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National Aeronautics and Space Administration Marshall Space Flight Center: Student Launch Initiative Program University School of Milwaukee Student Launch Initiative Team 2006 Launch Operations and Procedures USM SLI Draft Operation Codes Subject to NASA Review as part of the MSFC Flight Readiness Review SLI Co-Project Leaders Spencer Greaves and Alexander Marks 1

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Page 1: Launch Operations Procedure.doc

National Aeronautics and Space

Administration

Marshall Space Flight Center: Student Launch Initiative Program

University School of MilwaukeeStudent Launch Initiative Team 2006 Launch Operations and Procedures

USM SLI Draft Operation Codes Subject to NASA Review as part of the MSFC Flight Readiness Review

SLI Co-Project LeadersSpencer Greaves and Alexander Marks

USM SLI Team Educators:Mr. Brian Pack and Mr. Paul Greeney

-Official Final Document- Monday, April 10, 2006

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Part 1: Summary Introduction: Full Launch Overview

Part 2: Flight Vehicle Operation Procedures

Section A: Flight Vehicle Recovery Preparation

Section B: Propulsion Preparation – Overall Motor Assembly

Section C: Propulsion Preparation – Ignition System and Igniter Preparation

Section D: Flight Vehicle Ground Stabilization System (Launch Pad)

Section E: Overall Flight Operation Procedures and Checklists

Section F: Risk Mitigation and Analysis

Section G: Post Flight Inspection and Analysis

Section I: Media and Documentation Equipment setup Procedures and Plan

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Part 3: Scientific Payload Operation Procedures

Section A: Pre-Flight Payload Setup Procedures

Section B: Pre-Flight Avionics Setup Procedures

Section C: Pre-Flight Outreach Program “mini-payload” Setup Procedures

Section D: Prep-Flight Booster Vision On-Board Camera System Setup

Section E: Flight Payload Procedures – Software Prep Operations

Section F: Overall Payload Preparation Procedures

Section G: Overall Post Flight Procedures – Data Analysis and Recovery

Section H: Risk Mitigation and Analysis

Part 4: Complete Launch Operations Choreography

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PART I: Full Overview of the Launch Setup

□ Check Weather and Launch Status□ Arrive at Launch Site:

Phase 1: Pre-Prep

Set up Ground Control:Spencer, Christian, Alex, Colin, Will

Flight Vehicle Section D: Set Up the Launch PadJames, David & (Mentor: Gabe Kolesari) & Mr. Marks

Set Up the Cameras (Video on Tripod, 35mm on Tripod, Launch Pad Cams 2x + Make sure to put down warning signs next to cameras near launch pads + USM SLI On-Board

Camera Sign) Jawaad Ahmad

Phase 2: Launch Prep

Flight Vehicle Section A: Recovery PreparationAlex Marks, Jawaad Ahmad, Christian Bauzenberger, William Bishop

Flight Vehicle Sections B – C: Propellant PreparationMentors: Mr. Gabe Kolesari and Mr. Scott Goebel

-----

Payload Section A: Payload ElectronicsSpencer Greaves and Colin Weber

Payload Section B: AGTS 1 Avionics Preparation Spencer Greaves

Section C: Outreach Mini Payload PreparationSpencer Greaves and Colin Weber

Section D: Booster Vision On-Board Camera System (OBCS 2 ) Preparation Spencer Greaves and Alex Marks

1 AGTS = ATHA GPS and Telemetry System (ATHA Aerospace)2 OBCS = On-Board Camera System (Booster Vision)

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Team Member Topic of Preparation Checklist Section

Spencer Greaves iTX, AGTS, and OBCS for Integration P: Section A/B/DAlex Marks Recovery and Ignition Systems V: Section A/C

Jawaad Ahmad Media, then, Prepping the Rocket V: Part I, V: Section AChristian Bauzenberger Prep. Recovery V: Section A

Colin Weber LabPro and PHATS then, the “Outreach Payload” P: Section A/CDavid Werner Flight Vehicle, Setting Up Tracking P: Section A, V: Section AJames Levine Flight Vehicle, Tracking, OBCS Monitoring P: Section A, V: Section A

---- ---Mentor Oriented Tasks--- -----Mr. Gabe Kolesari Motor assembly and insertion [As per NAR3 Rules] N/AMr. Scott Goebel Avionics bay check and pyro charges (assembly) N/A

Mr. Charles Marks Safety Supervision N/AAcronyms:

“V” = Vehicle Team “P” = Payload Team

Phase 3: Launch and Recovery

Documentation = Jawaad Ahmad, William Bishop, David Werner, Spencer Greaves

Visual Tracking = Alex Marks, Christian Bauzenberger + (all involved in documentation)

AGTS Tracking* = Colin Weber

Radio Tracking** = Alex M.

