Proposal for PPT # 28504850 1

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Proposal for PPT # 28504850_1

For the Design of the

CU Balloon Experimental Satellite

Team S4

(Super Seven Satellite Squad)

Project: PHATSAT

Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Submitted: March 12, 2001

3:04 MST

Integrated Teaching Laboratory

Room 1B50

Attn: Mr. Chris Koehler

(303) 492-4750

S41 of 6

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

OVERVIEW:

Mission Statement:

To successfully launch and recover accurate data from a CUBESAT with two science payloads, one measuring temperature and humidity in a column of air, the other recording the trip photographically.

The driving motivations behind PHATSAT are twofold: First a desire to further understand characteristics of the transition of atmosphere from about 6,000 ft. to 100,000 ft., near the edge of space. The second force precipitating PHATSAT is the craving to get pictures from the upper atmosphere to get a view of the Earth’s interconnected systems.

The primary science payload measures temperature and humidity as it ascends from to nearly 100,000 ft. attached to a balloon provided by Edge of Space Sciences. This allows Team S4 to analyze areas of water vapor and parameterize the temperature gradient between the launch site and near the edge of space. The secondary science payload allows visual data corresponding to the temperature and humidity readings.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS:

PHATSAT consists of three major systems. The first and largest system is the frame machined into a 10 cm cube. Composed of ¼" 6061 T3 aluminum, PHATSAT will withstand jolts before, during, and after the ascension. The second largest system is science. The science package contains a HOBO RH Temperature Data Logger, and a camera. The third system is power. Power contains a timing circuit for the camera, as well as a power supply. The camera is mounted on the bottom of the cube to take pictures of the earth. The HOBO Data Logger and camera are insulated with ¼” foam to keep within thermal operating parameters. The cube is left open to allow the sensors to detect atmospheric temperature and humidity and the camera to take pictures of the earth (see figure at right).

Design Concerns:

• Temperature–operating range of HOBO data logger is -16 to +70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees F). Insulation will be used to keep it warm enough to take measurements.
• Camera must be mounted to take pictures of earth (down). This may prove difficult due to space constraints at the bottom of the cube and the associated problem with interfering with the center penetrating balloon tether. Timing Circuit must be constructed to only take pictures after a yet to be determined time period to prevent from exposures being wasted at very low altitudes.
• Impact resistance—the payloads must be able to withstand the significant forces exerted by the balloon tether at takeoff and the impact with the ground at landing. Payloads must be securely fastened to the frame. Forces must also be distributed throughout frame to minimize impact on sensitive equipment.
• Water—the camera and data logger are not waterproof. Plastic sheeting will be used to weatherproof the science equipment to keep it operating effectively.

S41 of 6

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Components of PHATSAT:

Aluminum casing

2 Teflon grommets

1 camera

1 HOBO RH/Temp data logger

Timing circuit

Power source (battery)

Insulation (1/4” foam)

Plastic sheeting

Assembly:

1. Machine ¼" aluminum frame and rails in accordance with design specifications.
2. Attach Teflon grommets on cube ends at string holes as required by RFP.
3. Mount data logger in top of cube.
4. Mount timing circuit and battery inside cube.
5. Affix camera payload on bottom of cube.
6. Insulate data logger payload with ¼" foam padding

S41 of 6

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Testing:

Cold Test—The cold test is performed by placing PHATSAT into an insulated container, a cooler for our purposes, and placing dry ice into the cooler in, on, and around PHATSAT. All instrumentation shall be operational during this test. The test should end in 30 minutes. If equipment still operates after 30 minutes, test shall be considered fully passed. If the HOBO data logger survives the test, the test shall be considered partially passed. Finally, should any equipment not function after the test, PHATSAT shall go into rigorous study to determine the problem.

Shock Test—The shock test is the more dangerous of the two tests, so safety is the prime concern. This test involves rolling PHATSAT down a single set of stairs in the CU Engineering Center. This test shall involve no less than three people. One person shall be atop the stairs, and has the requirement to initiate the shock test. One other person shall be outside the door to temporarily prevent people from entering and possibly getting hurt. In order to minimize traffic hold ups, this test should occur in the evening when there are few people about. The third person shall wait around the corner at the bottom of the flight of stairs. His/her responsibility is to catch PHATSAT should it start to continue down the second flight of stairs, and to retrieve PHATSAT at the end of the test. If all instrumentation survives the test, PHATSAT shall achieve a full pass on the test. If the HOBO data logger survives the test, the test shall rate a partial pass. If no system survives the test, or if only the camera survives the test, then the test shall be marked as failed, and PHATSAT shall undergo rigorous analysis to determine the fault.

