Supernova Brigade
Conceptual Design Review
Jordan Dickard, Diana Shukis, Amanda Kuker,
Michael Lotto, James Bader, Blake Firner
9/22/09
Mission Overview
• The BallonSat Photon Phinder will measure the
intensity of light emitted from the sun at
different altitudes in the atmosphere of the
Earth and compare it to the voltage output of a
modern photovoltaic cell.
• The satellite will also measure the temperature
(C˚) at different altitudes. The data collected will
aid scientists in determining the optimal altitude
to maximize solar cells performance.
• This will aid in research for future renewable
energy sources.
Design Overview
• Design
– Solar cells and LED lights will be placed
on top of the satellite so as to evenly
absorb the light.
– Since the LED lights and solar cells will
be facing the same direction at the
same time this will more accurately
provide us with cohesive data.
– A unique feature is that our experiment
is located entirely outside of our box.
Diagram of Satellite (measured in mm)
Functional Block Diagram
Management
• Amanda Kuker: Team Leader
• Jordan Dickard: Electrical/systems
Engineer
• Michael Lotto: Internal Systems
Coordinator
• Diana Shukis: Budget Manager/Scheduler
• James Bader: Structural Engineer
• Blake Firner: Scribe/Administration
Schedule
Date
Day
Time
Objective
9-12-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Mission Proposal
9-13-09
SUN
3:00 PM
Build AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater
9-15-09
TUES
5:00 PM
Complete Mission Proposal
9-19-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Build Satellite Structure and Complete Design Review
9-26-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Order Materials
9-27-09
SUN
3:00 PM
Program AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater
10-03-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Complete Construction of Satellite
10-08-09
THUR
9:30 AM
Critical Design Review
10-10-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Structural Testing of Satellite
10-17-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Complete Satellite Testing and LLR
11-06-09
FRI
2:00 PM
Final Balloon-Sat Weigh In and Turn In
11-07-09
SAT
6:50 AM
Launch Day
11-14-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Data Analysis
11-21-09
SAT
10:00 AM
Complete Team Presentation and Report
Budget
Hardware
Price
Ordered From
Solar Cells (4)
$1.49
www.goldmine-elec-products.com
LED Lights
$2.00
www.goldmine-elec-products.com
9 V Batteries (2)
$9.99
Radio Shack
Dry Ice
$3.00
Safeway
Total Cost: $30.94
Weight
Hardware
Weight
LED Lights
30 g
Solar Cells
40 g
HOBO H08-004-02
30 g
Cannon A570IS Digital Camera
220 g
AVR Microcontroller Board and Batteries
150 g
Active Heater System and Batteries
100 g
Structure
280 g
Total Weight: 850 grams
Concerns
• We are unsure as to how the LED
lights and Solar Cells will react to the
atmospheric conditions.
• Structural concerns
• Due to the angle of the sun during
an early morning launch we are
unsure if the Solar Cell and LED’s will
be effective.