Booster Vision Sub-System Monitoring = James Levine

(*The AGTS system will be integrated into the rocket depending on final weight of the rocket. However, as seen in Vehicle Criteria- Section A of the FRR Report, the flight on April 9th, had a very close landing in proximity to the launch pad. (**We will have a Walston Tracking system for the flight vehicle by the time the team is ready for the SLI Trip.)

Then, the team will bring back the payload section and the flight vehicle section, move the data into non-volatile memory and try to download the data onto a laptop computer for safe keeping.

We will also slide out the payload and take a picture of the cobalt salts so that the image can be analyzed later.

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The flight vehicle and payload will then be inspected for any damage that would need to be repaired for another flight.

Phase 4: Data Retrieval

The data collected during flight will go through a series of procedures through the TI-89 Titanium Calculator in order to move the memory from flash to standard RAM4 non-volatile memory so that the disconnection of power will not damage the data. This is for precautionary purposes.

Then the LabPro will be hooked up to a computer for full data retrieval. We would connect each LabPro to a computer through the USB5 2.0 port on the LabPro and then would use LoggerPro 3.3 to download the data for viewing and analysis.

The data collected through the Parallax Humidity and Temperature System (PHATS6) will be connected through the USB cord to a computer where it will be downloaded so it can be analyzed at a later time. The same will be done with the iTX system, but it will be connected through a slightly different cord arrangement (USB to Industrial Scientific converter box to the iTX). Time will also be recorded (with the same watch that recorded when it was tuned on) when the iTX is turned off so that it can determined which part of the graph corresponds to the launch time.

Detailed procedures for the data retrieval process (the non-volatile memory switch and LoggerPro 3.3 download) are in Part 3 – Section F of this Report.

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PART II: Flight Vehicle Operation Procedures

Section A: Flight Vehicle Recovery Preparation

When prepping the rocket it is important to slow down and prioritize on what needs to be down at what time goal. The goal of recovery preparation is to make sure that the rocket comes down safely; making sure that the flight will not harm the rocket, payload, or any team members as well as spectators.

Step 1:

Lay out all of the equipment necessary for recovery preparation. Recovery preparation also includes the use of the flight computers. Since the Payload Team will be busy prepping the payload systems. The recovery team will have prerogative over the preparation of the payload parachute, though it is a subsystem of the payload.

List of Necessary Equipment for Recovery Preparation:

Quantity: 4 of (1/4 inch thick) Steel Quick Links1 Inch Kevlar Strap for the Main Parachute 1 inch Kevlar Strap for the Drogue ParachutePayload Spherachutes Deployment BagFlight Vehicle Spherachutes Deployment BagSkyAngle Classic 36 inch Drogue ParachutePayload Spherachutes 168 inch ParachuteFlight Vehicle Spherachutes 168 inch ParachutePull “Screamer” (the black box one. Rated at: 110db)Transolve Transbeep Light Activated Screamer (Rated at 90db) Shear PinsQuantity: 8 of (1/4 inch thick) Stainless Steel BoltsQuantity: 4 of Pyro Charges Canisters*Black Powder**Modeling ClayMasking Tape Electric TapeExtra Wire & solder Rubber Bands (if necessary)

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Tools:Regular and Needle Nose PliersWire Stripper ToolSoldering IronPhillips and flathead screwdriversDrill and Proper Bits (if necessary)

--List for Recovery Sub-System Preparation Phase--

□ Pyro Charges Connected□ Fold and pack drogue parachute□ Fold and pack Payload Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Fold and pack Flight Vehicle Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Organize all shock cords to ensure proper placement□ Run shock cords through pistons and caps□ Attach quick links to designated ends of shock cords□ Attach drogue parachute to quick link□ Attach screamer to quick link□ Attach main parachute to avionics bay□ Attach deployment bag to 168’’ Spherachute□ Attach Spherachute to payload□ Attach all shock cords and check□ Make sure all quick links are attached and tight□ Bolt into T-nuts□ Place in sheer pins

Section B: Propulsion Preparation – Overall Motor Assembly

The Motor must be only assembled by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Mentors associated with the team (Gabe Kolesari, Charles Marks, and Scott Goebel).

Mr. Kolesari, Mr. Goebel, or Mr. Marks because of their level 2 certification with the National Association of Rocketry, will be the only people assembling and or handling the motors.

Because of the rules against students handling black powder, Charles Marks and/or Mr. Goebel or Mr. Kolesari will also be the only people that will be handling the pyrotechnical charges that are an integral part of the recovery system for the rocket. This is why one of the mentors will oversee the recovery preparation where the charges will be prepared and connected to the flight computers.

□ Load central 75mm motor into the rocket

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□ Load outboard 38mm motors into the rocket□ Tighten motor retention to ensure that motors are secure

Section C: Propulsion Preparation – Ignition System and Igniter Preparation

Again, because of the restrictions on students handling the motors the mentors associated with the team will be the only people that can prepare the igniters for the propulsion. Because of past experience, Mr. Gabe Kolesari (NAR Level 2) will be preparing the igniters for the rocket.

