Who is NMSS?

New Mexico Space Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing near space access to educational organizations. NMSS is a Special Interest Group of the Upper Rio FM Society, an Amateur Radio non-profit providing communication support and audio\digital linking repeater systems to New Mexico emergency services organizations and the amateur radio community. As a part of Upper Rio, NMSS has a special focus on meeting FAA regulations while conducting balloon operations in a safe and professional manner.

NMSS provides these services in three ways-

1. NMSS conducts quarterly launches to near space. These launches carry educational payloads to near space over central New Mexico. NMSS provides launch, tracking and recovery services and training to educators.
2. NMSS provides assistance and\or guidance to educational organizations wishing to launch their own High Altitude Balloons (HABs).
3. NMSS provides guidance documents designed to help organizations and individuals understand and meet Federal Regulations governing HAB flights. These documents can be found on this website.

Web traffic indicates many HABs are flown by a variety of groups and individuals in the US and worldwide. These flights appear to run the gamut from unregulated and relatively safe flights to those that may be contrary to regulation.

NMSS believes that access to near space is a privilege. Educators, Special Interest Groups and individuals can maintain this privilege by conducting HAB operations in a responsible and legal manner. NMSS goal is to provide knowledge and tools to keep near space open to all.

Sincerely,

Scott Stevenson, KC5VVB
Program Director
New Mexico Space Studies