A new edition of the Servet citizen science project is coming up, which consists of launching several capsules into space on sounding balloons. Here are five reasons to take part:
1. Make your maker idea a reality
The Servet project is for all citizens, whatever their knowledge. Even so, if you want to take part in building the capsules that will be launched into space, you do need skills related to the maker universe, with an interest in astronautics, space navigation or the “Internet of Things”.
It is a good opportunity for all those makers, developers or radio amateurs who want to put all that knowledge into practice. You provide the capsule and we provide all the infrastructure (balloons, helium, insurance, launch organisation…)
We will launch 9 capsules of up to 400 g on three Hwoyee 1600 balloons. In principle, we will try – although it is not guaranteed – to recover the payload. It is estimated that at least 32 km in altitude will be reached
2. Democratise access to space
The idea of reaching space has always been very exciting and at the same time (almost) impossible. The Servet project tries to make that goal a reality by showing that it is not as unachievable as it seems, in short: Space within everyone’s reach.
Many children have been present at previous launches, able to see the project live and get a hands-on introduction to knowledge related to space.
3. Contribute to a #citizenscience project
The first Servet launch took place in 2017; since then the initiative has become an annual event. At a time when citizen science plays a fundamental role in many research projects, Servet aims to bring science closer to citizens.
4. Bring science to rural areas
Another of the project’s objectives is to bring science to rural areas, which is why the launch areas chosen in previous years have been small municipalities (fewer than 2,000 inhabitants) in the province of Zaragoza, such as Alpartir or Alfamén. We do not yet know the name of the next municipality; it will all depend on weather conditions.
5. Very striking results
By taking part in the project you will be contributing to results that will be presented to the general public. Without a doubt, the most striking thing is the images captured by the capsules, as they have a built-in camera that takes photographs. Here are some examples:
Up for it?
If after reading this post… you want to be part of Servet V, you only have to fill in the following form. You have until 29 August.
Servet has the support of the Ibercivis Foundation (of which the Spanish National Research Council is a part), Etopia Centre for Art and Technology, the CESAR Laboratories at Etopia, the University of Zaragoza, the Spanish Radio Amateurs Union and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology – Ministry of Science and Innovation. If you have any questions you can contact info@ibercivis.es