Background Information

      Our project focuses on studying the upper atmospheric effects on Tardigrades during space to earth entry. There are two main reasons as to why we are conducting the research. However, before I discuss why we are launching Tardigrades to space, you must understand what a Tardigrade is.
      Tardigrades are small organisms that resemble a caterpillar. They are shorter than a millimeter in length and have a hard outer shell similar to that of an insect. However, they are similar to humans in that they also have a digestive tract, a nervous system, and a mouth. The Tardigrade is an extremophile which means it can survive in extreme conditions, including environments that lack oxygen, water and basic nutrients. They are ubiquitous and have been found in every part of the planet. They can live up to 100 years on a single molecule of water through a process known as cryptobiosis. The history of water bears is a mystery, but they have been hypothesized to have come from outer space.

 Figure 1 (above) and Figure 2 (below) show two different Tardigrades.

Figure 3 is an image of Tardigrade eggs.

Figure 4 is a space shuttle transporting microscopic species to space.

      For thousands of years, humans have always asked the question: are we alone? Project Stratobear, may help answer this question. This radical notion that Water bears came from space, if supported with evidence, could prove the hypothesis that life exists throughout the Universe, distributed by meteoroids, asteroids and comets. This theory is called Panspermia. This brings me to the first purpose of our project; to not only better understand the history of the Tardigrade, but to provide evidence that “aliens” do exist. My team and I will be designing a space probe that will have the capacity to transport Tardigrades through the atmosphere, allowing them to witness the extreme environment of Earth’s atmosphere. If they survive reentry, then maybe they could survive the reentry of another planet. Our stakeholders in this situation include scientists who study the universe. Our results could open a new world of research and could help gravitate researchers’ attention studying the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Figure 5 is an excerpt from Make Magazine showing an example of  personal space probes.

Figure 6 shows science's top Astrophysicist, one of our stakeholders.

Figure 7 shows the area of science that our research will affect.

Figure 8 is a graphic representing the different levels of our testing zone.

 

Figure 9 gives a "probe's" perspective in space.

      The second reason we are sending Tardigrades into the atmosphere is for biomedical improvement. In 2001, a medical study was conducted to research the economic impact of wasted prescription medication in a population of adults older than 65 years old. They found that prescription medication was consistently being wasted, so much so that the US national cost for adults older than 65 years could top $1 billion per year. 37% of the medications were repudiated because they had expired and therefore rendered inadequate for consumption. An easy way to help fix this wasteful habit is to increase the shelf life of medication by replicating this biological process of Tardigrades. Tardigrades have a distinct, chemical sugar they release when they dehydrate themselves to hold their structure intact. Sending the Tardigrades into space may give us a profound insight on how they operate. Our stakeholders in this particular situation include pharmaceutical companies and developers in the field of biomimicry.

 Figure 10 is a pharmacist experimenting with chemicals.

 

Figure 11 shows the product (pills) that our research will impact.

 

Figure 12 represents the debt caused by wasted medicine.

 

 Figure 13 is an image of our secondary stakeholders, pharmaceutical doctors.

 

 Figure 14 represents our genre of design.

 

      Our project and design came from many sources on inspiration. I have looked at other products that conduct similar tasks for applications to my own design. For example, when the Apollo 13 module landed in the ocean an automatic raft was inflated. Our probe would benefit from a similar safety feature if the probe landed in water. In addition, radiosondes perform similar tasks to our space probe. They are launched into space using a balloon and record weather data. Looking at how others solve similar tasks is vital to our success.

 Figure 15 is a radiosonde.

 Figure 16 shows a basic data recorder used on radiosondes.

 

 Figure 17  represents basic weather balloon research in progress.

 

 Figure 18 (above) and Figure 19 (below) show the water landing system of Apollo 13.

 

      Little is known about water bears, in fact, we don’t know how they evolved or what species they are related to. Sending them into space will allow us to learn more about them. So our goal is simple, yet difficult to complete: we want to create a system that can transport water bears into the atmosphere, where they can experience a simulated space environment, and then retrieve them. We are going to give the Tardigrades’ indestructibility the ultimate test: reentry through the atmosphere. Besides pure research, the project has potential to permanently alter the pharmaceutical industry. This alteration will come about through exposure to space. This contact with space includes, increased radiation exposure, extreme temperatures variations and increased internal/external pressures.

 

Works Cited

Brennand, Emma. "Tardigrades: Water Bears in Space." BBC News. BBC, 17 May 2011. Web. 15

 

      Sept. 2013.

"Brooklyn Man and Son Send Camera Into space." MAKE. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "The Earth's Atmosphere." The Earth's Atmosphere. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "Only About Finance." Only About Finance. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "Pharmaceutical ETFs: A Defensive Play in 2012?" ETF Trends. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "Pharmaceutical Laboratories Directory." Pharmaceutical Laboratories Regional Directory. N.p., n.d.

 

      Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "Upper-Air Weather Measurements in Hong Kong." Upper-Air Weather Measurements in Hong   

 

      Kong. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "VOA Special English - NASA's Final Apollo Missions: The Last Footsteps on the Moon." VOA 

 

      Special English - NASA's Final Apollo Missions: The Last Footsteps on the Moon. N.p., n.d.