Because we are using the G-Wiz clustering feature on this year’s rocket, before launch, the igniters will be connected to the G-Wiz and then forced through a tube which will come out the bottom of the cluster where the wires can be strung to the appropriate motors when the rocket is on the pad.

□ Check igniters for resistance to ensure that they are working properly□ Feed Clustering igniters down to the outboard 38mm Motors□ Connect Wire to G-Wiz□ Connect G-Wiz Power Supply □ Set function on the G-Wiz□ Place G-Wiz into avionics bay □ Test G-Wiz to make sure functions are operating properly□ OUTBOARD MOTORS AVIONICS PROCEDURES FINISHED

On the Pad□ Re-ensure that motor retention is in place□ Carefully feed igniters into the motors*□ Tape down the wires from the igniters □ Check igniter installation integrity □ SSO and Safety Director Confirm Ignition system is “safe”

(*Mentor Restricted Step - Handling of all pyrotechnic materials that would classify as hazardous material)

Since we will be using a cluster, Mr. Gabe Kolesari will also be preparing the motors so that all of the motors will ignite off the ground and will pressurize within the proper timeframe so that the rocket will launch as planned. More information can be found in this overall FRR Report under Vehicle Criteria Section C.

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Section D: Flight Vehicle Ground Stabilization System (Launch Pad)

The launch pad that will be used is a trailer pad design. It has the ability to launch rockets up to 400lbs and will have a 24 foot long rail guide that is able to handle our rocket length. Team members James Levine and David Werner will be in charge in setting up the launch pad.

Section E: Overall Flight Operation Procedures and Checklists

USM SLI Master Launch Checklist (Details of Phase 2 Flight Vehicle Launch Operations)

Pre-Prep:□ Ground Control Center Set □ Video Camera 1, 2, 3, 4 Set□ Video Camera Pad Cam 1 Set □ Video Camera Pad Cam 2 Set□ Medium Distance Video Camera Set □ Launch Pad Set

- Flight Vehicle Launch Preparation Checklist -

Recovery:□ G-Wiz MC Set

- Make sure that it is a new battery - Make sure that the MC switches are properly set- Ensure that the wires are connected properly to the MC- Ensure MC is not “armed” after prepped and that it is in “standby” mode

□ RRC2 Set- Make sure that it is a new battery - Make sure that the RRC2 switches are properly set- Ensure that the wires are connected properly to the RRC2- Ensure RRC2 is NOT “armed” after prep. and that it is in “standby” mode

□ Pyro Charges Connected

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□ Fold and pack drogue parachute□ Fold and pack Payload Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Fold and pack Flight Vehicle Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Organize all shock cords to ensure proper placement□ Run shock cords through pistons and caps□ Attach quick links to designated ends of shock cords□ Attach drogue parachute to quick link□ Attach screamer to quick link□ Attach main parachute to avionics bay□ Attach deployment bag to 168’’ Spherachute□ Attach Spherachute to payload□ Attach all shock cords and check□ Make sure all quick links are attached and tight□ Bolt into T-nuts□ Place in sheer pins

Propulsion:□ Assemble 75mm motor*□ Assemble 38mm motors* □ Load central 75mm motor into the rocket*□ Load outboard 38mm motors into the rocket*□ Tighten motor retention to ensure that motors are secure

□ Check igniters for resistance to ensure that they are working properly□ Feed Clustering igniters down to the outboard 38mm Motors□ Connect Wire to G-Wiz□ Connect G-Wiz Power Supply □ Set function on the G-Wiz□ Place G-Wiz into avionics bay □ Test G-Wiz to make sure functions are operating properly□ OUTBOARD MOTORS AVIONICS PROCEDURES FINISHED

□Flight Vehicle Ready

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Section F: Risk Mitigation and Analysis Chart

Flight Vehicle Malfunction Risk Plot:

Failure Type Affect to Systems Prevention of Failure

Motor Failure (CATO) Possible breakage of fin can section of the rocket and/or

parachute shredding. Possible loss of all systems.

Read directions in assembling the motors and lubricate everything well,

also make sure everything is snug in the casing.

Parachute Failure Rocket and/or science falls to ground at a high rate of

speed and possible destruction of rocket and/or

payload

Use a pilot chute or low tangle chute for the science,

pack the parachutes extremely well.

Zippering Shredding of an Airframe Employ a anti-zipper design to make it almost impossible

to zipperFin dislocation Extreme instability in flight

and danger to ground personnel, possible

destruction of all systems

When building the rocket, glue fin joints down with high-strength adhesives.

Altimeter Malfunction Possible Live telemetry shut down. One or both

parachutes fail to be ejected, this would be disastrous

Mount all altimeters well and secure, wire everything properly, and arm the altimeter on the pad

Tangled Main Parachute Rocket comes down too fast. Major damage to many

systems.

