Safety & Compliance
Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems designs, builds, and flies lightweight high-altitude balloon platforms with a core commitment to safe, transparent, and FAA-aware operations from Casey, Illinois.
We never operate in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or their property. Safety and regulatory responsibility come before schedule or data goals.
FAA Part 101 Compliance
Unmanned free balloons in the United States are governed by 14 CFR Part 101 (Moored Balloons, Kites, Amateur Rockets, and Unmanned Free Balloons). The applicability of the detailed Subpart D rules depends primarily on payload weight and density.
Lightweight Design Advantage
The X2Griffon platform targets a total system mass of approximately 1.01 lb (≈ 458 g). This places the payload well below the thresholds that trigger the full suite of Part 101 Subpart D requirements:
- Single payload package more than 4 lb with weight/size ratio exceeding 3 oz/in²
- Single payload package more than 6 lb
- Combined multi-package payload more than 12 lb
- Suspension device requiring more than 50 lb impact force to separate
Payloads remaining under these thresholds are primarily subject to the general hazardous-operations rule in § 101.7. MSDS designs specifically to remain in this lighter category while still applying professional safety practices.
Even when not strictly required by weight thresholds, MSDS coordinates with the nearest FAA ATC facility, provides trajectory awareness, and follows community best practices used by responsible high-altitude balloon operators and Stratospheric Ballooning Association members. Transparency with air traffic control is treated as a safety standard, not an optional step.
Operational Safety Practices
Every science flight is preceded by structured preparation. Key elements include:
Pre-Flight Planning
Weather assessment, upper-air wind analysis, trajectory modeling, launch-site suitability, and recovery-zone evaluation.
System Validation
Ground dry-functional testing of power, sensors, GPS acquisition, APRS encoding, and flight logic before any flight attempt.
Real-Time Tracking
Continuous public APRS/GPS telemetry (call sign KE9CFY) via APRS.fi and SondeHub so the payload position is known throughout the flight.
Recovery Systems
Parachute descent plus Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) ground recovery beacon to support efficient and responsible retrieval.
Flight Rules Observed
- No operation that creates a hazard to persons or property on the surface or in the air (§ 101.7)
- Avoidance of congested areas during the initial ascent phase
- Launch only under suitable weather and visibility conditions
- Respect for restricted and prohibited airspace
- Immediate attention to any condition that would make continued flight unsafe
Recovery & Ground Operations
After balloon burst and parachute descent, the payload is recovered by the Midwest Payload Ground Recovery Team (MPGR) or coordinated volunteers. Recovery practices emphasize:
- Respect for private property and landowner communication
- Minimal environmental disturbance
- Safe retrieval of all components (payload, parachute, residual balloon material when possible)
- Documentation of recovery location and condition for the public data record
The combination of real-time APRS tracking and the BLE beacon is intended to keep recovery windows short and locations precise.
Amateur Radio Compliance
Telemetry and tracking are conducted under FCC amateur radio rules using call sign KE9CFY. Transmissions are limited to authorized amateur bands and power levels appropriate for high-altitude balloon operations (including APRS on 70 cm and WSPR capabilities via the QRP Labs U4B tracker). All radio operations are performed by or under the authority of a licensed amateur radio operator.
Insurance & Responsibility
MSDS maintains appropriate liability coverage for its high-altitude balloon operations. Operations are conducted as an EIN-registered U.S. aerospace research company with a documented commitment to safety, open data, and responsible citizen science.
Environmental Responsibility
We design for minimal lasting impact:
- Ultra-lightweight systems reduce material use and recovery burden
- Preference for recoverable components and responsible disposal of any residual materials
- Launch and recovery activities planned to avoid sensitive habitats and public gatherings
- Public data release supports broader environmental and atmospheric understanding
Public Transparency
Safety and compliance are reinforced by openness. Flight plans, tracking links, recovery outcomes, and atmospheric datasets are published so that the public, researchers, educators, and the amateur radio community can follow and verify our operations. Raw data is targeted for release within 48 hours of successful recovery.
Questions about safety, regulatory approach, or flight coordination?
We welcome inquiries from regulators, researchers, schools, landowners, and the public.
Email launchcontrol@midwestsds.comThis page summarizes MSDS operational philosophy and regulatory posture. It is not a substitute for the official text of 14 CFR Part 101 or other applicable regulations. Operators remain responsible for compliance with all current federal, state, and local requirements. Regulatory interpretations can evolve; MSDS reviews its practices ahead of each campaign.