Testing Procedures

Introduction

The purpose of these testing procedures is to ensure the final design meets all expectations, specifications and designated functions. The final design is expected to be connected to the Tardigrade containment. The solution must have a launch and recovery system. The solution must propel the Tardigrade containment to 100,000 ft and allow the probe to land safely and intact.

The testing process will be split into multiple, small parts of the entire launch and recovery system. The parachute and the weather balloon connection will be tested first. Second, we are going to test this system's ability to attach to the probe. Finally, on the selected launch date, we will test the entire system including the Tardigrades, the probe hull, the parachute, and the weather balloon. Our testing process will be completed with recovering and examining the condition of the organisms and the probe.

At the early stages of the design process, I, the designer, will be conducting all examinations on my part of the entire system. I will also be recording all observations and making all necessary adjustments. Once, my system has successfully completed each stage of the process, I will submit my design to the rest of the team. At this point,the team and the mentors will constructing and placing our probe under all final examinations.

The first two stages, where I am testing my launch and recovery system, will be taking place in the Systems lab. Then the preparation for launch will be conducted at the MAST campus and at the homes of each team member. The final testing location, in this situation the launch site, will most likely be near Chicago.


Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Preliminary
State of Solution: Connected
Condition of Testing Stage: Elevation-Sea Level
Tools and Equipment required: Spring Scale, Weather Balloon, Parachute

Month before Launch: Test connection between parachute and weather balloon

      1) Remove weather balloon and parachute from shipping packages

      2) Use the parachute cable to connect the weather balloon to the parachute

      3) Use a spring scale to test the force that the system can withstand

      4) Record and make an necessary adjustments

Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Preliminary
State of Solution: Connected
Condition of Testing Stage: Elevation-Sea Level
Tools and Equipment required: Spring Scale, Weather Balloon, Parachute, Probe Hull

Two Weeks before Launch: Test connection to hull

      1) Assemble the parachute and weather balloon system (deflated)

      2) Connect the parachute line to the hull

      3) Use a spring scale to test the force that the system can withstand

      4) Record and make any necessary adjustments


Testing Type: Validation (Preparation for Launch)
Testing Stage: Final
State of Solution: Packaged
Condition of Testing Stage: Post-construction
Tools and Equipment required: All Materials for Launch

Day before Launch:


      1) Place the following items in our car:

            a) Weather balloon (1)

            b) Helium tanks (2)

            c) Parachute (1)

            d) Extra fishing line
       
            e) Cameras (3)

            f) Probe hull (including Zlog Computer, GPS Sensor and Petri Dishes)
           
            g) Tardigrades (100)

      2) Monitor Jet Streams


Note: Food, drinks and money are also necessary.


Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Final
State of Solution: Connected and Inflated
Condition of Testing Stage: Assembled for Launch
Tools and Equipment required: Helium Tanks, Weight, Weather Balloon, Parachute, Probe Hull containing tardigrades and instruments

Day of Launch: Pre-Launch Procedures

      1) Open weather balloon from packaging

      2) Attaching parachute to the weather balloon

      3) Insert water bears into the probe.

      4) Attach the weather balloon/parachute system to probe hull

      5) Secure line to probe attachment points

      6) Attach extra weight to the probe.

      7) Inflate the helium balloon.

      8) Detach weight from probe

      9) Release probe into the atmosphere


Testing Type: Validation
Testing Stage: Secondary
State of Solution: Recovery
Condition of Testing Stage: Elevation-Sea level
Tools and Equipment required: Tracking Device, Car, Computer

Day of Launch: Retrieval Procedures
  
      1) Track descent of probe.

      2) Print out GPS route to landing site

      3) Drive to landing site

      4) Search, locate and retrieve probe

Testing Type: Examination
Testing Stage: Secondary
State of Solution: Examination
Condition of Testing Stage: Elevation-Sea Level, location: lab
Tools and Equipment required: Car, Microscope, Notebook

Day of Launch: Post-Retrieval Examination Procedures

      1) Bring the probe to our car

      2) Remove Tardigrades from probe containment

      3) Take each Petri dish and place under microscope

      4) Examine the condition of the water bears and record data in notebook

Before Launch Testing
Specification	Feedback
The system is light weight
The system is permeable in order to adjust to atmospheric pressure
The system can lift a load of at least 5 pounds

After Launch Testing
Specification	Feedback
The system ascended to over 100,000 feet
The system stopped ascending at the optimal altitude
The system was able to withstand high velocity winds
The system provided a cushioned landing
The system allowed the probe to descend safely for successful retrieval