Use hard to tangle parachutes (SkyAngle) and pack parachutes properly

Too much or not enough Black Power in ejection

charge

Parachute will not deploy properly. May destroy all parachutes which would cause destruction to all systems and payload.

Measure the amount of black power used in the ejection

charges.

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Shockcord tear Rocket comes down at ballistic speeds and all

systems crushed on impact.

Use High Strength Nylon and at a proper length to

minimize high force jerks

Section G: Post Launch Inspection

Launch inspection will include the inspection of all of the recovery sub-system, the back plate where the motors fired, the launch rail system, the launch pad, the sub-components

of the flight vehicle, and attachment integrity.

Section I: Media and Documentation Equipment setup Procedures and Plan

There will be a series of camera around the launch pad to capture every angle of the flight as well as help us visually analyze the deployment of the parachutes to ensure that the recovery design is correct.

Currently we have 7 video cameras that will be facing the rocket and 1 still camera. We will have 4 video cameras (Marks Home Camera held by James Levine, Ahmad Home Camera held by Jawaad Ahmad, Goebel Home Camera held by Mr. Goebel, Greaves Home Camera held by Mr. Greaves) that will be guided by people holding them, 1 medium distance video camera on a tripod (Ahmad 2nd Home Camera), 1 upward facing pad cam inside a protective lexan box (Greaves 2nd Home Camera), 1 pad camera (Bishop Home Camera), and a Booster Vision On-Board Camera System (OBCS) that will broadcasting on-board video during the rocket launch. Spencer Greaves will be using his Nikon D70s to capture still shots of the rocket during its flight.

Note: The number and positions of cameras that will be documenting the rocket’s launch is not a vital part of the success of the flight. Rather, it is just for documentation purposes.

A preliminary diagram of the camera positions is below.

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Part III: Scientific Payload Operation Procedures

Section A: Pre-Flight Payload Setup Procedures

The payload must be assembled and ready so that it can be easily inserted into the payload airframe and properly armed for launch. These steps are the Pre-Flight Payload Setup Procedures.

In this the sensors and the LabPro systems are mounted on to the payload pallet and the entire payload pallet system us prepped and ready to be armed. Below is a list of Pre-Flight Payload Setup Procedures. ADD related Payload Sub-Systems□ Load LabPro “Blue” into Payload Pallet□ Load LabPro “Gold” into Payload Pallet □ Mount CO2 Sensor inside ADD7

□ Connect ADD hose to Gas Pressure Sensor□ Mount Temperature Sensor□ Mount Accelerometers □ Mount iTX and test sub-system to ensure that it is working properly□ Load Cobalt Salt Plate into the ADD□ Connect Temperature Sensor to proper LabPro and hot glue into place

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□ Connect 3 Axis-Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect 25g Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect CO2 sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Gas Pressure Sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Barometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Load Batteries into Power Supply Packs□ Connect Power Supply to LabPro□ Go through arming procedures to ensure that the LabPro is working properly□ Re-set to Standby mode□ WHEN ALL OTHER PAYLOAD PREPERATION STEPS ARE COMPLETED:

turn on the iTX [make sure that the 4 stopwatches are set when the iTX is turned on. Two will be shutoff when the rocket launches, the other two when the payload hits the ground. Christian Bauzenberger (Stopwatch 1), Colin Weber (Stopwatch 2), David Werner (Stopwatch 3), William Bishop (Stopwatch 4)].

PHATS (Parallax Humidity and Temperature Sub-System) □ Mount Parallax Board and Connect Power Supplies□ Ensure HOBO is connected to □ Use Bluetooth “ToothPic” system to setup program on Parallax □ Go through arming procedures to ensure that Parallax is working properly

Section B: Pre-Flight Avionics Setup Procedures

The Pre flight avionics setup procedures mainly includes the setup of the AGTS system and the FC-877, a accelerometer based recording flight computer which will be linked to the AGTS system to give the USM SLI real live flight data in the form of a data uplink

between the AGTS system and a system on the ground.

□ Mount the AGTS to the Payload Pallet□ Mount the FC-877 to the payload pallet.□ Connect the battery supply to the AGTS system. □ Connect the AGTS system (serial RS-232 port) to the serial port on the back of the

computer. □ Setup 877 (pyro outputs 1-4 are disabled & acceleration based apogee detect)□ Ensure that the AGTS and FC-877 are working simultaneously and in conjunction

with each other

-Commence Pre-Flight Operations Calibration and Uplink Check Phase-

□ Using the CATS8 system software, check the uplink status and make sure that the AGTS address and module setup function* is operational. (*Make sure that there

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is no-one in the area flying a rocket on the same model frequency or the lock on the AGTS may be lost during flight).

