You've already picked a launch spot, acquired balloons and helium, engineered your payload, filed a NOTAM, and have your launch crew. You are committed to putting safety first!
Now it's time to pack for the launch. Since you should be launching in sparsely populated areas, you may be far away from services such as gas stations, restaurants, restrooms, medical facilities, and good radio stations. It's not too dissimilar from camping, so bring what you need to stay healthy and safe in whatever environment you launch in.
Here are some things to consider packing:
Clothing
- Sturdy, comfortable, close-toed shoes
- Comfortable, protective clothing appropriate for the weather
- A change of clothes in case recovery gets messy
Personal Protection
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- First aid kit
- Bug spray
- Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
Food/Drinks
- Water! Lots of water.
- Snacks for the drive/day
- Packed meals if you are not planning/able to stop at restaurants
- Cooler/ice to keep drinks/meals cold
For the Drive
- Road trip playlist
- Spare tire
- Jumpstarter/inflator
- Extra gas if needed
- Nav system/GPS/phone
- Chargers for phone/GPS
Launch
 |
| Balloon inflation tube |
- Tarp
- Balloons
- Rubber gloves
- Payloads
- Batteries
- Tape (duct, packing, electrical, foam, and carpet)
- Toothpicks
- Helium
- Balloon inflation tube and scale
- Nylon string
- Cable ties
- Gorilla Glue
Other Equipment
- Toilet paper
- Ziplock bags
- Trash bags
- Long hook/pole
- Walkie-talkies
- Flashlights
- Army blanket
- Multitool
- Scissors
In Case of Water Recovery
- Swim suit
- Water shoes
- Inflatable boat
- Inflation method
- Oar
- Life vest
- Mask/Snorkel
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