Eddie McGovern, Adam Blake, Ryan Vogel,
Alleyce Watts, and Jade O’Mara
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Introduction of 2011 Team
History and working designs of High Altitude
Balloon
Design Parameters
Objective
Timeline
Thus Far
Questions?
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Team Leader:
Eddie McGovern
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Group Members:
 Jade O’Mara
 Alleyce Watts
 Ryan Vogel
 Adam Blake
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Group Advisor: Dr. Slater
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the
Wright State University High Altitude Balloon
team (WSU HAB) has had 17 successful launches
and recoveries. Throughout these tests, WSU
has achieved in launching devices to heights of
nearly 100,000 feet (40,000 ft above regulated
airspace) while conducting experiments
containing temperature sensors, cameras, video
transmitters/recorders, actuation devices, etc.
Tear drop and box
configuration
Initial design with two
box configuration
Design parameters include but are
not limited to:
•A maximum weight per unit of six
pounds
• An altitude parachute deployment of
65,000 feet
• Design of parachute to withstand a drag
of 125 mph
•GPS, Beacon, and APRS needed to
relocate upon re-entry
•Accelerometer used to record data on
free-fall characteristics
This quarter the HAB team will
create a scaled atmospheric reentry ballute.
A ballute is an inflatable balloon
parachute, typically made from a
thin, flexible material.
This vehicle will be used to test
and demonstrate the aerodynamic
stability of various ballute shaped
designs for the ILC Dover for a
Mars atmospheric decelerator .
Image: Andrews Space, INC
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A transmit/receive
tower on top of the
Russ Engineering
Center will be used for
digital control and
communication with
the balloon’s payload
for an approximate 300
miles radius around
campus.
Chosen Design:
•Balsa Wood frame with
foam nose
•Whole frame intended
to be covered with iron
on plastic
•Inflatable thin film or
solid foam ring to be
placed on top to simulate
ballute shape.