□ Using CATS: Set Network Address□ Using CATS: Set Code□ Using CATS: Check Signal Strength□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is properly programmed□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is broadcasting correct positional data □ Mark down the launch coordinates and enter waypoint into GPS “Garmin eTrex

Legend” to ensure that there is a low reading discrepancy between the AGTS and the handheld GPS system.

At the Launch Site:□ Arm the FC-877□ Arm the AGTS□ Check AGTS Broadcasting Signal□ AVIONICS ARE GO FOR FLIGHT

Section C: Pre-Flight Outreach Program “mini-payload” Setup Procedures

- Remove Outreach Payload from the nosecone (un-screw 3 #8 screws from T-Nuts)

- Cut zip-ties and remove canister- Insert crickets into canister - Re-position canister and zip-ties - Arm LabPro and begin data collection - Mark time for when LabPro was armed.

Section D: Pre-Flight Booster Vision On-Board Camera System Setup

The booster vision ground station will be connected through and inverter which will directly connected to a Macintosh PowerBook and will be imported directly to the hard drive using iMovie. The Booster Vision Camera will broadcast its signal on 2400 MHz to the ground station.

Booster Vision On-Board Camera System Setup Steps for USM SLI LaunchThis step will be that last step that will be completed before the launch sequence is initiated.

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□ Make Sure Camera is facing downward at the right angle□ Check all wiring connections□ Install the Nosecone on top of the rocket□ Arm OBCS□ Check OBCS Broadcasting Clarity

Section E: Flight Payload Procedures – Software Prep Operations

--- Payload Launch Preparation Checklist ---

LabPro Red Arming Procedures□ Turn on LabPro Red□ Connect TI9-86 Calculator and Set Up Sensors □ Connect TI-89 Titanium Calculator and Set Up LabPro Trigger Function (Below)

LabPro remote data collection steps for USM SLI Launch

LabPro: RED LabPro: BLACKSensors:

1. “3 Axis Accelerometer” (X Axis), m/s/s 1. “25 G Accelerometer”, m/s/s

2. “3 Axis Accelerometer” (Y Axis), m/s/s 2. Gas Pressure Sensor, kPa

3. “3 Axis Accelerometer” (Z Axis), m/s/s 3. Barometer, kPa4. CO2, PPM 4. Surface Temperature Sensor (°C)

Set up sensors with: Colin’s TI- 86 (red cover) Spencer’s TI-86 (black cover)Send command: {6,4} (6,4}

{102,-1} {102,-1}

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{3,.01,3000,2,1,60,2,0} {3,.01,3000,2,1,60,2,0}Using: TI-89 Titanium (Trigger) TI-89 Titanium (Trigger)

Retrieve data to: Non-Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

□ Repeat LabPro RED Arming Procedures for LabPro BLACK

FC-877 Arming steps for USM SLI LaunchThe FC-877 will be armed at the same time that the pallet is inserted to the payload

airframe. Since it will just be used for data collection (altitude, acceleration, speed) all the pyro outputs on the FC-877 will be disabled.

The FC-877 can be pre-programmed using the pushbuttons directly on the FC through the LCD. The FC will be set as follows.

Baro Apogee Detect = DisabledPyro 1 = Disabled Pyro 2 = DisabledPyro 3 = DisabledPyro 4 = Disabled20ms Sample Rate.

Parallax Arming steps for USM SLI Launch

- Connect the Parallax Board to the computer - Install configuration software and check to see if program is properly set- Disconnect board from USB Cord. - Arm when ready

Section F: Overall Payload Preparation Procedures

USM SLI Master Launch Checklist PART 2(Details of Phase 2 Payload Launch Operations)

ADD related Payload Sub-Systems□ Load LabPro “Red” into Payload Pallet□ Load LabPro “Black” into Payload Pallet □ Mount CO2 Sensor inside ADD□ Connect ADD hose to Gas Pressure Sensor□ Mount Temperature Sensor□ Mount Accelerometers

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□ Mount iTX and test sub-system to ensure that it is working properly□ Load Cobalt Salt Plate into the ADD□ Connect Temperature Sensor to proper LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect 3 Axis-Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect 25g Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect CO2 sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Gas Pressure Sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Barometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Load Batteries into Power Supply Packs and hot glue into place□ Connect Power Supply to LabPro□ Go through arming procedures to ensure that the LabPro is working properly□ Re-set to Standby mode□ Ensure that all tie wraps are secure and that all retaining bolts are in place□ WHEN ALL OTHER PAYLOAD PREPERATION STEPS ARE COMPLETED:

turn on the iTX [make sure that the 3 stopwatches are set when the iTX is turned on. One will be stopped when the rocket launches, one when the payload hits the ground, and the third when the iTX is turned off Christian Bauzenberger (Stopwatch 1), Colin Weber (Stopwatch 2), Jawaad Ahmad (Stopwatch 3)].

