Alternate Solutions

Alternate Solution #1

      This solution uses a six -foot weather balloon as a propulsion system. The balloon, after filled with helium, has a lift capability of 12 pounds and will carry our probe to edge of the Stratosphere. Eventually, the helium will expand until the balloon explodes and the probe will begin to descent.
      The probe will then free fall through the ozone and jet stream layers. This will represent a very realistic atmosphere to Earth-entry. A parachute is attached to the top of the probe and is released by the automatic parachute opener. The altitude that the parachute opens is 2,000 feet, giving enough time for the probe to descent.

Alternate Solution #2

      The system to lift the probe is the same as Alternate solution 1. This solution uses the same six -foot weather balloon that propels the probe until the expanding helium causes the balloon to explode. However, the landing system is different. 

      In this solution, the parachute is pre-deployed. The parachute hangs below the weather balloon. As the balloon explodes, the parachute is pulled open. The probe then slowly descents through the jet stream and the ozone layer until landing.

Alternate Solution #3

      This solution uses the same propulsion system as before. The weather balloon will carry the probe until the point of explosion and the propulsion descents. This design, however, focuses on the descent.
      Three parachutes are released instead of one. This allows for a more stable and secure descent. Also, there is an inflated “cushion” at the bottom of the hull to adjust to water landings. The probe will continue to float and record data if the landing occurs in water.

Alternate Solution #4

      The fourth and final solution uses three, partially inflated weather balloons as system to create lift. The purpose of having the balloons partially inflated is to give the helium extra room to expand. Having three balloons will counteract the less amount of helium. The balloon will travel much higher, but will eventually begin to fall after the balloons explode.
     The design uses a parachute that is also pre-deployed and opens as soon as the probe begins to fall. The parachute hangs downward and is open. Therefore, the force of gravity will pull the parachute straightforward as the probe falls.