Description

The Arctic Nearspace Project is a non-profit project for developing, implementing and launching unmanned nearspacecraft (or nearcraft) with mission payload capability. The term "nearspace" is used to refer atmospheric altitudes between 18 km and 80 km (from stratosphere to mesosphere).

The Arctic Nearspace Project will use unmanned helium balloon to provide necessary lift for the nearspacecraft. The nearspacecraft and payloads will be implemented using commercially available and self-developed components. Low-cost, robustness and re-usability will be deciding factors when choosing components.

The Arctic Nearspace Project is one of the many non-commercial projects worldwide that have launched or are preparing to launch nearspacecrafts to high atmospheric altitudes.  These projects have had variety of technical approaches and goals. Most of them have shared their experiences allowing others to learn from their successes and failures. 

While we share a common goal with others - to reach nearspace - we have our own unique vision and technical approach. Within the limits of our resources we are going to use innovative high-tech materials, electronics, software and mission planning. For example, the nearspacecraft will be designed from ground up to have redundant sub-systems and self-healing and adapting software - both hallmarks of commercial space ventures.

We will be experimenting with technology that have never been tried in non-commercial nearspace before and with this website we hope to further advance and contribute to the efforts of non-commercial nearspace community in general.

The people behind the Arctic Nearspace Project have expertise in various technical fields. A successful nearspace mission requires experience in areas such as electronics, mechanics, aviation and software development.

The project is privately funded but we are open to any offers of sponsored hardware, facilities and other resources. 

Where?

The Arctic Nearspace Project development team and launch site is located in Finland, but we are using components from suppliers all over the world.

The upcoming Arctic Nearspace Project mission flights will be launched from Hankasalmi Observatory operated by Sirius Astronomical Association. 

Why the name Arctic Nearspace Project?

Arctic

We are located in Finland which is one the the eight countries belonging entirely or partially to the Arctic. We wanted to have something in our name that uniquely differentiates us from the other nearspace projects.

You can view the arctic regions map here.

Nearspace

This is our goal. We develop and implement technology for unmanned flights to "nearspace"  which is a term used to refer atmospheric altitudes between 18 km and 80 km (from stratosphere to mesosphere).

Project

We are not a commercial venture or association - we are just a team of people who have common interest in nearspace flights. We feel that term "project" best describes what we are all about.