  The prevalence of bacteria in the atmosphere has been well established in
relevant literature, suggesting that airborne bacteria can influence
atmospheric characteristics including the development of clouds. Studies have
also demonstrated that the atmospheric biological profile is influenced by the
underlying terrestrial biomes. An understanding of the complex interplay of
factors that can influence the atmospheric biological profile, not to mention
developing a biological census of the atmosphere, requires a cost-effective
experimental system capable of generating reproducible results with reliable
data. However, as has been demonstrated by payloads launched by space agencies
such as NASA and JAXA, these payloads are both complex and cost prohibitive.
This paper discusses the design and implementation of a biologically oriented
experimental payload for high-altitude ballooning that is within the means of
most student-run experimental programs. The payload highlighted in this
presentation, PHANTOM (Probe for High Altitude Numeration and Tracking of
Microorganisms, which has the goal of capturing aerial microorganisms at
multiple altitudes in order to characterize the biological composition of the
upper atmosphere), has undergone a number of successful flight trials, and
serves to highlight the feasibility and utility of interdisciplinary projects
between aerospace and the biological sciences.
