Casey's Next Big Thing: Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems Brings AmUP Craft Program to "Big Things in a Small Town"

Casey, Illinois - May 19, 2026 - Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems, a pioneering U.S.-based atmospheric research company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, today announced the upcoming introductory launch of its AmUP Craft (Atmospheric Measurement Unmanned Payload Craft) program. The inaugural flight is scheduled for June or July 2026 from Casey, Illinois - the home of the company's launch operations and future ground weather station, and the celebrated "Big Things in a Small Town" destination. 
This launch represents Casey's next big thing, taking the town's famous spirit of oversized innovation and creativity to new atmospheric heights while boosting its growing reputation as a must-visit tourism destination in Illinois. 
Led by Jeremy David Higgs, CEO and former tech company leader with extensive experience in software development, blockchain, and innovative technology ventures, Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems is committed to advancing open science through custom, hand-built high-altitude platforms. Higgs brings a proven track record of entrepreneurship and transparent innovation to the field of stratospheric research.
Each AmUP Craft is a lightweight, cost-effective unmanned system designed to reach altitudes of up to 115,000 feet. The craft consists of a helium chamber, high-strength tether, parachute, and a rugged Payload Containment Unit (PCU) measuring 5.9 × 3.9 × 2.8 inches. Equipped with a QRP Labs U4B pico tracker for real-time GPS telemetry under ham radio license KE9CFY, the system delivers critical atmospheric data including:
• Wind profiles and strong shear events
• Atmospheric stability layers
• Vertical temperature and moisture profiles
• Urban climate impacts and winter storm thermodynamics
All data collected will be released publicly under Creative Commons licensing, ensuring full transparency and accessibility for researchers, educators, meteorologists, and citizen scientists. Flights operate under FAA guidelines with tracking support, emphasizing safety through parachute descent after balloon burst.
"Transparency is at the core of what we do," said Jeremy David Higgs, CEO of Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems. "By launching from our Midwest operations base in Casey, Illinois - a town famous for its 'Big Things in a Small Town' attractions that celebrate creativity and draw thousands of visitors each year - and sharing raw stratospheric data openly, we empower the scientific community and the public with direct insights from near-space. This introductory launch not only advances atmospheric science but also adds to Casey's unique appeal as a destination for tourism, discovery, and now high-altitude exploration. This is Casey's next big thing - and just the beginning of a broader program dedicated to filling data gaps in atmospheric science while supporting local tourism."
The company's headquarters are located in Portland, Oregon. Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems also offers public engagement opportunities, including an interactive simulator, volunteer roles on flight control and recovery teams, and collaboration slots for lightweight experiments (under 1 lb) in the PCU.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or partnership inquiries, contact launchcontrol@midwestsds.com.

Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems
2709 N Hayden Island Dr STE 116437
Portland, Oregon 97217

Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems is an EIN-registered business dedicated to advancing atmospheric science through innovative, hand-built AmUP Craft platforms. With headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and launch operations based in Casey, Illinois - future site of a dedicated ground weather station and home to the iconic "Big Things in a Small Town" attractions - the company prioritizes public data release to support transparent research, education, and citizen science initiatives. Under the leadership of Jeremy David Higgs, the team is bridging tech innovation with high-altitude exploration.

This release was published on openPR.