BalloonSat to the Edge of Space Mission

Team: SSCSC- Team 8Balloon: Krotos

Team Members:Kier Fortier

Adam RussellNick BrennanTom JohnsonDylan Stewart

Shannon Martin

Proposal Due No Later Than:

Date: 9/16/10 Time: 7:00 AM

Project Krotos

Table of Contents

Overview and Mission Statement 3 – 4Mission Statement, Purpose, and Expected results

Technical Overview 4- 8Design and procedure, testing, data retrieval, safety

Management and Overview 8- 15Cost budget, mass budget, schedule, requirements, diagrams, functional block diagram, team organization, team SSCSC

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Overview and Mission Statement:

Mission Statement:

Team SSCSC’s design concept will utilize the surroundings presented when we send our BalloonSat, Krotos, soaring up to a height of about thirty kilometers. At this altitude, there are many atmospheric conditions that have an effect on sound waves. Krotos will measure the sound level of a five set frequencies as a function altitude and its varying oxygen levels. This experiment is designed to detect the presence of the ozone layer in the stratosphere by analyzing sound amplitude.

Purpose for Proposal (WHY):

As Krotos rises up to an altitude of thirty kilometers, oxygen levels change drastically. At 30 km, there is only one percent of the oxygen available at sea level. Our goal is to measure and compare the amplitude of a sound wave with the level of oxygen during the increasing altitude. Group O2n Cloud Nine is measuring oxygen levels and will share data with us for our analysis.

Using this data we will be able to determine if there is a direct correlation between sound amplitude and oxygen levels. As the BalloonSat enters the ozone layer, we expect to see some sort of correlation between the two data sets because sound waves will interact differently with the different molecules. If this found, then sound waves could be a relatively easy way of locating the exact range of the ozone layer. If there is no relationship found, then it may be concluded that sound waves are not an effective way of locating the ozone layer.

The reason for this experiment is to be able to locate the ozone layer. Its region has been classified at various altitudes but “no one can measure the altitude of the ozone layer as a whole, because no one knows where it begins or ends” (Khodorskiy, The Physics Factbook. In reference to the discrepancy of ozone layer altitude). In today’s world, there is much focus on the “hole in the ozone” and the ozone’s depletion due to human use of chlorofluorocarbons in industry. These molecules are released into the stratosphere and break down its molecules. This test, if successful, could be implemented to ascertain the thickness of the ozone region. Data measured in different global locations or seasons could be compared with future data. If this data had dramatic changes, it could show the impact of human activity on the ozone layer.

Another motive for this experiment is to broaden and obtain understanding of the effects of volume and its application to modern technology. These applications could include, but are not limited to, communication between aircrafts and near space sonar. If we are able to ascertain an optimal altitude for sound communication, for instance, this could be enlisted into many different technology and communications applications. Our experiment implements the use of several different frequencies, so it may also be determined if a certain frequency is better communicated in near space.

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What We Expect to Discover:

This experiment is designed to detect the difference in audibility in various frequencies depending on oxygen. We will quantify this difference and thus be able to analyze the results. This will hopefully help us learn how oxygen at various altitudes affects sound waves. The experiment will use five different frequencies ranging from 1600 to 8000 Hz, each lasting six seconds. The cycle will therefore repeat every thirty seconds.

The altitude of the ozone layer is found to range from approximately 12 km to 20 km. The ozone layer has the presence of O3 molecules, also known as trioxide. We plan to be able to analyze the sound level throughout the flight side by side with the oxygen level.

We hope our results of frequency and volume will also yield applications to improve communications and other near space applications. The control of our experiment is to take data on the ground level. Here we will be able to describe “normal” circumstances and how sound acts under those circumstances. When the data from the BalloonSat comes in, we will then be able to compare and contrast data points for different frequencies.

Technical Overview (HOW):

Design and Procedure:

One piece of foam core will be cut and formed into the shape of a cube that is 25.4 cm for all three dimensions to form the structure of our BalloonSat Krotos. We chose the structure of a cube because it is stable and maximizes the interior volume per weight. Hot glue and aluminum tape will also be used to secure Krotos to withstand the harsh conditions in near space as well as the intense descent from 30 kilometers. Also, an American flag will be attached on the outside of the BalloonSat. This is important so that anyone who may find it does not think it to be a UFO or spy satellite.

