Return to the Edge of Space

This annual summer camp continues to be popular among high school students. Kopernik students design, build, launch, and recover a weather balloon payload that reaches altitudes of over 100,000 feet (nearly 20 miles). Each year the payload becomes more sophisticated. A 360° camera will capture immersive video which can be translated into a virtual reality experience using Kopernik newly acquired virtual reality headsets and software. A Geiger counter will track radiation levels at different altitudes. This new payload technology will complement existing technology including radio transmission for slow scan video and a GPS beacon to track the balloon’s flight path in real time. The camp begins with students learning about the technology and design of the weather balloon’s payload. On launch day, two teams of students work together. One team heads out to recover the payload in a chase vehicle, while the other team remains at Kopernik tracking the weather balloon’s flight path in real time, capturing Slow Scan images, and communicating its location to the chase team. Once the payload is retrieved and returned to Kopernik, students spend several days compiling and studying the data, culminating in a presentation to family and community members.

KOSC Summer Camp Registration Basics:

• KOSC Members get a 15% discount on STEM Summer Camps. Memberships can be purchased directly during registration.
• Early Bird Tuition is available through May 31. Add $20 when registering after May 31.
• Early drop off (8 am) and late pick up (4 pm) are available for an additional $20/day. This can be added during initial registration or closer to the camp’s start date.
• Camps have a maximum enrollment and many fill quickly each year. Register early and avoid the waiting list.
• Refunds are available (less a $15 administration fee) if a student withdraws 14 days prior to the start of camp. No refund is provided for cancellations within the 13-day window prior to camp. In case of cancellation due to insufficient enrollment, participants will be notified one week in advance and will receive a full refund.
• At checkout, there is an option to pay by check, if preferred. When sending a check, please make it out to Kopernik Observatory & Science Center and include a note specifying where the funds should be applied (especially for those registering for multiple camps). Checks must be sent to Kopernik at the time of registration and pay for the camp in full. Please contact Kopernik directly with questions or concerns.
• Some camps offer two sessions, designated Session A and Session B. Please note that the curriculum in each session is identical.
• A welcome email will be sent approximately one week before the first day of camp providing specifics on the class and a letter from the teacher.