Global Space Balloon Challenge

He will be part of the ‘space chase’ on April 11 at the Blesbokfontein Airfield (old deserted runway) approximately 12km North of Kriel.
He and his team will be sending a balloon filled with helium into space and chase it until it lands, his guess, probably somewhere in eMalahleni. He currently resides and works in Vanderbijlpark but he and his team travel the country.

A tracker and a GoPro camera will capture the distance of the balloon as well as images. They are hoping for the best possible images as the balloon travels. The balloon is designed to burst at 30km.
The idea of the GSBC is for the world to be connected, even if just for a few seconds, and to fly high altitude balloons from every corner of the globe. It is also a chance for the teams to display each one’s unique culture and working together to provide an education for the younger generation. They are also aiming to push the boundaries of what today’s evolving technology is capable of.

There are approximately 87 teams, 29 countries and six continents participating in this event, worldwide. Countries like USA, Canada, Australia and Germany are also involved.
Van den Bon and his team will arrive at the airfield at 07:00 and start as soon as everything is set up and ready. Anyone is welcome to join in the day. Directions and co-ordinates are available on the website.

More information about the program and what Mr Van den Bon and his team create is available on www.binaryspace.co.za and www.balloonchallenge.org/get-involved.