An EIN-registered U.S. aerospace research company designing, building, and flying lightweight high-altitude platforms from the Midwest to collect and publicly release high-quality atmospheric data.
Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems focuses on aerospace-engineered platforms and stratospheric research. We build ultra-lightweight payloads in the United States, fly them under FAA Part 101 guidelines, and release the resulting atmospheric datasets openly and rapidly.
Our flagship system is the X2Griffon — a ~1.01 lb stratospheric platform carrying temperature, humidity, pressure, and GPS-based wind profiling sensors with real-time APRS and WSPR telemetry. Complementary platforms include MAD-AP mid-altitude drift systems and a continuous ground weather station contributing to the NASA GLOBE program.
Vertical profiles of temperature, moisture, and wind remain sparse compared with satellite and surface networks. High-quality balloon data supports forecasting, atmospheric process studies, severe-weather research, education, and open science.
We operate from Casey, Illinois (Clark County) with a strong emphasis on Midwest-made hardware, transparent operations, and public data release — typically within 48 hours of successful recovery.
Registered participant (GO-4VW9B). We contribute fixed ground-based atmospheric observations from Casey, Illinois into the global GLOBE database.
Full member of the SBA. We follow community best practices for safety, tracking, and responsible recovery operations.
All science flights are conducted under 14 CFR Part 101 for unmanned free balloons, with coordination and transparent telemetry.
Public release of atmospheric datasets with rapid turnaround. Attribution required; commercial use welcome under stated terms.
Payloads designed, assembled, and critical electronics built in-house in the United States for full control over quality and mass.
Insured operations, documented procedures, public telemetry, and respect for airspace and private property during recovery.
Ultra-low mass systems simplify regulatory compliance, recovery logistics, and enable more frequent flights.
Operational safety practices, regulatory posture, and how we handle site data and public telemetry.
For flight coordination, partnership inquiries, or media: launchcontrol@midwestsds.com