The Balloon lifts the rocket to 32km altitude
This is above 99% of the earth’s atmosphere
Less air density means less thrust required for the rocket
Only a small rocket is required resulting in smaller operating costs
Safer ground operations
Huge ground infrastructure not required
Andrew Dunn and Ben Massey are Aerospace Engineering students at Teesside University. During their 2nd year they became involved in a project now called TU2Space.
TU2Space is a student led project within the School of Science Engineering and Design at Teesside. The project was initiated by the school with the basic concept of developing a small space launch system for a femto-satellites. Andrew and Ben were student project managers of the TU2Space project and have recently co-founded a start-up business, StratoBooster.
StratoBooster is focused in the development of a High-altitude Balloon launched rocket system, capable in helping organisations and institutions launch their small satellites and payloads into space. Their business plans are to commercialise their work from TU2Space with the aim of further researching and testing their current work and developing the small space launch system for customers, who have already expressed interest in using this system.
With the reduced operating costs compared with other providers of space launches, flexible launch locations and effects of weather on balloons being minimal, we aim to:
- Create a Space Launch System for Femto/ Pico Payloads and satellites
- Make small satellite operators the priority, when currently they are secondary
- Make space accessible to the many
- Help schools and institutions conduct affordable space missions and promote STEM throughout.
Andrew is a co-founder of StratoBooster Ltd and graduate with a 1st Class (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering from Teesside University. Andrew works as a Student Ambassador for the university, working with the external partners hosting events, engaging with local schools and the community. He is also a STEM ambassador and enjoys promoting STEM related education in the younger generation to inspire our future scientists and engineers. He enjoys volunteering and helping others and has spent time abroad providing humanitarian assistance and support to those in need. Andrew has held a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) since 2012 and enjoys most things related to aviation and space.
Ben is a co-founder of StratoBooster Ltd and graduate with a 1st Class (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering degree from Teesside University. Ben also works as a student ambassador for the university and has volunteered as a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) Leader, assisting engineering students, at Teesside University, with their learning. For the past two years, Ben has been serving in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as an RAF policeman, which involves air platform and operational security as well as ceremonial duties.
Lower operating costs than other space launch providers
Flexible launch locations, from a beach to a field
There isn't currently any small launch systems
Effects of weather on balloons are minimal, resulting in a robust ground launch system
There hasn't been a commercial space launch from UK soil
We aim to be the first to do that