Wireless network camera sets world record for altitude

Last check of the ground winds before releasing the balloon

By necessity, network cameras must be robust, but Axis Communications has taken that thinking to new heights. The Esrange Space Center in the north of Sweden sent one of its cameras 35,000 metres into the atmosphere via stratospheric balloon.

The Esrange Space Center at the Swedish Space Corporation sent a high altitude balloon equipped with atmospheric physics research tools up as part of the Bexus campaign. The ballon returned to earth with three parachutes.

The centre has sent more than 550 stratospheric balloons into the atmosphere since 1974, but this time, the parachutes were equipped with a network camera from Axis Communications. The AXIS Q6034-E allowed researchers to validate the parachute system and its landing, sending high quality images in real time from Earth.

The balloon landed in northern Finland, which required the wireless network to have a reach of 400km.

"Axis outdoor video solutions are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and to provide reliable surveillance at all times. Our camera delivered images in sub-zero conditions of -73 C for over three hours, with the lowest temperature reaching -90ºC, which is a testament to the rugged reliability of Axis’ cameras," said Axis Communications director of product management, Erik Frännlid.

The researchers at Esrange Space Center are very pleased with the results of the trial.

“The ability to see exactly what is happening in real time, combined with the data we are recording, is invaluable for assessing how the parachutes behave and where they land. It will lead to more reliable and secure landings, explained Per Baldemar, head of the launching team of Rocket & Balloon Systems, Swedish Space Corporation.