We will fold the structure as such so a side panel will open to make our inner devices easily accessible. We chose to have a side panel open instead of the top so it will not interfere with the flight tube running vertical through the satellite. We also will chose to make the open panel in such a way that both partitions can be accessible. Closing and sealing this open compartment will be one of our last steps before flight. A special feature of our BalloonSat is an internal partition inside of the structure. Running from one corner to the opposite (through the

Team SSCSC- Team 8

Figure 1.

Prism one is the triangle in the bottom right.

Prism two is the triangle in the upper left.

A detailed layout with specifications is later in the proposal. This is just for reference.

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Project Krotos

diagonal), the partition will divide the cube in order to create two triangular prisms (see figure 1). This special feature has an important role in the results of our experiment. This partition will help control the environment in our experiment.

Prism 1 will house most of the hardware. This prism will be insulated with ½ inch thick insulation to keep the internal temperature above -10o C. The first piece of hardware in this prism is the Canon A570IS digital camera. It will be mounted with glue to the right side wall of the cube with a Plexiglas window in front of the lens so that a clear picture can be taken. We will coat the Plexiglas with an anti- fog coating to help combat humidity. It will be inlaid into the foam core and secured with hot glue and aluminum tape. Also present in the first prism will be desiccant for water absorption.

The second piece of hardware is the active heater system. This will be mounted with glue to the inside base of the cube. The 3 9V batteries will be attached to the base as well in order to supply power to the active heater system.

The third piece of hardware in prism 1 is the HOBO H08-004-02 data logger. This shall be mounted with glue to the base of the cube. The eternal temperature cable will take the closest route to exit the BalloonSat so that outside temperature can be measured. We will set up the HOBO to start recording data at a certain point in time. This way, no switch will be necessary to begin operation of the HOBO data logger device.

The final piece of hardware in prism 1 is an Extech 407760 USB Sound Level Datalogger. It can be programmed, similar to the HOBO, to begin recording data at a certain point in time. We will set the sound level data logger to record at 10-second intervals. This is the approach we will enlist with the Extech Sound Level Datalogger so that no switch is needed.

The other side, prism 2, will hold the audio- sound module, connected to its power and speaker. The hardware in this prism is a SOMO 14D embedded audio sound module. Its key- mode operation provides a standalone operation similar to an mp3 player. By storing audio tones on a SD card, we can run the five frequencies ranging from 1600 Hz to 8000 Hz through this module. It will run on a 3V coin battery and be interfaced with a 0.5W 8Ohm speaker. A second heating system will be located in this prism in order to keep the audio sound module operational.

The space in between the two prisms will still be a part of the structure. This means that there will be walls surrounding it, however they will not be insulated. A small window will be installed onto the side of this section to allow cold air to enter the chamber. More oxygen and trioxide molecules will therefore be able to interact with the sound waves being transmitted.

Our design incorporates the usage of 6 9V batteries (3 for each heater). The camera operates on 2 AA batteries. The Audio module will use one 3V coin battery.

TestingBefore flight, all systems must be extensively tested to our satisfaction. If any

part of the BalloonSat fails, the mission could be jeopardized and therefore everything must function without any problems.

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Hardware Testing

Camera Test:To ensure our computer programming accuracy, we will test taking pictures with

our camera. First we will place the camera in the satellite where it is planned to be during flight. During flight a switch will trigger the camera’s functions. To test the switch’s functionality we will start the camera testing process via switch, just as we will for flight. During the rest of the test camera will be allowed to take pictures for 2 hours. The camera will then be plugged into the computer to make sure it took pictures every 20 seconds as it was programmed to do and that it was able to take pictures for the whole time that our BalloonSat is expected to be in flight. Also this tests that the place where our camera is will take good pictures at the angle we desire and the Plexiglas window will not hurt our pictures.

HOBO Test:In order to make sure that our HOBO and all its sensors are working accurately

we will make turn the HOBO on so it will begin collecting data. We will then perform a series of actions on the HOBO to gather information to prove it is functioning properly. These actions include, putting our hands around the external thermometer, breathing on the humidity sensor, and opening the HOBO and putting our hands on the internal temperature. We will then connect the HOBO back to the computer and input all the data. We will study the graphs and see if the external temperature, humidity, and internal temperature changed during this test. They should data should show a peak of higher temperature or higher humidity depending on the sensor.

