Author: Trent Tresch Date: 1/11/2026

Abstract#

Access to space and space-like conditions (low pressure, temperature extremes, low gravity, radiation, etc) is still one of the leading needs in the industry. Flight capabilities for scientific exploration of Earth and our solar system, as well as the need to validate new technologies to be used for such endeavors. I would like to propose a weeklong, hands-on workshop for the Maldives Space Research Organization (MSRO) to take place at the Addu Atoll in the Maldives, focused on teaching their emerging space agency how to build, fly, and recover stratospheric polyethylene balloons capable of carrying 1000’s of pounds to near space.

Problem#

Emerging space nations focus on policy as flight capabilities are believed to be too expensive. Learning to build and fly large balloon systems is a solution to this perceived economic problem. Both the US and Russian space programs started sending people and technology to near space using platforms like this. Putting the flight system in more hands encourages global participation in space development regardless of country GDP.

Solution#

I (Trent Tresch) have obtained an approved training, building and launch site with MSRO, notated here in decimal degrees: (-0.701700,73.154346). Over the period of a week, in person I will teach the MSRO community how to design, construct, launch, and recover polyethylene high-altitude balloons. This workshop will provide students, educators, and professionals in the Maldives with the skills and tools to explore the edge of space through a platform that integrates science, engineering, and art.

Benefits#

By using low-cost, in house built, field-deployable balloon systems, this initiative will empower the Maldives, while providing a blueprint to other emerging space nations to conduct their own near-space missions. If we as citizens of MoonDao truly wish to make space accessible to all, this project is guaranteed to have a positive impact globally, encouraging participation, technology development and scientific research in the space domain.

MoonDAO will receive prominent brand recognition for its support across materials and media. MSRO has committed to approximately $15,000 usd in monetary and in-kind contributions to support this project. Balloon building detail and documents will be published online open source for others to replicate.

Risks#

Small details to the proposal have the potential to change given weather or other circumstances, such as launch location. Payload launch must be done below 5 knots of wind. If too windy the launch may need to be scrubbed and rescheduled to another time outside of the scope of this proposal. The payload is most likely to land in the ocean for recovery, which means that there is potential for its loss.

As an emerging space nation, they believe they are ready to build these capabilities. It is possible however that they will not be able to sustain manufacturing and flight operations once the week long program has ended given their motivations or lack of.

The Maldives Space Research Organization will be given all tools necessary for successful manufacture, launch and recovery. These include but are not limited to: heat sealers, materials, parachute, radio tracking (APRS) and GPS tracking. They will be supplying a vessel and personnel for offshore recovery operations. This is an ideal opportunity to put their engineers and operators to the test. This flight will also enable them to work closely with their government and military to build national capabilities.

Objectives#

Objective #1: Teach MSRO how to manufacture high altitude balloons. Key Results for Objective #1:

• Provide them the tools and blueprint to manufacture polyethylene balloons.
• Require them to demonstrate they understand how to build said balloons.

Objective #2: Teach MSRO how to launch high altitude balloons. Key Results for Objective #2:

• Provide them instruction on weather, launch operations, gas filling, etc.
• Require them to demonstrate they understand how to launch said balloons.

Objective #3: Teach MSRO how to locate and recover a payload after flight Key Results for Objective #3:

• Provide them instruction on APRS and GPS tracking
• Require them to demonstrate they understand how to recover balloon payloads.

Objective #4: Instill confidence in the MSRO teach to think outside the box on how to use this platform to enable space exploration and technology development within their country. Key Results for Objective #4:

• Consistently encourage their team to ask questions and brainstorm solutions that can be applied to the flight platform.
• Explore cross-disciplinary applications of ballooning, including climate science, atmospheric sampling, and space-inspired art.
• Have fun with the project.

Team (Table A)#

Timeline (Table B)#

Transactions (Table C)#