The 2020 Great Plains Super Launch (GPSL) was going to be held in Omaha this summer, but with COVID-19 we weren't able to have an in-person gathering. However, we are planning a virtual symposium on Friday, July 10th via Zoom instead.
The GPSL is an annual gathering of amateur radio high-altitude ballooning enthusiasts from around the US and Canada. Normally we have a symposium on a Friday with multiple balloon flights on Saturday. This year, we'll have a Zoom meeting Friday and each group will launch Saturday morning from their home location.
There is no cost to register for this year's symposium. However, we are asking people to register through the website so we can distribute the Zoom link via email rather than making the link public and having to deal with Zoom-bombing.
The talks will be about different aspects of high-altitude ballooning, such as small "floater" balloons that can go around the world, educational outreach, and live video broadcasts from a balloon. There will be an opportunity for Q&A through the symposium.
On Saturday, we will try to run an "open mic" on Zoom so that the different launch groups can do live broadcasts if they choose, and everyone else can follow along. Later in the day, we will get together and share photos, videos, and recovery experiences.
The GPSL email list is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and if you are on Twitter you can follow @SuperLaunch for updates.
Nebraska Stratospheric Amateur Radio is planning to launch on Saturday the 11th somewhere in the Omaha area, winds and weather permitting. Launch site will not be chosen until 2-3 days before. Our usual sites are near Valley or in Treynor IA, depending on the predicted landing. Feel free to email me if you have questions or would like to come out for the launch.
