Akashbani V1
Akashbani V1 was a project where the weather balloon, the first of its kind in Bangladesh was successfully launched and recovered. The purpose of Akashbani V1 was to collect data for rocketry trajectory prediction and also advance meteorological research in Bangladesh by providing a low-cost, locally developed weather balloon module. Before we dive into the details, we must understand the purpose of a weather balloon and what data it collects.
What is a weather balloon?
A weather balloon is a high altitude balloon fitted with instruments that collect and transmit data related to temperature, atmospheric pressure and air density amongst other things. A weather balloon is ideal to collect data at high altitudes which enable greater prediction and accuracy during launch. Weather balloons are made of lightweight and durable material, which allows the balloon to expand at higher altitudes, where lower atmospheric pressure is prevalent. Weather balloons are typically filled with either hydrogen or helium which are extremely lightweight gases. The balloons eventually burst due to low atmospheric pressure.
Why is Akasbani V1 different?
Akashbani V1 , in addition to using low-cost materials, also uses an efficient and easy-to-implement design all of which are proudly made in Bangladesh.
A brief overview of the design of Akashbani V1 is given below:
- 10x10x10, compact and efficient like a conventional 1U cubesat
- 3D Printed design, following a CUBESAT module
- First model of the weather balloon series
- Achieved a launch cost less than 1/10th of conventional weather balloon modules with scientific payload.
Data was collected up to 3.6 km in altitude during its journey, and the weather balloon travelled a path of approximately 120 km from the launch site to Comilla, from where it was recovered. Akashbani V1 had further updates through Akashbani V2. Akashbani V3, the latest version, is yet to be launched.
Akashbani V2
While Akashbani V2 was unable to be recovered, it consisted of a stronger structure than Akashbani V1, with more secure connections.
Akashbani V3
( Soon to be launched )
Akashbani V3 will implement an upgraded telemetry system, and a redesigned parachute for the payload. More importantly, this will have a larger cubesat module, of 13x13x13 instead of the usual 10x10x10. Akashbani V3 will have more sensors, including an upgraded humidity sensor, UV sensors and even a magnetometer.