What is VAST?
Idaho RISE (Research Involving Student Engineers and Educators) is the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium student high-altitude scientific balloon program for the state of Idaho. VAST (Vandal Atmospheric Science Team) is the University of Idaho’s chapter of the program. The goal of the Idaho VAST project is to develop the capability to design, build, test, fly, and recover high altitude science and engineering instrumentation. To date, VAST has launched over 10 science payloads, reaching altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet.
Photo By: Jasper Nance
Who participates in VAST?
VAST is a multidisciplinary project open to students of all class levels (including high school) and from any discipline. The project provides valuable experience for student participants in the areas of teamwork, documentation, communication, and other technical areas that students can use to boost their educational experiences at the university (and have fun!).
How do I get involved?
If you are in the Moscow area and are attending school at the University of Idaho, sign up for ENGR 204 (fall) or ENGR 205 (spring). If you are a high school student in Moscow, talk to Pat Blount (Physics teacher). If you are not in the Moscow area but still want to get involved send us an e-mail or give us a call. We are always looking for new enthusiastic contributers. learn more...
Contact Us
For general inquires about VAST, contact Austin Howard (moc.liamg|drawoh.r.nitsua#moc.liamg|drawoh.r.nitsua). For specific questions about projects or hardware click on the people link and e-mail the appropriate team leads. Please note: the group email addresses scattered throughout this site are for internal use, if you are not on the list you will not be able to send to the list.
Announcements
VAST Awards
05-08-08 - KE7JWW (Austin)
Congratulations to the VAST award winners for the Spring semester.
Cliff - Rising Star Award
Jasper - Technical Excellence
Jeff E. - Inovation
Nick, Rory, and Kevin - Teamwork
Thanks for all your hard work!!!
All flight hardware has been recovered
04-15-08 - KE7JWW (Austin)
Both capsules have been returned. Keep checking here for more details.
Pepto Gizmo has returned
04-13-08 - KE7JWW (Austin)
On October 29, 2005 we launched a balloon payload only to loose contact part of the way through the flight. Two and a half years later we have our payload back. Keep checking here for the full story.
Spring 2008 Second Launch #2 is a GO!!
04-13-08 - KE7JWU (Justin)
- Meeting 5:00AM HAM Shack
- Leaving at 5:45 AM to High School
- For Launch Updates Check here!
- Launch site Hooper WA ~ Near Washtucna Wa
- Launch Details
Moored Launch
04-02-08 Brandy
Saturday 2pm Kibbie Dome
Mission was a success!!
VAST Products Available On-line
11-04-07 - KE7JWW (Austin)
Click here or here to purchase VAST t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers and hats.
More details can be found in the kmz file (Check the details at the Launch Site)