Open source pico balloon network.

Stratolink is a network of small, solar-powered balloons built to collect and share data from the stratosphere.

We've designed a custom pico balloon payload weighing just under 10 g. Anyone can build and launch one by following the docs.

The payload Stratolink payload with two solar panels measures temperature, pressure, light, and motion, then sends the data back through The Things Network. It can also relay long-range radio messages from the surface, help track radio-tagged animals around the world, and pass position reports between balloons when ground stations are out of reach.

We want to collect data where ground stations are scarce, especially over the ocean. Keeping the balloons light, cheap, and easy to launch makes it practical to send up enough of them to build global coverage.

The code and board designs are on GitHub. Our docs cover the build, balloon preparation, radio setup, and launch.

Getting started7 min read System architecture8 min read Dashboard guide7 min read

We publish our flights on the dashboard. You can replay a launch, follow the track, and inspect the telemetry.

We also publish flight logs, with notes on the hardware, what worked, and what needs changing.

Dev log

Building towards Stratolink v1

27 min read
Flight notes

Looking for Stratolink 3

6 min read
Flight notes

The Baja Run

4 min read

Anyone launching their own balloon can register it on our dashboard and share the data with the community.

For bulk data access, research collaborations, or to support the project, get in touch at contact@stratolink.org.