What is AHAB?

AHAB is the Auburn High-Altitude Balloon program, a part of the Auburn University Student Space Program. It is a program funded by the Space Grant Consortium. In the program, students build a system designed to travel to near space conditions. Along the way, the balloon system is met with harsh conditions, including heavy winds measuring up to 130 mph and freezing temperatures of -60C!. It also must survive a descent of 80,000 feet using a parachute. The system is also designed so that outside groups (such as high schools or other organizations) can test experiments in near-space conditions using the balloon as a launching tool.

The program is led by students, and is mentored by faculty and advisors. Any Auburn University student can join AHAB, no matter their major, and it will teach them valuable skills such as working in a team, developing a final project, meeting deadlines, and other valuable skills needed in the working world. In addition to teaching valuable skills, it also gives undergraduates a chance to gain some experience working on a project, a valuable asset when interviewing for jobs, co-op or otherwise. If anyone feels they may not have a grasp on the more technical aspects, fear not. The team and faculty will help you in understanding what you need for the project, and many ways give you a real feel for the material in a way a textbook may not be able.