Balloon Satellite Proposal October 8, 2003 Team Members: Andrew Brownfield Chris Rooney Chris Homolac Jon Bergman Dan Direnso Kevin Brokish Page 1
Overview and Mission Statement will design, build, and launch a functional balloonsat on a weather balloon to an altitude of 30,000 meters in order to test a high-altitude thermostatic device as well as measure light intensity in the stratosphere. We will develop a means of automatically adjusting our heater so that the temperature within the interior of our balloonsat is controlled in an efficient manner. A circuit will be designed that takes input from a temperature sensor and adjusts the power provided to the heater accordingly. The results will be measured by one of two on-board temperature sensors. In addition we will measure the intensity of light at altitude in order to gain a better understanding of the flittering effects of the atmosphere. This will be accomplished through the use of a solar panel and a HOBO Data Logger. The final unique element of the Helios Balloonsat is a second camera designed specifically to maximize the number of picture taken at the apex of the journey. Maintaining control of the temperature within any vehicle that is to leave the troposphere is crucial to the successful completion of the mission. Without systems specifically designed to counteract the harsh environment of the upper atmosphere mechanical and electrical components will not remain functional, causing the mission to fail. This is the reason that equipment such as our thermostat circuit must be tested. We plan to quantitatively measure the light intensity in the upper atmosphere, using a photoelectric cell. The collected data will reveal the change in light intensity as a function of altitude. The photos collected by the 2 nd onboard camera will show a scenic view of the Earth from 100,000ft. The collective of pictures taken after the burst of the weather balloon will also portray the turbulent decent through the stratosphere. Although the unique aspects of the Helios balloonsat have been discussed thus far, the balloonsat will also carry out the standard functions described in the request for proposal. We will measure the ascent and decent rates of the balloonsat, using a HOBO pressure sensor and image the balloon and ground during flight using one of two onboard cameras with a system of mirrors to divide the image in two. Page 2
Design Our BalloonSat will be constructed of a foamcore box with an aluminum frame. Inside we ll have two cameras on either side of the box to distribute the weight. One will be taking a picture of the landscape while the other will be aimed at a mirror to get a shot of both the balloon and the ground. A 3mm cylinder will be placed in the middle to accommodate the cord going through the box securing it to the balloon. The HOBO device will be in between the two cameras and will have an outside temperature sensor attached through a foamcore wall. A timing circuit, heater, and thermostat will also be inside our box. Our power supply will be next to the HOBO in the middle, close to everything. Page 3
Page 4
Hardware The Helios Project will require the following hardware: 2 Canon Elph cameras linked to timing circuits and a power source. 1 HOBO Data Logger for collecting data from various inputs. 4 HOBO sensors: two temperature sensors, one solar panel, and one pressure sensor. 1 Thermostat/heater circuit and power source to maintain constant temperature. Aluminum for the frame and 6 foam core panels for the sides of the balloonsat. Mirror system for one of the cameras Building The building of our satellite will be a detailed and intricate process. The basic plan is to build from the inside out. We will first put together all the components and electronics. This means connecting the camera to the relay, connecting the sensors to the HOBO, connecting all devices to power, etc. We want to have all electronics in working order before we build the actual box. The two experiments include a solar light test and a thermostat circuit, not to mention the secondary orbital imaging device. The solar panel, which will give us readings of how much the light increases as the balloon increases in altitude, will be mounted to the outside of our box, attached to an aluminum strip for maximum security. Our second orbital imaging camera will be mounted on the inside of the box and will look through a hole cut into a piece of aluminum. This camera will be for just photographing the horizon as the balloon climbs and falls to various altitudes. This will require a separate relay timer, which we are currently designing. This camera will be mounted on one of the vertical walls, pointed slightly downwards. This will give us the best view of our surroundings, as anything photographed above our satellite will just be black. We also have another camera on board that will take pictures in a split image of both the ground and the balloon. We will place two mirrors at 45 degree angles right in front of the camera (mounted vertically with the picture taking horizontally). This will give us a picture of both up and down at the same time. As stated previously, this will be designed and constructed before the body of the balloonsat is designed and built. Once we have all of our devices tested, we will start incorporating them into the satellite. Our plan is to use both the foam core board and the aluminum to build our box. The aluminum will make a frame around the box, thus giving it strength. This will be the skeleton of our satellite. The foam core will fit inside the box. Foam core is lighter and is a better insulator than aluminum, but not as strong. By using both materials, we can achieve the strongest lightest structure possible (with the materials we have been given). We will break up the building work evenly between our team members. We will let each member apply his skills in different areas. Andrew and Kevin will be responsible for making sure all of our devices are set up and work properly. They will also be overlooking the whole process to make sure everything is done properly. Chris Rooney and Daniel will be responsible for incorporating the inside guts of our satellite with the outside structure. John and Chris Homolac will concentrate on the outside structure, building and testing it. Page 5
