HAVOC

High Altitude Visual Orientation Control (HAVOC) is a BalloonSat project that develops methods of active stabilization for high-altitude balloon payloads.

The current HAVOC payload (named CYCLONE) uses compressed air thrusters to control rotation at high altitudes. In addition to payload control, a three-axis gimbal is used to control camera or instrument orientation. The HAVOC payload improves the collection of high-altitude imagery and other missions required stable payload rotation. Since 2021, HAVOC has been flown on 14 high-altitude balloon flights.