PHATS (Parallax Humidity and Temperature Sub-System) □ Mount Parallax Board and Connect Power Supplies□ Ensure HOBO is connected to Parallax□ Use computer to setup program on Parallax □ Go through arming procedures to ensure that Parallax is working properly

Avionics□ Mount the AGTS to the Payload Pallet□ Mount the FC-877 to the payload pallet.□ Connect the battery supply to the AGTS system. □ Connect the AGTS system (serial RS-232 port) to the serial port on the back of the

computer. □ Setup 877 (pyro outputs 1-4 are disabled & acceleration based apogee detect)□ Ensure that the AGTS and FC-877 are working simultaneously and in conjunction

with each other

-Commence Pre-Flight Operations Calibration and Uplink Check Phase-

□ Using the CATS system software, check the uplink status and make sure that the AGTS address and module setup function* is operational. (*Make sure that there is no-one in the area flying a rocket on the same model frequency or the lock on the AGTS may be lost during flight).

□ Using CATS: Set Network Address□ Using CATS: Set Code□ Using CATS: Check Signal Strength

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□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is properly programmed□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is broadcasting correct positional data □ Mark down the launch coordinates and enter waypoint into GPS “Garmin eTrex

Legend” to ensure that there is a low reading discrepancy between the AGTS and the handheld GPS system.

FULL SYSTEMS CHECK:□ Check all connections in ADD□ Check all LabPro Sensor Wire Connections□ Check all Power Connections□ Check FC-877□ Check AGTS□ Check Parallax Sub-System □ Check OBCS

At the Launch Site:□ Arm the FC-877□ Arm the AGTS□ Check AGTS Broadcasting Clarity□ AVIONICS ARE GO FOR FLIGHT□ Make Sure Camera is facing downward at the right angle□ Check all wiring connections□ Install the Nosecone on top of the rocket□ Arm OBCS□ Check OBCS Broadcasting Clarity

□Payload Ready

Section G: Overall Post Flight Procedures – Data Analysis and Recovery

After the data has been collected during launch, the LabPro will be connected to the calculator and the data in the flash memory will be moved into a safe memory area

known as Standard RAM. This memory port is a non-volatile memory port that will store

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our data just in case we have a sudden power failure or another problem that would make us lose the data we collected during the launch.

Then the LabPro will be connected through the USB port on the LabPro to the USB port on the computer. Then the data will be downloaded to a software program known as

LoggerPro 3.3 for analysis.

The data collected through the Parallax Humidity and Temperature System (PHATS10) will be connected through the USB cord to a computer where it will be downloaded so it can be analyzed at a later time. The same will be done with the iTX system, but it will be

connected through a slightly different cord arrangement (USB to Industrial Scientific converter box to the iTX). Time will also be recorded (with the same watch that recorded when it was tuned on) when the iTX is turned off so that it can determined which part of

the graph corresponds to the launch time.

Section H: Risk Mitigation and Analysis

There are many things that can go wrong with our payload because of the fact that it is very complicated. That is why we have this extensive procedures list for the preparation of the payload and flight vehicle. Some possible problems that could occur are listed on

the next page.

Failure Type Affect to Systems Prevention of Failure

Power Loss for LabPro All sensors do not collect data. Flight will be

ineffective because there will be no data for the entire

flight.

Make sure the batteries are secure in the LabPro. Remember to hook up rechargeable battery to

LabPro for power redundancy.

Parachute Failure Rocket and/or science falls Use a Spherachute 96 inch

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to ground at a high rate of speed and possible

destruction of rocket and/or payload

pilot chute and pack the parachutes extremely well.

Stainless Steel bolts break (in tube coupler shoulder)

The payload will fall to the ground will probably be completely destroyed on

impact.

Make sure that mounting system is extremely strong and thoroughly test joint.

Fin dislocation Extreme instability in flight and danger to ground personnel, possible

destruction of all systems

When building the rocket, glue fin joints down with high-strength adhesives.

FC-877 Malfunction* (refer to Part 3- Section A under Phase 3 for AGTS

clarification)

Live telemetry shut down. GPS will still be broadcast

but telemetry will not work. No physical damage to

systems.

Mount all altimeters well and secure, wire everything properly, and arm the altimeter on the pad

AGTS Malfunction*(refer to Part 3- Section A under Phase 3 for AGTS

clarification)

Live telemetry shut down. GPS shut down.

Possibility of losing science package.

Mount the AGTS well and thoroughly test it. Make sure all connections are working

properly. Tangled Payload Parachute Payload comes down

ballistic. Science package lost.

Use shroudless 84 inch Spherachute for payload

chute. Shockcord tear Rocket comes down at

ballistic speeds and all systems crushed on impact.

Use 1 inch wide nylon strap which has the ability to

stretch

Sensor Malfunction No and/or incorrect data from sensor.

Test thoroughly and mount everything properly.

