Near Space Data Mission Slated for September: X2Griffon Payload Ready for Maiden Launch from Illinois
Illinois Company Gets Ready to Launch to Space: Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems Schedules Maiden X2Griffon Flight for September 19, 2026
Casey, Illinois – July 7, 2026 – Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems (MSDS), a federally registered aerospace research company based in Illinois, today announced it is preparing for its maiden launch of the newly named X2Griffon (formerly AmUP01) high-altitude craft from Casey, Illinois, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
After much internal debate, the company’s Launch Control Team Manager made the final decision to rename the platform X2Griffon. The name is derived from the Griffon Vulture and its shared similarities with the craft — including exceptional soaring ability at high altitudes, resilience in extreme conditions, keen “vision” for data collection, and efficient long-duration performance.
Under the leadership of CEO Jeremy David Higgs (FCC ham license KE9CFY), this first flight of the X2Griffon will mark a major milestone in the company’s mission to deliver transparent, high-quality atmospheric data from near-space altitudes.
Key Mission Details
• Platform: The X2Griffon is a custom-built, lightweight unmanned high-altitude balloon payload, manufactured in the United States except for the chip, which is soldered in-house based on MSDS’s specific configuration. It features a rugged Payload Containment Unit — a waterproof ABS plastic enclosure and integrated with a tracker. It transmits live data. The full system weighs approximately 1.01 lbs (Midwest-made) and is designed for near-space operations.
• Data Objectives: Onboard sensors will capture wind profiles and shear, temperature, GPS positioning, atmospheric stability layers, vertical temperature and moisture profiles, and other metrics. All raw data will be released publicly without alteration via the MSDS portal to support improved weather forecasting, severe weather research, urban climate analysis, and citizen science.
• Logistics: The launch will comply fully with FAA regulations, with support from local aviation authorities and the Midwest Payload Ground Recovery Team. A rapid post-flight data turnaround (target <48 hours) is planned.
September offers favorable conditions for high-altitude balloon launches in the Midwest, with typically stable upper-atmosphere patterns, moderate surface winds, and lower risk of severe weather compared to summer months—aligning with common practices seen in educational, research, and amateur high-altitude balloon programs.
Sponsorship Opportunities
MSDS is actively seeking launch sponsors and partners to help fund and support this inaugural X2Griffon flight and future missions. Sponsorship opportunities include branding on the payload and mission patch, recognition in public data releases and press materials, and co-branding on educational outreach. Interested organizations, companies, or individuals committed to open science, citizen science, STEM education, or Midwest innovation are encouraged to contact the team.
Leadership and Background
Jeremy Higgs brings decades of experience in technology, data systems, and electronics. His achievements include an award-winning Tableau COVID-19 visualization platform, a successful legal victory against Facebook (Meta), and hackathon projects. As an independent author of Between Code and Cosmos, he drives MSDS’s vision for open science and environmental data contribution.
MSDS also plans a fixed ground weather station in Clark County, Illinois, to complement high-altitude flights. The company invites collaboration for lightweight experiments (<1 lb) in future payloads and is recruiting volunteers for flight control and recovery teams.
Quote from Jeremy Higgs, CEO: “Data has always been my language. We’re excited to execute our maiden X2Griffon launch on September 19 from Casey, Illinois. This flight will combine proven real-time telemetry with near-space observations, delivering transparent atmospheric insights that benefit researchers, meteorologists, educators, and our Midwest community—pushing boundaries from the heartland toward the edge of space. We welcome sponsors who share our vision for accessible, public atmospheric data.”
About Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems
Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems designs, builds, and operates custom high-altitude unmanned payload craft (X2Griffon series and MAD-AP platforms) from the Midwest. All operations prioritize safety, FAA compliance, open science, and public data accessibility. Visit http://midwestsds.com/ for live tracking, data portals, and more.
Media & Sponsorship Contact:
launchcontrol@midwestsds.com
Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems
Casey, Illinois
Categories: Aerospace, Science, Weather, Research, Sponsorship
Tags: X2Griffon, High-Altitude Balloon, Atmospheric Data, Open Science, Casey IL, September Launch, Sponsors, Illinois Aerospace
Medical Contact Details
Company: Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems
Contact Name: Jeremy D Higgs
Address: Casey, United States
Email: launchcontrol@midwestsds.com
Website: http://www.midwestsds.com