Executive Summary
During the IMPACT-24 field campaign in Pallas, northern Finland, Sparv Embedded partnered with the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization to deploy a suite of lightweight, high-performance sensor systems. Two helium-filled aerostats lifted custom-built instruments—neutrally buoyant multisondes, ultra-light “Coinsondes” (SkyTrace), tethersondes, and modular drone sensors integrated with the new SKH3 data logger—several kilometers aloft. Each system features autonomous release mechanisms and ground-station tracking to ensure precise atmospheric sampling while complying with airspace regulations. Sparv’s rapid three-month development cycle for SkyTrace sondes and on-site troubleshooting support from company president Anders Petersson underscored the collaboration’s commitment to reliability and innovation. This campaign showcases how compact meteorological instrumentation can accelerate weather research under demanding field conditions.
Key Outcomes
- Sparv delivered multiple custom sondes and drone-mounted sensors to sample upper-air conditions
- Neutrally buoyant multisondes and SkyTrace Coinsondes feature autonomous balloon-pop release for precise tracking
- SkyTrace sondes were designed, prototyped, and manufactured in just three months
- Tethersondes combine GPS, pressure, and fast-response humidity/temperature sensors with extended battery life
- Drone sensors plug directly onto user quadcopters and leverage the SKH3 graphical data logger
- On-site support and rapid troubleshooting kept experimental systems operational in harsh field settings
IMPACT-24 Field Campaign in Pallas
The IMPACT-24 campaign, organized by the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, uses two 250 m³ helium aerostats to lift instruments to altitudes of several kilometers. Field teams release payloads in batches to capture vertical and horizontal atmospheric profiles. Compliance with Nordic airspace rules requires automated release systems to prevent sondes from straying outside designated sampling zones.
Sparv’s Custom Sensor Systems
Neutrally Buoyant Multisondes
Sparv’s multisondes are released 20 at a time. Each sonde floats along constant-pressure surfaces and drifts with winds before dispersing. An onboard balloon-popper severs the tether when predefined boundaries are reached; a backup cutter ensures reliable release.
Coinsonde “SkyTrace”
At just 4.5 g, the SkyTrace sondes lift to 1–2 km and descend while being simultaneously tracked by a purpose-built ground station. Designed, tested, and manufactured within three months, these ultra-light sondes demonstrate Sparv’s agile product development.
Tethersondes
These tethered sondes carry GPS, a pressure sensor, and a fast-response temperature and humidity probe. Extended battery life supports prolonged profiling sessions without mid-flight power failures.
Drone-Mounted Sensor Modules
Modular sensors for consumer quadcopters measure wind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure, and GPS position. Each attaches easily and streams data to Sparv’s SKH3 graphical logger, enabling real-time monitoring and data capture.
Collaboration & On-Site Support
Sparv president Anders Petersson joined the Pallas deployment to oversee system integration and resolve unexpected technical issues. Close cooperation with Max Planck staff refined operational procedures and ensured consistent data collection despite experimental hardware challenges.
Looking Ahead
We congratulate the Max Planck Institute on their ongoing measurements and look forward to the scientific insights enabled by Sparv’s sensor platforms. Future campaigns will benefit from enhanced autonomy, streamlined deployment workflows, and continued sensor innovation.
About the author
Anders Peterson
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Anders is the CEO and CTO, coordinating the company's general direction and engineering. He often discusses user requirements and how to accomplish them.