LaACES Student Ballooning Course

Welcome to the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium’s Louisiana Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (LaACES) Program.

Part I – Basic Skills Building and Introduction to Basic Components

Part I of the LaACES SBC will introduce the participant to all the technical skills required to complete the LaACES MegaSAT program.  In addition to the technical skills building, this section will also introduce the participant to analytical analysis, documentation and public presentations. 

Unit 01 - Introduction to LaACES SBC

This session with provide all introductory materials to introduce you to the course.

Lecture 01.01: LaACES Introduction Presentation PDF Version | Powerpoint Version  | Recorded Session (YouTube)

Lecture 01.02: LaACES Lab Notebook Presentation  PDF Version | Powerpoint Version | Recorded Session (YouTube)

LaACES Launch Video 05-04-2011

Unit 02 - Basic Electronics

This session is devoted to introducing basic electronic concepts and components to the student.  This session also includes an activity designed to introduce the students to basic electrical measurements and instrumentation.

Lecture 02.01: Electrical Fundamentals PDF Version | Powerpoint Version 

Lecture 02.02: Electronic Components  PDF Version | Powerpoint Version 

Activity 02.03 Using a Mulltimeter and Making Electrical Measurements (PDF) 

Lecture 02.04: Soldering Techniques PDF Version | Powerpoint Version

Activity 02.05: Solder Practice Assembly (PDF)

Lecture 02.06: Op Amp Basics  PDF Version | Powerpoint Version

Activity 02.07 Temperature Sensor Calibration(PDF)

Op Amp(TLV27) Datasheet

Thermistor Data Sheet

Thermistor Temperature Curves

Unit 03 - Programming with the Arduino Mega

Update Coming Septemeber 12, 2025

Unit 04 - Interfacing with the GPS/SD Shield

Update on Oct. 10, 2025

Unit 05 - End of Semester Capstone Report

Update Coming October 17, 2025