Students of Electronic Engineering at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) have successfully developed and launched the IRBE-6 stratospheric probe from Ventspils Airport. The probe is capable of reaching an altitude of 30 kilometers. This year, the students' main task was to develop a communication system that would enable the probe to receive and execute commands from a ground-based station, as well as to function as a meteorological probe, collecting atmospheric data at various altitudes. The probe soars above clouds and commercial flight paths, navigating through wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h and temperatures dropping below -40°C. The development of the probe had two main objectives: technical and scientific . Projects of this nature are an effective way for students to bridge theory with practice, encouraging them to solve real-world engineering challenges. This hands-on approach is widely used at leading technology universities, where traditional lectures are often supplemented with practical, project-based learning. This year’s primary technical challenge was to design and build a communication system capable of receiving and executing commands from a ground-based station while maintaining a continuous beacon signal. The beacon, which is essential for tracking the probe, broadcasts a signal to radio amateurs every three seconds. Once the balloon carrying the probe reaches the stratosphere, it bursts, allowing the payload — a project developed entirely by the students — to descend back to Earth. To ensure the payload is not damaged on landing, it is equipped with a special safety parachute. During its flight, the probe collects a variety of measurements and is equipped with pressure, temperature, and inertial measurement sensors , as well as a power supply system and an embedded computing system . The stratospheric probe was successfully launched on November 15 at 10:00 from Ventspils Airport. Based on their calculations, the students expect the probe to land in the Ezere Municipality near the Lithuanian border. This year’s IRBE-6 development team consisted of six students: Rodrigo Laurinovičs, Mārtiņš Leimants, Artūrs Marcus Tīģeris, Sandis Kaģis, Marta Anete Vinniņa, Aksels Ķirsons As part of this project, students not only strengthen their electronic engineering skills , but also learn to work in teams, plan and implement large-scale projects, and address legal and regulatory issues . Given that the balloon rises into controlled airspace, students must coordinate their activities with aviation authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.