On July 17, Flying Machines Day was held at the Silesian University of Technology, providing an opportunity for drone enthusiasts to meet and celebrate the first public flight of an airship constructed by our Assosciation. The event began at 3 p.m., with a test flight at 3:30 p.m. It was the first test involving the complete filling of the balloons with lifting gas to carry the weight of the vehicle. Thanks to the drones used for the event, it was possible to photograph all stages of preparing the airship for flight.

After repeated testing of the software and electronic systems, the moment of truth arrived for the structure itself. Using four hydrogen-filled stratospheric balloons, the blimp created at SpaceCoffee rose to hover in the air. Unfortunately, windy conditions and the significant weight of the vehicle's power system caused the balloons to be damaged, ending the flight with just a “bounce” upwards.

Despite this, seeing the first prototype in action only fuels our enthusiasm as members of the Assosciation. The results of our work on this project help us draw valuable conclusions that will guide us in the process of creating the second prototype. We can't wait to share photos of the launch of Airship V.2 with you!

As a result of the events surrounding Flying Machines Day and the trial flight of the airship, Radio Katowice visited the campus of the Silesian University of Technology to request an interview, as did a representative of Promotion and Communication Center our university. As a result of media interest in our achievement, a number of articles describing us and our exploits were published about SKN SpaceCoffee. We also made guest appearances on Radio Kierowców and Radio Jedynka during two broadcasts. We invite you to read the reports:

Politechnika Śląska | Trabant, który wzniósł się w powietrze

Młodzi konstruktorzy z Politechniki Śląskiej testują własny sterowiec

Sukces studentów z Gliwic. Ich sterowiec oderwał się od ziemi. „Chcieliśmy stworzyć coś na bazie drona, ale z małym udziwnieniem”

Gliwice: Młodzi konstruktorzy z Politechniki Śląskiej testują własny sterowiec

Gliwice/ Młodzi konstruktorzy z Politechniki Śląskiej testują własny sterowiec

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and we look forward to seeing you at future events!