Heater Test:The heater will be tested individually right after its assembly. It will be turned on

and let run for 1 minute in a closed box. The HOBO will be plugged into the computer after this to check the internal temperature reading to find if the heater heated up the box at all. Then the heater will be thoroughly tested in the cooler test and also incorporated in the microphone and speaker test, which are explained in detail below. These tests will show if the heater will be enough to heat our BalloonSat to keep all the electronics working fine and also to see if the heater can adequately provide heat for the expected duration of the flight.

Microphone and Sound Module/Speaker Test:To test the microphone the microphone will be placed in our assembled

satellite. The satellite will be placed in a quiet environment. The microphone and sound module inside the satellite will be turned on. We will let this run for 10 minutes. The sound module will then be taken out and connected to the computer where the collected data will be uploaded. The data will be analyzed to make sure that the speaker and sound module are outputting the correct sound and the microphone is measuring this accurately. The satellite will then be placed in the wind tunnel and the above steps will be repeated. This data will be analyzed in comparison to the quiet environment. Therefore, we may see how the wind effects the data recorded by the microphone and make sure we will be able to analyze our data even with the interference from the wind. Lastly the microphone and speaker

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Cooler Test:During both tests our cube is to be placed in a cooler with dry ice. The cooler is to

maintain a temperature of -80 degrees C for 120 minutes, while the inside should never reach temperate below -10 degrees C. A metal thermometer placed in cooler filled with dry ice will measure the external temperature. Dry ice can be purchased at a local grocery store. For the first cooler test, just our HOBO and heaters will be in the satellite recording temperature data. We will need to place the HOBO in the larger compartment, called prism 1 (see figure 1 above) and run the external temperature thermometer into the other compartment (prism 2) that also must be kept warm. One heater will be placed in prism 1 and the other in prism 2. After 90 minutes, we will analyze the temperature readings retrieved from the HOBO. The internal temperature readings from the HOBO will tell the temperature of prism 1. The external temperature will tell the temperature for prism 2. This makes sure the satellite will be warm enough for us to test the satellite with the rest of our electronics. This makes sure we do not damage any of our electronics prior to launch. After the test is successful at staying above -10 degrees C in each compartment, we may then perform a second cooler test.

The second test will differ because the satellite will include the speaker, sound module, and microphone in addition to the HOBO and heater. Then the satellite will be placed in a cooler full of dry ice just as the first test, for duration of 90 minutes. The heaters will be running to make this just like the temperature of the future flight. The speaker will emit the previously programmed grouping of sounds, while the microphone measures data on these sounds. After the 120 minutes, the microphone will then be plugged into the computer and the data compared to the microphone and speaker test that is run in the quite room. The purpose of this comparison is to see if the cold temperature affected the sound waves produced. Our cooler tests not only simulate the freezing environments our BalloonSat will encompass in the stratosphere but also compares the data produced in the cold environment to the data produced in the quiet room. This will allow us to understand what other effects may alter our data and how to accommodate for that. This test also makes sure that the heater, speaker, microphone, and sound module will be able to work for the expected duration of the flight.

Structural Tests:To test the structural integrity of the BalloonSat, several tests must be

implemented. We will build a cube specifically for testing, using the same construction methods as we plan to use for the actually BalloonSat. Inside of the BalloonSat we will place rocks that add up to the same expected weight of our BalloonSat. The tests will provide us with further insight as to if the structure will hold up many scenarios that our satellite might encounter.

Whip Test:The whip test will consist of a person swinging the cube satellite around by the

Dacron line in order to prove it is securely attached to the structure and the line will not snap due to tension during the assent and decent. The satellite will be spun around for 3 minutes intervals. There will be 5 intervals.

Drop Test:The drop test involves dropping Krotos from a two-story building to simulate the

harsh landing on the earth that Krotos will experience after the descent from near space.

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Krotos will be dropped from the 2 story building 5 times to make positive that the structure will hold up.

Stair TestThe stair test is rolling Krotos down a series of stairs. This is similar to the drop

test, but the additional rotational energy ensures that everything is secured properly internally. This is similar to vibration testing. Krotos will be rolled down the stairs 5 times to make sure our structure will hold up.

Data Retrieval:The experiment will retrieve data from the near space region during the flight of

the BalloonSat. It is important that there is data to compare this data with, so a control set of data will be made. This data will consist of the same test, recording sound waves, except on ground level. Data from the HOBO and GPS as well as the microphone will be uploaded to the computer for data analysis after the BalloonSat is retrieved.

