AFRL helps local high school students launch weather balloon Published Dec. 11, 2014 By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Students from Highland High School and scientists and engineers from the Air Force Research Laboratory are launching a full-scale weather balloon to conduct high altitude experiments. For the past month, Highland students have been working with AFRL scientists and engineers to create their payloads and learn how to conduct their launch and collect the data from the experiment. The student payloads will include a video camera that will document the balloon flight from launch to landing. They will also launch a few sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and light sensors, to gather data during the launch. Students will analyze the collected data after the payload is recovered. They hope the data they get will help them better understand the impact a high altitude environment has on sound, and cell phone transmission. The launch is set for Dec. 12 from the Highland campus, in the park lot near the gymnasium. This effort is part of a national pilot program to help develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics projects in high schools to help encourage students to consider technical career paths. AFRL is focused on creating new opportunities to engage students and grow their interest in science, math and engineering. Through the La Luz Academy, AFRL has been able to provide STEM education to more than 85,000 students across New Mexico, from fifth grade to high school, for the past 20 years. People wishing to attend are advised to park in the parking lot located on the northwest corner of the school campus and check in at the Highland High School office upon arrival. To confirm whether the launch is a 'GO' on Friday (dependent upon the weather conditions), call the AFRL La Luz Academy Balloon Launch Hotline at (505) 401-5456.