LabPro not armed properly If mistake noticed: Delay in launch.

If not: Complete science failure, a.k.a. no data.

Arm the LabPro properly by constantly refining the

procedures and testing them.

Part IV: Complete Launch Operations Choreography

Start Time -[Task] (min)

Activity Personnel

--- Begin Phase 1 Launch Operations

USM SLI TEAM

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00.0 min Arrive at the Launch site. ---00.0 (10) Setup the “Easy-Up’s” (3) James, Bauz, Will, David00.0 (20) Move equipment to GCC Spencer, Colin, Alex, (Jawaad)

+10.0 (45) Jawaad breaks away and begins documentation prep. (check and

clean cameras, setup pad cameras, setup tripod camera)

Jawaad

+5.0 (10) setup tables and shift equipment to areas

James, Bauz,

+ 10.0 (10) Push the Launch pad into position on the field

Will, David, Mr. Marks,

+10 (15) Setup GCC “Weather” Station Spencer+25.0 Begin Phase 2 Launch

OperationsUSM SLI TEAM

+25.0 (90) Recovery Preparation Bauz, Will, Alex,+ 105.0 (30) Feed Igniters through Booster

Section and Prep Booster Avionics

Alex, and Mentors for the Mentor Restricted Activities

+25.0 (15) Mentors Assemble 75mm Motor ---Mentor Restricted Step---+25.0 (TPT11) SSO12 Operations

At +105.0 SSO Checks ProgressAt +135.0 SSO Checks ProgressAt +145.0 SSO Checks Progress

David

+25.0 (80) Payload Electronics Colin, Spencer +45.0 (60) AGTS13 Avionics Preparation Spencer

+105.0 (30) Section C: Outreach Mini Payload Preparation

Colin

+105.0 (30) (OBCS14) Preparation SpencerAT +135.0 Payload Preparation Operations CompletedAT +145.0 Flight Vehicle Preparation Operations Completed+150.0 (20) Weigh Vehicle Components USM SLI Team+170.0 (20) Final RockSim Flight

SimulationsAlex

+190.0 (15) Outboard Motor Assembly ---Mentor Restricted Step---+ 205 (5) Insert Outboard Motors into the

Launch Vehicle and Secure Motor Retention

---Mentor Restricted Step---

AT +210.0 ENTIRE ROCKET IS PREPPED+210.0 (10) Bring Rocket out to the Pad USM SLI TEAM+220.0 (5) Raise Launch Tower USM SLI TEAM+225.0 (15) Insert Igniters into Motors ---Mentor Restricted Step---+240 (15) LabPro Sub-System and PHATS

Sub-Systems are ArmedColin and Spencer

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+255 (1) SSO and Safety Director Check ALL Systems and Give a Go for

Flight

David Werner and Mr. Marks

AT +256ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL, READY FOR LAUNCH

Phase 2 Launch Operations CompleteGIVE AUDIBLE COUNTDOWN AND PRESS IGNITION

BUTTON ON THE WIRELESS LAUNCH SYSTEMBegin Phase 3 Launch Operations

Booster and Payload Recovery OperationsBegin Phase 4 Launch Operations and GCC Breakdown

-End of Launch Operations-

USM SLI Master Launch Checklist (Details of Phase 2 Launch Operations)

Arrive at the Launch SitePre-Prep:□ Ground Control Center Set □ Video Camera 1, 2, 3, 4 Set□ Video Camera Pad Cam 1 Set □ Video Camera Pad Cam 2 Set□ Medium Distance Video Camera Set □ Launch Pad Set

- Flight Vehicle Launch Preparation Checklist -

Recovery:□ G-Wiz MC Set

- Make sure that it is a new battery

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- Make sure that the MC switches are properly set- Ensure that the wires are connected properly to the MC- Ensure MC is not “armed” after prepped and that it is in “standby” mode

□ RRC2 Set- Make sure that it is a new battery - Make sure that the RRC2 switches are properly set- Ensure that the wires are connected properly to the RRC2- Ensure RRC2 is NOT “armed” after prep. and that it is in “standby” mode

□ Pyro Charges Connected□ Fold and pack drogue parachute□ Fold and pack Payload Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Fold and pack Flight Vehicle Spherachute 168” in deployment bag□ Organize all shock cords to ensure proper placement□ Run shock cords through pistons and caps□ Attach quick links to designated ends of shock cords□ Attach drogue parachute to quick link□ Attach screamer to quick link□ Attach main parachute to avionics bay□ Attach deployment bag to 168’’ Spherachute□ Attach Spherachute to payload□ Attach all shock cords and check□ Make sure all quick links are attached and tight□ Bolt into T-nuts□ Place in sheer pins

Propulsion:□ Assemble 75mm motor*□ Assemble 38mm motors* □ Load central 75mm motor into the rocket*□ Load outboard 38mm motors into the rocket*□ Tighten motor retention to ensure that motors are secure

