Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems Unveils Three-Tier Atmospheric Data Collection Strategy
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CASEY, Ill. - illiNews -- Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems (MSDS), the Illinois-based aerospace research company led by CEO Jeremy David Higgs, today announced a multi-platform strategy to collect and publicly release high-quality atmospheric data using three complementary systems.

1. X2Griffon — Stratospheric Vertical Profiling

The X2Griffon (formerly AmUP01) is a lightweight (~1.01 lb) high-altitude balloon payload designed for rapid ascents to approximately 115,000 feet followed by parachute descents. It captures detailed vertical profiles of temperature, wind shear, atmospheric stability layers, moisture, and GPS positioning. The maiden science flight is scheduled for September 19, 2026, from Casey, Illinois. All raw data will be released publicly via the MSDS portal.

2. Fixed Ground Weather Station

MSDS is deploying a fixed Personal Weather Station in Clark County, Illinois (Casey area) to provide continuous surface meteorological observations. Data will be contributed to global weather networks to complement high-altitude flights and support long-term local environmental monitoring.

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3. MAD-AP (Modular Advanced Data Acquisition Payload)

The MAD-AP is a lightweight mid-altitude platform engineered for long-duration flights in the jet stream, enabling missions that can achieve multiple global circumnavigations. It delivers extended observations of mid-tropospheric wind patterns and atmospheric dynamics, providing persistent data complementary to short-duration vertical profiles.

Together, these systems provide vertical atmospheric profiles, continuous ground observations, and long-duration global drift data — all made publicly available to support research, weather forecasting, education, and citizen science.

"These three platforms give us a powerful combination of stratospheric snapshots, reliable ground data, and persistent global observations — all released openly to advance scientific understanding from the Midwest," said CEO Jeremy David Higgs.

MSDS designs and operates custom lightweight high-altitude platforms from the Midwest with an emphasis on FAA compliance, safety, and rapid public data release. The company's inaugural X2Griffon science flight is planned for September 2026.