Project Andromeda
Team Orion:
Evan Long - Team Leader
Dylan Anderson - Associate Team Leader
Devon Connor
Jaevyn Faulk
Eric Hardwick
Lucas Ibarra
Jack Oblack
Alexis Sutker
September 28, 2012
ASEN 1400 - Gateway to Space
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado Space Grant Consortium
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Project Andromeda
Mission Statement and Overview
Mission Statement:
The mission of Team Andromeda is to develop a Balloon SAT with a payload that will collect
data on ultraviolet radiation to serve a dual purpose: to allow us to compare our relevant data with past
records of the sun’s activity, as well as find a correlation between altitude and strength of UVA rays.
We will determine how the solar activity has changed from eleven years ago – roughly one sunspot
cycle – through the use of data from previous Balloon SAT missions and National Center for
Atmospheric Research data. We will also determine if there is a relationship between UVA rays and
altitude.
Mission Overview
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the frequency of solar storms
has been increasing in the last 3 years. This December and the beginning of 2013 is the peak of solar
activity in the 11-year sunspot cycle of the sun, wherein powerful solar flares have a higher probability
of occurring. The increase in solar activity has led to an upsurge in the amount of radiation impacting
earth’s atmosphere – specifically UVA and UVB rays. Sunspots and solar flares release large quantities
of UVA and UVB radiation that can heat up the earth’s atmosphere, and cause satellites to experience
increased drag. In addition, UVA radiation is harmful to life on earth and can cause damage on a
cellular level. Since UVA rays have a wave length of 315-400 nanometers, it is close to that of visible
light, and 70% to 95% penetrates through the atmosphere. UVB rays are even more damaging to life;
however, UVB rays are at a shorter wave length – 280-315 nm - and almost all the rays are absorbed by
the ozone layer. With the increase of solar activity, we believe that more radiation is encountering
earth’s atmosphere and, therefore, more is reaching the life on earth. Also, with more UVB rays being
absorbed, the ozone would heat up more.
With our ultraviolet radiation sensors, we will determine how much UV radiation is penetrating the
atmosphere at different altitudes. Also, we will determine if the amount of ultraviolet radiation present
is more or less than that from a 2010 Balloon SAT, and the data logged at the National Center for
Atmospheric Research – which is based in Boulder, Colorado. As the Balloon SAT rises in altitude, we
hypothesize that there will be a minimum increase in UVA detection, while, conversely, there will be
an exponential increase in UVB detected as altitude increases. We also hypothesize that the levels of
UV radiation detected will be higher than that of past years. If our hypothesis were correct, it would
suggest that there is indeed an increase in solar activity. If this were the case, it would be important to
follow up on our research, as solar activity has a great impact on life on earth: communication satellites
could be at risk, damage to life on a cellular level could occur, and there would be a heightened risk of
damage to the electric grid at higher altitudes. If the solar activity is increasing, there is the possibility
of large solar flares happening that would cause even more damage. However, if our data proves that
there is less solar activity currently, than previous years, it would suggest the possibility that the peak
of solar activity has already occurred. Either outcome would provide valuable information on the future
of human life.
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Team Orion
September 27, 2012
Project Andromeda
Our Balloon SAT would be equipped with six UVA detectors – two on the top, and one on each
side perpendicular to the attaching rope – and one UVB detector located on top of the structure. We
will also have two UVA detectors and one UVB detector on the ground to have a control in the
experiment. The UVA detectors are TSL235R – Light to Frequency Converters, which are
temperature-compensated sensors for the wave length range of 320 nanometers to 700 nanometers.
The UVB detectors are the TW30SX UV Sensor, which detects wavelengths of 215-387 nanometers.
Along with our UV sensing payload, we will fly two cameras on our Balloon SAT: a Canon
A570IS Digital Camera to take pictures, and a Go Pro Hero camera that will record high definition
video of the flight. Our objective with the two cameras is to provide video and picture representation of
the curvature of the earth. And proof that the earth, is in fact, round.
1.0 - Mission Requirements
To meet all requirements stated below, Project Andromeda will follow a schedule and stick to a
budget. Weekly team meetings, proper communication, and of course hard work along with dedication
will be the cornerstones on which the team will build its success upon. The section numbers are located
in the table to specify exactly where the requirement is specified
Page
Number Requirement
1.01
Our experiment shall record and store data from six UVA sensors and a single
UVB sensor mounted on the outside of the Balloon SAT.
1.02
The Balloon SAT will be fully functional and be able to fly again after
landing.
1.03
The internal temperature will remain above -10o Celsius.
1.04
The total weight of the Balloon SAT will be no more than 1.125 kilograms.
1.05
The Balloon SAT will be fixed to the flight rope via a central PVC pipe, which
will in turn rest upon large washers, one on the top and one on the bottom.
There will be two knots, tied in the cord above and below the Balloon SAT,
which will fix the PVC pipe in place, with the aid of the washers.
1.06
We shall acquire the ascent and decent rates of the Balloon SAT.
1.07
We will include a HOBO data storage device on the Balloon SAT.
1.08
We will include a Canon A780 within the Balloon SAT.
1.09
The Balloon SAT will record and store data from one 3-axis Accelerometer
mounted on the inside of the Balloon SAT
1.10
The Balloon SAT will record and store data from one Humidity sensor
mounted on the inside of the Balloon SAT.
1.11
The Balloon SAT will record and store data from one Altimeter mounted on
the inside of the Balloon SAT.
1.12
The Balloon SAT will record and store data from two Temperature sensors,
one mounted on the inside of the Balloon SAT, and one mounted on the
outside of the Balloon SAT.
1.13
The Balloon SAT will record and store data from one Pressure sensor mounted
on the inside of the Balloon SAT.