□ Check igniters for resistance to ensure that they are working properly□ Feed Clustering igniters down to the outboard 38mm Motors□ Connect Wire to G-Wiz□ Connect G-Wiz Power Supply □ Set function on the G-Wiz□ Place G-Wiz into avionics bay □ Test G-Wiz to make sure functions are operating properly□ OUTBOARD MOTORS AVIONICS PROCEDURES FINISHED

□Flight Vehicle Ready

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- Payload Launch Preparation Checklist -

ADD related Payload Sub-Systems□ Load LabPro “Red” into Payload Pallet□ Load LabPro “Black” into Payload Pallet □ Mount CO2 Sensor inside ADD□ Connect ADD hose to Gas Pressure Sensor□ Mount Temperature Sensor□ Mount Accelerometers □ Mount iTX and test sub-system to ensure that it is working properly□ Load Cobalt Salt Plate into the ADD□ Connect Temperature Sensor to proper LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect 3 Axis-Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect 25g Accelerometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect CO2 sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Gas Pressure Sensor to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Connect Barometer to LabPro and hot glue into place□ Load Batteries into Power Supply Packs□ Connect Power Supply to LabPro□ Go through arming procedures to ensure that the LabPro is working properly□ Re-set to Standby mode□ WHEN ALL OTHER PAYLOAD PREPERATION STEPS ARE COMPLETED:

turn on the iTX [make sure that the 4 stopwatches are set when the iTX is turned on. Two will be shutoff when the rocket launches, the other two when the payload hits the ground. Christian Bauzenberger (Stopwatch 1), Colin Weber (Stopwatch 2), David Werner (Stopwatch 3), William Bishop (Stopwatch 4)].

PHATS (Parallax Humidity and Temperature Sub-System) □ Mount Parallax Board and Connect Power Supplies□ Ensure HOBO is connected to □ Use Bluetooth “ToothPic” system to setup program on Parallax □ Go through arming procedures to ensure that Parallax is working properly

Avionics□ Mount the AGTS to the Payload Pallet□ Mount the FC-877 to the payload pallet.□ Connect the battery supply to the AGTS system. □ Connect the AGTS system (serial RS-232 port) to the serial port on the back of the

computer. □ Setup 877 (pyro outputs 1-4 are disabled & acceleration based apogee detect)

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□ Ensure that the AGTS and FC-877 are working simultaneously and in conjunction with each other

-Commence Pre-Flight Operations Calibration and Uplink Check Phase-

□ Using the CATS system software, check the uplink status and make sure that the AGTS address and module setup function* is operational. (*Make sure that there is no-one in the area flying a rocket on the same model frequency or the lock on the AGTS may be lost during flight).

□ Using CATS: Set Network Address□ Using CATS: Set Code□ Using CATS: Check Signal Strength□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is properly programmed□ Using CATS: Ensure that the AGTS is broadcasting correct positional data □ Mark down the launch coordinates and enter waypoint into GPS “Garmin eTrex

Legend” to ensure that there is a low reading discrepancy between the AGTS and the handheld GPS system.

FULL SYSTEMS CHECK:□ Check all connections in ADD□ Check all LabPro Sensor Wire Connections□ Check all Power Connections□ Check FC-877□ Check AGTS□ Check Parallax Sub-System □ Check OBCS

□ INSERT Payload into Airframe□ Connect Nosecone to the Payload Airframe

At the Launch Site:□ Arm the FC-877□ Arm the AGTS□ Check AGTS Broadcasting Clarity□ AVIONICS ARE GO FOR FLIGHT□ Make Sure Camera is facing downward at the right angle□ Check all wiring connections□ Install the Nosecone on top of the rocket□ Arm OBCS□ Check OBCS Broadcasting Clarity

□Payload Ready

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Launch Status ---------- /

(Circle and Announce over Radio System)

***Commence Rocket Launch and Proceed with Audible Countdown***

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Successful Rocket Launch (hopefully)

GO HOLD

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3 NAR = National Association of Rocketry4 RAM = Random Access Memory5 USB = Universal Serial Bus6 PHATS = Parallax Humidity and Temperature System – The sub-system in the payload that combines the HOBO Humidity and Temperature Sensor with the Parallax processing board and microprocessor. 7 ADD = Air Ducting Design8 CATS= Command and Telemetry System (ATHA Aerospace) 9 TI = Texas Instruments10 PHATS = Parallax Humidity and Temperature System – The sub-system in the payload that combines the HOBO Humidity and Temperature Sensor with the Parallax processing board and microprocessor. 11 TPT = Total Preparation Time (Since this will be throughout the launch operations) 12 SSO = Student Safety Officer (David Werner) 13 AGTS = ATHA GPS and Telemetry System (ATHA Aerospace)14 OBCS = On-Board Camera System (Booster Vision)

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