February 18, 2008

Workshop in Columbus to teach students about balloon technology

The workshop, which is free, is open to the first 20 high school, undergraduate or graduate students who sign up. It will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, Room 107.

During the workshop, students will learn about the history and applications of balloon technology, applications for lighter-than-air platforms, flight-path predictions, payload design and power systems for near-space platforms. A team from TMGLabs will discuss previous balloon launch projects and related work, and students will construct small payloads for launch on the second day at the Columbus Bakalar Municipal Airport. After the launch, the payloads will be retrieved and examined for any changes.

"The purpose of this workshop is to educate students with hands-on applied technology training and to encourage all students to consider careers in engineering and science," said Margaret Ratcliff, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology at the College of Technology at Columbus. "We are grateful that TMGLabs Inc. the Indiana Space Grant Consortium and the Purdue College of Technology are working together to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training and work-force development for Indiana students."

In addition to Margaret Ratcliff, the workshop will be led by Bill Brown, chief engineer at TMGLabs and leading pioneer of balloon launch technology; and Brian Tanner, chief technology officer at TMGLabs.

Lunch will be provided both days by TMGLabs, and funding for the workshop materials is being provided by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium and TMGLabs. TMGLabs Inc. is a developer, integrator, producer and supporter of manned and unmanned aircraft, microelectronics and other systems used primarily by the U.S. government.

For questions or to register, contact Margaret Ratcliff at (317) 679-2785 mratclif@purdue.edu.

The College of Technology at Columbus offers degrees in mechanical engineering technology, computer and information technology, industrial technology, and organizational leadership and supervision. It is one of three educational institutions located at the Columbus Learning Center. Also at the center are Ivy Tech and Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus. The institutions share space at the center but are governed by three separate organizational entities.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Margaret Ratcliff, (317) 679-2785 mratclif@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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