HSIS/Contest Information

Contest Information

From contest rules and guidelines online at the contest website.

Caution/Disclaimer

From the 1337arts website: Launching things into the stratosphere can be DANGEROUS! Please contact the FAA (or your respective government body that regulates air traffic) before trying any launches (even if they are under 4 lbs.) to make sure your vehicle won’t be entering restricted airspace and PLEASE check the University of Wyoming’s Balloon Trajectory Predictor (or a similar website) to make sure you balloon won’t be landing in the city/a populated area where it might cause significant damage. Also, be sure to test your balloon’s terminal velocity for descent before launching to make sure it’s within a safe range.

Rules

• One team per hackerspace. Any size build team, but only 10 people for the launch and retrieval team.
• Payload must be under 4 pounds (~1.814kg).
• Parts cost limit of $250.00. Must show receipts or have other proof of purchase.
• Payload must return with pictures taken from the flight.
• Only one official launch per team allowed. Notice of official launches must be given by 8 a.m., and a judge must be present for the launch to count.
• All local laws and ordinances must be followed throughout the entire competition.
• Balloon camera must take pictures of the curvature of the earth.
• The Event Board may judge any other conduct considered outside “the spirit” of the event and disqualify a team that does not adhere to it by majority vote.

Scoring

• Retrieval Time Based on time of balloon launch to recovery. Fastest gets 50 points, next gets 45, and so on.
• Weight of Payload 5 points added for every 1/2 pound under 4 lb.
• Cost of Setup Base (value of materials and equipment flying on vehicle, includes cost of lifting gas used): 50 points. 0.5 points off for every dollar over $150.
• Total Points Retrieval Time Score + Weight Score + Cost Score

Event Board & Judges

• Judges are members of each hackerspace, and will be submitted to the Event Board. They will ensure all rules are

followed.

• One person from each hackerspace will be on the Event Board. The Event Board will oversee the event, judge each

applicant, and declare winners.