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.

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

Developmental Work

2-D

 

 

3-D

Parts List
Part	Quantity
Weather Balloon	1
Parachute	1
Nylon Parachute Cord	1
Radar Reflector	1
Zip ties	4
Duck-Tape	1

Plan of Procedures

Plan of Procedures-Weather Balloon Space Probe Launch

        Any type of experiment involving flight and the atmosphere involves a multitude of variables. Simple mistakes can result in major problems. In my case, if the parachute isn’t attached properly we could lose or severely damage our probe. In order to minimize risk and prevent failure, the flight operator must follow this plan of procedures precisely. The launch and recovery system will be assembled using the materials and tools listed below.

 

Part One- Lay out and assemble Weather balloon probe system


1) Lay out plastic tarp (S3) on a clear area.


2) Put on plastic gloves (S9).


3) Remove helium balloon (S1) from packaging and lay across tarp. DO NOT TOUCH BALLOON WITHOUT GLOVES.


4) Lay out parachute (S6) and probe-containment (S8).


5) Insert rubber tube (S3) into opening of the helium balloon (S1).


6) Use Nylon rope (T4) to tie the helium balloon to the top of the parachute (S6).


7) Use Nylon rope (T4) to tie the parachute (S6) to the probe-containment (S8).


8) Place 2 zip-ties (S7) around the connection of the rubber tube(S3) and the helium balloon(S1).


9) Connect rubber tube(S3) to helium tank (S2).


10) Use Nylon rope (T4) to tie a safety line to the helium balloon (S1).


11) Use Nylon rope (T4) to tie the safety line to the spring scale (T2).


12) Use the Dumbel (T3) to secure the safety line to the ground.


13) Inflate the weather balloon (S1).


14) Using the spring scale (T2) stop inflation at the force of 15 pounds.


15) Once designated lift has been reached, turn of the helium tank (S2) and squeeze the bottom of the helium balloon (S1) as you pull the rubber tube (S3) out.


16) Quickly pull the zip ties (S7) tight around the bottom of the helium balloon (S1).


17) Use duct-tape (S4) to secure and cover the zip ties (S7).


18) Using the knife (T1) cut the safety line.


19) Grab the probe containment (S8) and walk the system away from the tarp.


20) Release the system.


21) Using CUSF Landing Predictor 2.5 to run necessary projections to estimate landing/recovery site.


22) Load up the car and begin moving towards landing site.

 

The rendering above shows the overall connection of the probe system.