from the La Cienega exit of Interstate-25. It landed in the mountains north of Valles Caldera and south of Coyote, off of Highway 96.

Students utilized a computer prediction model to determine the balloon’s flight profile and landing zone with a target burst altitude of 98,000 feet. (The balloon actually achieved a burst altitude of 112,145 feet.) After the launch, students used a computer program to track the balloon’s flight path and descent to its landing site.

A summary analysis of data and video was sent to NASA at Montana State University. On August 25, students will meet with other schools around the state to compare and share collected data.

Dr. Veronica C. Garcia, superintendent of schools, said, “These are the types of opportunities that inspire our students to do great things and are a reflection of our dynamic educators and the work ethic and drive of the cadets who are part of our two time defending state champion JROTC program!”

The High Altitude Balloon program is just one example of STEM projects students in NJROTC participate in throughout their four-year Naval Science curriculum.