Testing Testing will be the most important step in building our satellite. If we do not know how our box will react at 100,000 ft. then many problems will occur. All of our components will be tested first. The camera will be tested after it is set up. We will take a few pictures and then develop the roll of film to make sure the camera is functioning properly and that our mirrors are lined up. We will test the HOBO computer to make sure all the sensors are calibrated and working properly, then download the info to our computer. Two of the most important tests will be an impact test and a temperature test. One of the things that fail the most is the heater. If our satellite gets too cold, none of our experiments will work. We will put our box in a freezer and lower the temperature to the same temperature we would experience at 100,000 ft. At this temperature we will then test all of our devices on board. For an impact test, we will drop the frame of our satellite down a flight of cement stairs. If nothing breaks, then the balloonsat will be prepared for launch. Launch Program On launch day, we will drive out to our launch site in Windsor, Colorado. On the day of the launch, each balloon satellite will be tethered together attached to a high-altitude weather balloon. Once we get to the launch site, very little should take place. We will just attach our satellite, turn it on and run through the checklist, and then let it go. All our systems will have been checked and tested by this point. Something can always go wrong though, which is why we will perform a quick test and inspection of the satellite on site. Once the balloons are launched, we will begin the chase. Tracking by GPS, we will follow the satellites and recover them once they land. Protection The Helios Team will do everything it can to avoid accidents. Our whole group will be taking the machine shop safety course. We will also wear eye protection when working with anything that could get in our eyes. We will use caution when cutting, soldering drilling, and even gluing. The team also recognizes that it is unsafe to leave tools lying around. Above all, we will exercise common sense when doing any activity that could be hazardous to one s health. Page 6
Special Features Special features on our satellite include solar cells and a thermostat. The solar cells will be used to measure light intensity in the upper atmosphere. The thermostat will be designed to autonomously supply the heater with current when the temperature falls below a predetermined level. The satellite will use one camera to image the balloon and ground throughout the mission. This will be accomplished using a mirror structure that reflects both upwards towards the balloon and downwards towards the ground. In addition to this camera, the balloonsat will have a second camera that specifically images the curvature of the Earth during flight. Another special feature of our satellite is the design of the frame. Aluminum is strong, but is also heavy. Foam core is light but not strong enough. The Helios satellite will have an aluminum frame with foam core panels, utilizing the best of both materials. Launch Day Everyone is expected to appear for launch which will be at 7:00 am in Windsor, Colorado. All of the final testing of hardware and equipment will have been fully completed at least a week before launch day to ensure that all modifications are complete (if necessary). At the launch site, we will make a final check on all the components to ensure they are working properly in preparation for launch. We then will then secure the satellite to the balloon and run through the launch checklist. Meeting Proposal Requirements We plan on meeting all the proposal requirements by having everyone do a specific job and by having a schedule for when everything should be complete. In order for everyone to complete their task on time, there will be at least on meeting per week. Some requirements of our satellite include measuring ascent and descent rates, Earth imaging, balloon imaging, allowing for a HOBO data logger inside the satellite, and utilizing an external temperature cable. We will be provided with a camera, a HOBO data logger, and a temperature cable. We have designed our satellite to include all of these components. Also, we are required to have two additional experiments. These will include solar cells for measuring light intensity and a thermostat to heat our satellite. Our thermostat will help us meet the requirement for keeping an internal temperature above 0 degrees Celsius. However, we must meet all these requirements with a weight restriction. Our satellite cannot exceed 500 grams. To do so, we will find the lightest components for our satellite that will still allow us to do all of our experiments. Also, we need to be aware of cost because we only have a $200 budget. In conclusion, all requirements will be met by the Helios Balloonsat. Page 7
Schedule of deadlines Finalize RFP 10-07-03 RFP due on 10-08-03 Team Presentation 10-13-03 Complete design by 10-15-03 Acquire all hardware by 10-20-03 Prototyping design completed by 10-29-03 Pre-Launch Readiness Review 11-03-03 Testing final design completed by 11-05-03 Cold Test completed by 11-12-03 Design reviews on 11-19-03 Launch day! 7 a.m. @ Windsor CO 11-22-03 Functional Block Diagram Page 8
Itemized/Mass Budget Item Cost (in Dollars) Mass (in Grams) Camera 1 n/a 50 Camera 2 28 50 HOBO n/a 29 HOBO Light sensor 5 3 HOBO Heat sensor 5 3 HOBO Altitude sensor 5 3 Timing circuit 2 3 Nicrome wire Donated 1 Thermostat circuit Donated 5 Batteries 15 35 Aluminum 20 180 Insulation 25 50 Assembly/misc. parts 80 70 Small mirrors (2) 5 7 Wires 5 7 Totals 195 496 Plan for Budget With two onboard cameras and an aluminum frame, this satellite will approach the 500g limit. If testing shows that the design will be too heavy, we will redesign the body with a thinner aluminum frame paneled with foam core and aluminum foil. The cost limit is pushed only by miscellaneous construction parts and the 2 nd camera. A concise design will prevent an excess of construction parts, and a cheaper camera could always be purchased. Page 9
Team members John Cougar Bergman (720)273-2765 Programming Problem solving Kevin Mr. Wizard Brokish 107 Andrews Hall (303)786-3698 Circuit design and manufacturing Computer programming, data analysis Andrew The Brain Brownfield 20 Cockerel Hall Andrew.Brownfield@colorado.edu Design Mathematical and physical analysis of design and data Daniel DiChainsaw DiCenso 1030 Adams Cir. G-204 (303)284-0863 Knowledge of Astronomy, and also Geology and Meteorology Good mechanical knowledge Chris Hollywood Homolac 4 Brackett Hall (303)786-2050 Computer Aided Design Multimedia support Computer software Chris Roon Dawg Rooney 135 Andrews Hall (720) 939-9324 Data analysis Design and formation Page 10