 

      Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "What Do Astrophysicist Actually Do, How Much Do They Get Paid and How Does One Become

 

      an Astrophysicist?" What Do Astrophysicist Actually Do, How Much Do They Get Paid and

 

      How Does One Become an Astrophysicist? N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

 "What Is a Radiosonde?" Radiosonde Museum of North America. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.

Design brief

Team

Design and produce a space probe that can transport Tardigrades through to the edge of the Stratosphere in order to conduct scientific research.

Individual 

Design and produce a system that can be easily used by a launch team to propel the Tardigrade containment to the upper atmosphere and allow the containment to descend at a designated altitude safely and intact.

Specifications and Limits

Specifications

The launch system must be:
-light weight
-permeable in order to adjust to atmospheric pressure
-a propulsion system that can lift a load of at least 5 pounds
-cost effective

The launch system must:
- ascend to over 100,000 feet
- function well in harsh conditions
-stop ascending at optimal altitude

The launch system must have:
-a radar reflector

The recovery system must be:
-light weight
-able to withstand high velocity winds
-cost effective

The recovery system must:
- should descend safely for successful retrieval
- keep the probe upright

The recovery system must have:
-a cushioned landing

Limits
-the propulsion/retrieval system must weigh less than 5 pounds.
-the system can’t be outside the probe’s exterior shell.
-the probe can’t travel beyond the “re-entry” altitude of 76 miles.

Research and Brainstorming

Parachutes

When finding the best Parachute for the project, one must understand what affects the use of a parachute. Wind speed and atmospheric density are the two most important components that have an impact on a parachute.

When traveling at high speeds, basic parachutes typically burst. In order to slow descent before deployment of main parachutes drogues are used. Drogues are smaller, but more powerful parachutes capable of enduring high speeds.

One can use the terminal-velocity formula to determine at which altitude and speed the different parachutes should be deployed. The equation is shown below. The variables stand for: the mass of the falling object (m), acceleration due to gravity (g), drag coefficient (Cd), density of the air based on altitude (ρ), and projected area of the object (A).

Typical parachute openings occur at the altitudes between 2,500 and 5,500 feet, but the lowest opening altitude is at 2,000 feet. In order to open the parachute automatically, an AAD or automatic activation device is used. AADs are small computers that monitor the altitude and activate the parachute. The price varies between 1,000 and 1,600 dollars.

Where to order equipment

Highaltitudescience is a company that provides all necessary products for personal space missions. They have an Eagle Flight computer that records date from multiple sensors. This is includes GPS, pressure, and external temperature. They also sell a flight manual that helps select best conditions such as jet stream direction and strength. Highaltitudescience also helps file a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) by calling the local Flight Service Station and providing them with basic information about your launch.

Maximum altitude

 The average altitude a helium balloon reaches is about 20 to 30 miles up. Recently, Michel Fournier was planning to do a parachute jump from the edge of space. His balloon would have gone well past 30 miles because his team started with the balloon almost entirely empty. If there is just a tiny bit of helium at the start, the balloon will have plenty of time to expand before reaching the top of the atmosphere. The highest recorded air balloon flight traveled to an altitude of 173,000 feet (53 km).

 

 

 

Radiosondes
A radiosonde is a small, expendable instrument package that is suspended 25 meters (about 80 feet) or more below a large balloon inflated with hydrogen or helium gas. They are important to research because they are relatively similar to our space probe. As the radiosonde rises at about 300 meters/minute (about 1,000 feet/minute), sensors on the radiosonde measure profiles of pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) uses radiosondes to take upper air observations. A radiosonde can ascend to over 35 km (about 115,000 feet) and drift more than 300 km (about 180 miles) from the release point. They are exposed to temperatures as cold as -90oC (-130oF) and an air pressure less than 1 percent of what is found on the Earth's surface. If the radiosonde enters a strong jet stream the device can travel at speeds exceeding 400 km/hr (250 mph). When released, the balloon is about 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) in diameter and gradually expands as it rises. The balloon bursts when it reaches a diameter of 6 to 8 meters (20 to 25 feet) in diameter. A small, orange colored parachute slows the descent of the radiosonde, minimizing the danger to lives and property.

Brainstorming

 

The image above represents my brainstorming process. During the research stage, I copied down ideas that my findings inspired me. My brainstorming included all possibilities of designs whether or not they are viable. For example, I was reading about the limited altitude of weather balloon flights, so I drew some images of "thrusters" to help maximize altitude.

 

Works Cited

 

Bengston, Kristen. "A DIY Space Capsule Requires DIY Parachutes." Wired.com. Conde Nast

      Digital, 19 Dec. 0011. Web. 06 Sept. 2013.


"FAQ - High Altitude Weather Balloon." FAQ High Altitude Weather Balloon. N.p., n.d. Web. 07

      Sept. 2013.


"How Skydiving Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.


"HowStuffWorks Blogs." The Blogs at HowStuffWorks RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.


"The Naked Scientists." How High Could a Helium Balloon Go? -. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.