The Extech Level Logger comes with Windows compatible software. Its USB interface plugs directly into the computer and connects with the software, allowing for data entry and analysis. The software even creates graphs that we will be able to analyze visually. The main method of data analysis for sound levels will be visual. The graph will give a good representation of the amplitude variance throughout the flight. The O2 data will be shared from the Cloud Nine group. Using their data we will be able to compare sound levels with oxygen levels. The HOBO program is fairly simple to use. After the flight, we can connect it to the computer and upload it using its program. Here data and graphs can be analyzed. Safety:

The team will take the necessary precautions in order to ensure safety of every team member. Proper clothing must be worn at all time, including safety glasses or gloves when needed. If any team member is operating machinery they must be properly trained beforehand. Throughout the testing process, our team will take necessary precautions to ensure we are a safe distance from the satellite while it is falling or swinging. No test shall be conducted with less than two team members. Most importantly our team will use common sense.

Management and Cost Overview (WHO, WHEN and HOW MUCH):

This section will include many logistics of the Krotos BalloonSat mission and how they relate to one another. These include what equipment we need to gather and buy, which team member will do what, and when each task will be completed.

Cost Budget:

Item Ordered from Price Qty Total Price S&H Total Payment

Extech 407760 USB Sound Level Datalogger

Test Equipment Depot

$199.99 1 $199.99 $0.00 $199.99

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4D Systems SOMO-14D Embedded Audio-Sound Module

4D Systems online store

$25.00 2 $50.00 $15.00 $65.00

Speaker 0.5W 80Ohm Sparkfun $1.95 3 $5.85 $7.00 $12.85Dry Ice King Soopers ~$0.99/lb 15 $15.00 $0.00 $15.00Heater Provided $0.00 1 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00HOBO Data Logger Provided $0.00 1 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Switches Provided $0.00 ~2 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Digital Camera Provided $0.00 1 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Foam Core (for launch/testing)

Provided $0.00 3 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Batteries 9V 3 provided, buy 12 $20.00 1 $20.00 $0.00 $20.00Batteries AA 2 provided, buy 8 $6.00 1 $6.00 $0.00 $6.00Batteries 3V Buy 2 $3.00 2 $6.00 $0.00 $6.00

Total cost for hardware: $277.84 Total cost for batteries/ dry ice: $32.00

Dylan Stewart is the budget manager for team SSCSC. He will keep detailed track of each component purchased so that the team will not exceed the budget of $300. After each purchase, receipts will be kept for the team as well as Professor Koehler (if applicable). If a member purchases an item for testing or for the experiment, it will be Dylan’s task to make sure that they are reimbursed or evenly compensated.

Mass Budget

Item Mass (g)Camera 220HOBO 30Heaters (w/ batteries) 250Microphone 203Volt Battery 3.1SOMO 14D 4Speaker 45Foam Core ~150Insulation ~75Flight Tube

Total

5

802.1 g

The total mass for our BalloonSat is within the limit of 850 grams. However, all measures to obtain maximum efficiency will be employed. Any unnecessary weight will be removed or replaced with a better solution.

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Schedule9/15 Design complete9/16 CoDR Slides Due9/19 Team Meeting9/26 Team Meeting9/28 Acquire all hardware9/30 Design Review10/3 Team Meeting/Prototyping design complete/Basic Heater Test/Camera Test/HOBO Test10/5 DD Rev. A/B and CDR presentations10/7 Pre-critical design review10/10 Team Meeting/Begin structure construction10/17 Team Meeting/Finish structure construction/whip test/drop test/stair test10/21 Both cooler tests/Microphone and Speaker Test

10/23 Design Review10/24 Team Meeting10/26 Pre-launch inspection10/28 In class mission simulation test10/30 Testing Final Design Complete11/2 Launch Readiness Review/Design Document Rev C Due11/5 Final balloon-sat weigh in and turn in11/6 Launch11/07 Team Meeting (Data analysis)11/21 Team Meeting (Data analysis)11/28 Team Meeting (Data analysis)11/30 Final Presentation Due12/04 Design Document Rev D Due/Design12/07 BalloonSat hardware turn in

-We will meet in smaller groups for specific tasks when needed

Mission Requirements:1. Our BalloonSat will rise to altitude of 30 km.2. During flight our BalloonSat will measure how sound levels of different

frequencies change at different altitudes in a hope to determine where the ozone layer is.

3. In addition to the BalloonSat the satellite should have a functional experiment running throughout the flight that collects data to be analyzed by the team.

