New Horizons Governor’s School for Science and Technology
520 Butler Farm Road
Hampton, VA 23666
PM Session
Team Members:
Sarah Selim-Project Manager- cyaselim@gmail.com
Katie Jordan-Technology Team Point of Contact- kathleen.jordan@nhrec.us
William Archer-Integration Team Point of Contact- williamrchr@gmail.com
Sam Kim- Communication Team Point of Contact- sam211587@gmail.com
Bethany Wissmann-Technical Team member- bgmwissmann@gmail.com
Manisha Iruvanti- Technical Team member- miruvanti@gmail.com
Scot Mackenzie- Technical Team member - scot1996@gmail.com
Justin Cloutier- Technical Team member- justin.cloutier1@gmail.com
Brady Reich- Technical Team member- breisch@cox.net
Steven Haggard- Integration Team Member- c.stephen.haggard@gmail.com
Correy Xu- Integration Team Member- correy.xu@gmail.com
Richard Kazmer- Integration Team Member- richardkazmer@verizon.net
Bobby Smyth- Integration Team Member- robert.smyth@nhgs.tec.va.us
Danny McNamara- Integration Team Member- octoman115@gmail.com
Eddie Schuler-Communication Team Member- eddieschuler@cox.net
Team Descriptions:
Technology Team1. Research and develop the process of Artificial
photosynthesis.
2. Define the metrics and specifications of the experiment
Integration Team1. Program the NESI Board
2. Begin programming tutorials in Python
Communication Team1. Write the formal documents for the HUNCH program
2. Document progress of the team throughout the year
Abstract: Artificial Photosynthesis in Microgravity
The International Space Station (ISS) needs a more efficient way to supply
oxygen for astronauts. Currently, the space station relies heavily on shipments of oxygen
from Earth. However, this system has many flaws as it requires the astronauts
essentially to ration their air. For many labor intensive tasks, such as repairing
equipment or exercising, oxygen conservation adds unnecessary complexity and
constraints. Also astronauts have complained about headaches and fatigue during group
activities, when they produced too much carbon dioxide in a limited space. The need for
a system to produce breathable air is important also for future long-term space
explorations.
Green plants in a natural process could supply oxygen. However, this approach
entails the astronauts to tend to the plants and risks introducing additional microbes to
the ISS or other planets.
Artificial photosynthesis, an oxygen-producing chemical process that
replicates the natural photosynthesis of plants, can provide a better solution. Artificial
photosynthesis has been demonstrated in laboratory settings using a variety of designs
and several different catalysts. The challenge will be to select, design and build a
container to house the system, and monitor the performance in microgravity.
Computer
Power
PicKit
Programmer
On/Off
Memory
SD Card
Code
Data
Emergency
Shut-off
Over 120 Degrees F
NESI Board
Fan
Temperature
Sensor
Pressure
Sensor
Accelerometer
Water Level
Sensor
Storyboard
FOR ISS AUTOMATED EXPERIMENT
Measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels – every second (I/O)
Start electrolysis – “if” statement: when oxygen concentrations below certain level
Wait 1 minute
Turn fan on – constant (I/O) (Circulate oxygen)
Measure water content– constant (I/O) (How often does the water need to be refilled?)
Measure temperature – every 5 seconds (I/O)
Measure pressure in apparatus – every second (I/O)
Repeat
Precautions – Emergency cut-off (Circuit Breaker)
FOR VOMET-COMET EXPERIMENT
Turn on – Start Electrolysis
Wait 1 minute
Measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels – every second (I/O)
Turn fan on – constant (I/O) (Circulate oxygen)
Measure water content– constant (I/O) (How often does the water need to be refilled?)
Measure temperature – every 5 seconds (I/O)
Measure pressure in apparatus – every second (I/O)
Repeat
Power off
Precautions – Emergency cut-off (Circuit Breaker)