" On How to Start Your Own Space Program. WelcomeWelcome to High Altitude Science."              

      Highaltitudescience. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.



Rationale

Alternate Solution 1:

Introduction: This solution is designed to land the probe extremely close to the launch site. This solution is powered by a single helium balloon attached to the inside of the probe to prevent disconnection. The parachute is tightly packed directly on top of the main hull of the probe similar to that of a sky diver’s parachute. The parachute has an automatic cord cutter that is set to release the parachute at a designated altitude. This design does not have a water landing system because the delayed parachute opening prevents distant landing.

Pros: As a result of the low parachute opening design, this solution will allow the probe to free fall most of the descent, recreating a more realistic atmosphere to earth entry. The parachute will not be deployed during interference with the jets stream altitudes, therefore preventing lateral travel of the probe.

Cons: Our funding is limited, so our priority is cost effectiveness. A reliable automatic parachute opening systems is around $1,500, which is beyond our launch and recovery budget. Buying retail opening systems is almost impossible, thus we would have to buy a used one or design our own. Secondly, automatic parachute openers can sometimes short out leaving our probe crashing towards Earth.

Conclusion: This solution is allows the probe to free fall through the atmosphere. However, there are multiple risks involved.

Alternate Solution 2:

Introduction: Similar to Solution 1, this system propels the probe using a single helium-filled weather balloon. The distance between the balloon and the probe hull is longer because the parachute is pre-deployed in-between balloon and the hull. When the balloon explodes due to pressure, the downward force of the falling probe fills the parachute with air. The parachute is instantly filled, allowing a slow descent of 120,000 feet.

Pros: This solution is extremely cost effective. The design only requires a parachute not a parachute opening system. This saves over a thousand dollars. Also, this parachute system is much more reliable than an automatic parachute opener system. This probe also gives the Tardigrades more time to witness atmospheric conditions.

Cons: This solution does not allow the probe to naturally fall. This is important because the probe should free fall to simulate an actual meteor entering the Earth. In this solution, the parachute opens before passing through the jet stream. The parachute causes extra drag, causing the probe to drift further from the launch site.

Conclusion: This design is low risk and low cost. Unfortunately, the design may require a water contact landing system and finding the probe may be a challenge.

Alternate Solution 3:

Introduction: This is an “Apollo 13” inspired solution. Similar to the landing of the Apollo 13 module, this solution is designed for water contact landing. The probe is supported by three parachutes to ensure a slow and safe descent. A floatation device is used to keep the hull out of the water.

Pros: Our probe has the ability to stray up to 180 miles from the launch site because of jet streams. If our probe was carried to the ocean, this solution would protect our important cargo from damage due to a water landing. This allows us to not have to drive as far west to avoid all possible water landings. Also, because there are a total of three parachutes, if one of the parachutes doesn’t deploy properly the other two will support the weight of the probe.

Cons: The water landing system adds weight to the probe. The lighter the probe hull, the greater the altitude we can ascent to. Having this extra weight will minimize our maximum altitude.

Conclusion: This design overlooks maximum altitude and data collection and focuses on landing safely and securely.

Alternate Solution 4:

Introduction: This solution focuses on maximizing altitude. The design includes three helium balloons, each partially inflated to allow room for expansion. The landing system is a parachute already deployed hanging upside down. As the balloons pop, the parachute is pulled upward and the hull slowly descents to Earth.

Pros: Our goal is to have the Water Bears attest to the worst conditions possible, including UV radiation only found in the atmosphere. This design will propel the probe to the edge of the stratosphere, passing through the ozone layer and submitting the Tardigrades to excessive radiation.

Cons: This design requires two more extra weather balloons and therefore not cost effective. Also, the probe might continue to ascent too high creating a risk that we probe won't return.

Conclusion: Although this design would require extra money and resources, the probe will be propelled to our goal of over 100,000 feet.

Design Matrix:

Design Matrix 1A: Launch System
Spec	AS 1	AS 2	AS 3	AS 4
Light weight	3	4	2	3
Permeable	3	4	4	3
Create lift force of at least 5 pounds	4	4	4	5
Cost effective	0	5	3	2
Ascend to over 100,000 ft	3	3	2	5
Function well in harsh conditions	3	4	4	3
Stop ascending at optimal altitude	5	2	2	2
Have a radar reflector	5	5	5	5
Total	26	31	26	28
Design Matrix 1B: Recovery System
Spec	AS 1	AS 2	AS 3	AS 4
Cost effective	0	4	1	4
Light weight	3	5	2	4
Able to withstand high velocity winds	5	4	2	2
Allow the probe to descend for successful retrieval	3	4	4	3
Keep the probe upright	2	4	4	4
Cushioned landing	3	3	5	3
Total	16	24	18	20
Design Matrix 2: Overall Score	AS 1	AS 2	AS 3	AS 4
Launch System	26	31	26	28
Recovery System	16	24	18	20
Total	42	55	44	48

Conclusion:

After matching each solution comparatively to each specification, the optimal design became evident. Alternate Solution #2 has been selected to continue further through the design process. The design is the most cost effective and minimizes risk while ensuring the mission is accomplished.