4. After the flight, the BalloonSat will be turned in working and ready to fly another mission.

5. There will be a non-metal tube through the center of the BalloonSat which will act as the flight string interface tube so that it will not pull through the BalloonSat or interfere with the flight string.

6. The BalloonSat’s internal temperature must remain above -10oC throughout the flight in order to make sure all the electrical components work correctly.

7. The BalloonSat’s weight shall not exceed 850 grams so that the balloon is capable of supporting the BalloonSats’ weight.

8. Our team will acquire ascent and descent rates of the flight string.9. The BalloonSat will allow room for a HOBO H08-004-02.(68x48x19 mm and 30

grams)10. Design of the BalloonSat shall allow for an external temperature cable.

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11. Design of the BalloonSat shall allow for a Canon A570IS Digital Camera. (45x75x90 mm and 220 grams)

12. The design of the BalloonSat shall allow for an active heater system weighing 100 grams with batteries and the dimensions 10x50x50 mm. The dimensions do not include batteries.

13. The satellite structure will be made with foam core.14. The budget and price list shall include spare parts.15. Our BalloonSat will have contact information and U.S.A. flag on the outside.16. All units on proposals, designs, and other documents will be in metric.17. Our team will test all the working pieces of our BalloonSat to hopefully make

sure our launch is a success. 18. The launch of our BalloonSat is scheduled for November 6, 2010(weather

permitting) at 6:50 AM in Windsor, CO. Everyone in our team will show up to launch and at least one of us (more if it is possible) will participate in recovery.

19. NO ONE WILL GET HURT!!!!20. All the hardware used for our BalloonSat is property of the Gateway to Space

program and our team will return all of the hardware in working order at the end of the semester.

21. The total cost of all of our purchases will be kept under the budget of $300.22. All of our purchases will be ordered and paid by Chris Koehler’s CU MasterCard

by appointment. Our team will keep a detailed budget on every purchase and receipts will be turned in within 48 hours of purchase with our team name written on the receipt along with a copy of the Gateway Order Form.

23. All our purchases made individually shall have receipts and must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.

24. WE WILL HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN WHILE BEING VERY VERY CREATIVE.

25. Our team will never allow any living creatures to make the flight in our BalloonSat.

26. Our team will complete a final project.

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1-Sound Level Data Logger2-Camera3-HOBO4-9v Batteries5-Somo-14D6-3v Battery7-Heater8-Speaker9-Flight String

Insulation was accounted for and presents a 0.013 meter spacing in both the electronics chambers on all sides. These are the large surfaces seen here.

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Functional Block Diagram

Name Phone Number Address Major SkillsKier Fortier 303-913-1450 9043 Cockerell

HallASEN Power Tools

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Shannon Martin 720-383-8225 9067 Andrews Hall

XXEN Writing

Adam Russell 720-988-7674 9080 Andrews Hall

ASEN Power Tools

Dylan Stewart 303-929-4066 90211 Stearns East

ASEN Sketching

Tom Johnson 720-208-6024 9003 Crosman Hall

ASEN Programming

Nick Brennan 970-417-0913 9009 Brackett Hall

XXEN Audio and Recording

Team SSCSC

Kier Fortier was born in Denver, CO in 1992. He enjoys writing music, hiking, snowboarding, and the occasional dodgeball or ping- pong match. Kier has wanted to be an engineer ever since the first time he picked up a lego set. Aerospace Engineering is his major.

Shannon Martin grew up in Toledo, OH. She enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and playing golf. She loves challenges, whether physical or mental and thrives in a competitive environment. Her major is open option engineering because she hopes to have a career that helps benefit people later in life.

Tom Johnson was born in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and lived there his whole life other than 2 years when he lived in Page, Arizona. He likes to play tennis, ski, or watch basically any sport. His major is Aerospace Engineering and is very excited to learn.

Adam Russell was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. He enjoys playing and watching soccer, skiing, reading, and hanging out with friends. Adam is studying Aerospace engineering and Applied Math.

Dylan Stewart was born in New Jersey and then moved to the glorious state of Colorado. He is studying Aerospace engineering and Applied Math. He enjoys Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Nick Brennan was born in Fresno, CA in 1992 and moved to Montrose, CO when he was five. Since he was little he has been interested in space and flight and hopes

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to become a pilot. He enjoys sports, music, and the adventure of backcountry snowboarding. He is an open option engineering major.

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