ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – With the help of Sandia National Laboratories and Science Heads, students at South Valley Academy are getting to do some hands-on learning using a balloon – and not the type of balloon seen at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Students and professionals gathered together on Friday, October 25, to conduct a high-altitude balloon launch. Story continues below Trending: O’Niell’s owners speak out on what caused Nob Hill location closure Crime: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search for stolen generator NM News: NMSU approves $600K annual salary for incoming president Valerio Ferme Through the experiment, students will get to learn the science behind the solar-powered balloon, track its journey via satellite, and analyze data collected during the high-altitude flight. Through the launch, participants are hoping to collect data from the balloon's payload, including temperature, gas pressure, and other biological and environmental parameters. The group is also sending seeds and algae with the balloon to observe the effects of high altitude on the biological specimens.