Launch:

Saturday April 21, PHATSAT shall arrive at the Windsor Colorado Launch Site no later then 5:30 am. Members of S4 shall arrive at the Windsor Colorado Launch site no later than 6 am to begin setting up PHATSAT at 6:15 am. PHATSAT shall undergo a diagnosis upon reaching the launch site. This diagnosis shall entail, but not be limited to:

• An inspection of the frame for cracks, dings, dents, soft spots, or any other mark or mar that might cause it to fail during the ascent.
• A function test of the HOBO data logger. (Internal Software)
• Check the camera for damage, monitor and note camera power levels.
• Check timing circuit for functionality (Might require multi-meter).
• Check timing circuit power supply. Replace power supply if needed.
• Check insulation for damage.

After performing a pre-flight inspection, the craft shall be assembled and inspected once more. The next step is mounting PHATSAT onto the EOSS balloon line. Mounting PHATSAT is a two-step process. First Team S4 threads the line through the grommets in PHATSAT, then they tie a knot into the line creating a knot of greater diameter than the grommet. The last task performed at the launch site is holding PHATSAT off the ground during balloon release. After balloon release, all members of Team S4 are released from further mandatory activities that day. Members may also assist EOSS in balloon and recover PHATSAT from the landing site.

Safety:

Safety is a primary concern of Team S4. In order to fully maintain a high safety standard, Team S4 shall undertake the following precautions:

• Machining work shall be subcontracted out to qualified personnel.
• Launch will be subcontracted out to experts at EOSS (Edge of Space Sciences). Members present at launch will closely follow instructions of EOSS personnel.
• All potentially dangerous operations shall be planned and analyzed in advance to any undertaking of action and preformed in groups.

MANAGEMENT AND COST:

Team S4 has several time concerns. The biggest time concern comes if PHATSAT should fail a test. In order to give the greatest amount of time to correct planning and construction, testing is late in the schedule. Another concern deals with shipping issues. Should any part be placed on backorder, the chances that PHATSAT flies with a full science payload become remote. In order to prevent these two time issues, Team S4 shall begin ordering and construction as soon as ATP is given.

Schedule:

Team presentation

Have equipment purchased

Team Member Roles:

All team members are required to help in all aspects of PHATSAT construction. The following table lists the tasks each member is responsible for organizing:

Team Member Information/Skills:

S41 of 6

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Emily Collins (Freshman)

Phone: (303) 786-4042
Address:

BAKR 109 BOULDER, CO 80310
Major: Aerospace

Email:

Chris DeRock (Junior)

Phone: (720) 887-0262
Address:

340 KOHL ST. BROOMFIELD, CO 80020
Major: Mathematics

Email:

Skills:Connections/space grant experience

Brad Hahn (Sophomore)

Phone:(720) 565-2454

Address:

2992 SHADW CREEK DR BOULDER 80303

Major:Information Systems

Email:

Anisha Malhotra (Freshman)

Phone: (303) 786-2560
Address: HALL 176 BOULDER, CO 80310

Major: Open Option
Email:

Skills: SolidWorks

Mike Perlmeter (Junior)

Phone:(303) 771-9220

Address: 6591 S DAHLIA CIR LITTLETON, CO 80121
Major:Electrical Engineering

Email:

Skills: Electronics

Zack Stackhouse (Freshman)

Phone:(303) 673-0633

Address: 2355 HIGH LONESOME TRL LAFAYETTE, CO 80026
Major:Computer Science
Email:

Kelly Walker (Senior)

Phone: (720) 565-9017

Address:

985 30TH STREET APT C BOULDER, CO 80303
Major: Aerospace
Email:

S41 of 6

PHATSAT: Photographic Humidity and Temperature Satellite

Budget Concerns:

Team S4 has one major budget concern with the mass budget and the camera. As to date, Team S4 has not found a camera that complies with PHATSAT’s constraints. These constraints are that the camera not weight more than 200 grams, costs less than $200.00, and has a digital shutter.

Money Budget

Mass Budget

S41 of 6