¼ø»Æʦapp

Third Place: Journey to Space

This image sequence was captured at about 98,000 feet during the Aerospace Experimental Association’s Mission 3, a high-altitude balloon launch conducted in fall 2024 at ¼ø»Æʦapp. It shows the precise instant when the balloon ruptured at the edge of space, marking the transition from ascent to descent. The photograph was taken by a GoPro mounted at the top of the payload, facing upward. The sequence captures the shadow of the balloon as it tears open on one side, releasing a wave of helium that compresses into a small glowing bubble before being pulled into the vacuum of near space. This mission tested a paraglider parachute system designed to autonomously guide research payloads safely back to a landing site. The photograph captures both the scientific value and natural beauty of this moment — when the balloon reaches its physical limit and the journey home begins.