GPSL Agenda
Wednesday Schedule
June 17, 2026
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Early Arrivals: A Taste of Iowa Picnic
Venue
West Market Park, at the corner of Liberty St and West 2nd St.
Sponsored by Pella Explorers Near Space. Free will donations are appreciated!
A dinner buffet from 6pm to 9pm, including ham balls, cheesy Potatoes, green beans, rolls, orange salad, bar, and refreshments.
Thursday Schedule
June 18, 2026
14:00Z / 9:00 AM (CDT)
Missouri River Energy Hydroelectric Generating Facility Tour
Venue
1004 216th Place, Pella, IA 50219
41.3705N, 92.9775W
Tour Requirements: Must be able to climb stairs to multiple levels. No Shorts, and closed toe shoes only.
Photos are permitted, and bring your water bottle.17:00Z / 12:00 PM (CDT)
Thursday Lunch
Venue
On your own
Lunch Thursday will be on your own. There are many options around the tone square. Go to https://visitpella.com/eat_drink/ for options.
18:30Z / 1:30 PM (CDT)
OPA's Barn Tour
Venue
1933 Hwy G 28, Pella, IA 50219
41.4077N, 92.9757WGuided tour of over 2000 antique woodworking tools. For more information, see https://opasbarn.com/.
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Thursday Dinner
Venue
Pella Town Square
Experience Traditional Midwest Style Thursday in the Park Get together. Find dinner at one of the many food trucks on the Town Square or restaurants around the square.
Wander around various displays and entertainment on the Tulip Toren. 8:00 PM Weekly City Band Concert on the Tulip Toren. Look for PENS one and only Jim Emmert, WB0URW as he entertains the audience on the drums!!
Friday Schedule
June 19, 2026
12:30Z / 7:30 AM (CDT)
Doors Open
Venue
Vermeer Science Center, Central College
812 University Ave, Pella, IA 50219
13:30Z / 8:30 AM (CDT)
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Venue
Vermeer Science Center, Room 180
Speaker
Mike Morgan, N0MPM
17:00Z / 12:00 PM (CDT)
Lunch Provided
Venue
On Site College Cafeteria
21:15Z / 4:15 PM (CDT)
Safety and Weather Briefing
Venue
Vermeer Science Center, Room 180
Speaker
Mike Morgan, N0MPM
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Evening Dinner
Venue
West Side Social
1000 Fifield Rd, Pella, IA 50219
$20 per person.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Sandwich Buffet: Choice of Hamburger, Chicken Brest, or Pulled Pork Sandwich, plus Mac and Cheese and Coleslaw. One soft drink included and cash bar is available.
Saturday Schedule
June 20, 2026
12:30Z / 7:30 AM (CDT)
Venue
The launch sites are yet to be determined.
13:30Z / 8:30 AM (CDT)
Mass Balloon Launch
Venue
TBD
13:45Z / 8:45 AM (CDT)
Pico Balloon Launch
Venue
TBD
Pico balloon prep, fill, and launch will be after the latex balloons have launched. Hydrogen for Pico's will be provided at no cost.
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Post-Recovery Lunch
Venue
To Be Announced
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Afternoon Entertainment
Venue
The Cellar Peanut Pub
629 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219
23:00Z / 6:00 PM (CDT)
Post-Recovery Dinner
Venue
Pizza Ranch
508 Main St, Pella, IA 50219