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Team Orion
September 27, 2012
Project Andromeda
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
We will include an active heating system with independent power supply.
The Balloon SAT will be made of Foam Core.
Our budget will include a parts list, including spare and redundant parts.
Our hull design will permit and include Team Orion contact information and
an American Flag printed visibly on the outside hull.
All units used in the construction, proposal, preparation, measurement, data
collection, and usage of the Balloon SAT will be in metric.
No one, for any reason, will be harmed during the duration of Project
Andromeda.
Our design shall in no way intentionally permit for any living organism to be
included in the mission payload.
The Balloon SAT will be fully constructed and prepared for launch and
recovery by no later than December 1st.
All hardware and materials used shall be returned to Professor Koehler at the
end of the semester, fully operable and undamaged, unless expressly told to
the contrary by Professor Koehler.
Any and all purchases using Professor Koehler's CU Visa will be recorded
with meticulous detail on the budget. All purchase receipts will be archived
and given to Professor Koehler within 72 hours of the purchase, and shall
include a Gateway Order form for every purchase made in this manner. These
purchases shall only be made with the express permission of Professor
Koehler.
1.18
1.19
1.20
1.21
1.22
1.23
.
2.0 - Technical overview:
2.1 - Design Plan
Project Andromeda is designed to ensure the success of its payloads. The payloads consist of 2 separate
cameras, one for still photo's and one to take HD video, and a series of sensors that detect both UVA
and UVB rays. The cameras are positioned in opposite
corners of each other to keep weight as balanced as
possible. There are two types of UV radiation sensors on
Canon A78
our Balloon SAT. The first is a light to frequency
converter ordered from sparkfun.com. Its range of
wavelengths that it can radiation is from 320nm to
Heating System
400nm which makes this is designed to detect UVB
radiation. It detects wavelengths between 215nm to
387nm. Although it will detect UVA we will be able to
HOBO
Data
Logger
9V Batteries
filter out the UVA through analysis of the data. The data
collected will be stored on a HOBO devise along with
other data such as temperature both inside and outside
the satellite and the altitude from an altimeter. To
Arduino Uno maintain the requirement of keeping a temperature above
Go Pro
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Team Orion
September 27, 2012
Project Andromeda
-10C our Balloon SAT will be insulated and will include a heater that was provided to us and runs on
three 9V batteries and is self contained on its own circuit (see Block Diagram). Project Andromeda is
prepared to alter our design plans to ensure success of our Balloon SAT and to accommodate any
problems with our design. Such problems could be that the Balloon SAT is heavier on one side
resulting in the center of mass being to one side. All of these changes to the design will be done
promptly with the requirement of having the satellite ready for launch by December 1, 2012.
2.2 - Design Structure
Project Andromeda's structure is designed with several factors in mind. One obstacle that out satellite
must overcome landing back on the ground. After an
TW30SX UV Photo Diode
approximately 45 min decent slowed by a parachute the
Balloon SAT will land on the ground at approximately
20 mph. Due to this hard landing the satellite must be
able to survive the impact and keep all payloads in
working order. Keeping its contents safe is a 15cm x
15cm x 15cm cube made of foam core and is reinforced
on all edges and corners with hot glue on the inside and
with aluminum tape on the outside. To attach the
Balloon SAT to the balloon a small PVC tube is run
directly cube in the center of the top and coming out
through the bottom in the middle. The rope is run
through the tube and is tied of on both ends keeping it
in place by using washers on each end. All of the
interior components are held in place using Velcro to
keep them in place but to also provide easy access to them if needed.
SFE Light to Frequency Converter
2.3 - Data Collection
All data is collected in a way so that it can be easily analyzed. The data from all the sensors will be
collected into the HOBO data storage devise. This data on the HOBO is then easily transferred to a
laptop to be analyzed. The data from the GoPro camera will be stored on an internal SD card. This can
be also transferred to a laptop where it can be analyzed.
2.4 - Photo and Video
The Balloon SAT will contain two onboard cameras. The first is a Canon A570IS Digital camera. This
has its own battery that will power the camera but the pictures taken will be sent to the HOBO data
storage devise. Our other camera is a HD GoPro. It will be positioned opposite of the other camera facing out
the side of the structure. The GoPro will take video the entire duration of the flight. The purpose of the video is
to see some of the most interesting moments of flight such as burst.
2.5 - Testing
Multiple tests will be performed to ensure mission requirements are met. These tests shall include
multiple structure tests, the whip test, the cooler test, payload active tests, camera tests and most
importantly a full functionality test.
2.51 - The Whip Test:
The satellite structure with simulation weight will be attached to a string via the flight string interface, a
team member will then spin the structure above their head rapidly. The whip test will test the structure
and flight string interface for durability during high accelerations just after burst. This test will also
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Team Orion
September 27, 2012
Project Andromeda
ensure sensors are taking accurate measurements of ascent and decent rates of the flight string.
2.52 - The Cooler Test:
The balloon satellite along with the temperature control system, internal sensors and external sensors
will be placed in a container of dry ice. Data will then be collected on internal and external
temperatures over a flight simulation period of 135 minutes. If the sensors and the temperature control
system are working properly, the data should show the external temperature cooling until it reaches the
temperature of dry ice. The internal temperature would ideally stay the same but errors in insulation
will allow some cooling. The goal of this test is to ensure the satellite's internal temperature never falls
below -10o C.
2.53 - Structure and Impact Tests:
This test will be conducted by exposing the structure of the balloon satellite to extreme collisions. At
each phase of the build the impact and structure tests must be completed in order to ensure full
functionality and a “ready-to-fly” status after impact. The purpose of the structure test is to guarantee
that the delicate instruments housed inside the structure are never harmed.
2.54 - Payload Active and Full Functionality Tests:
Indicators will be placed out the outside of the structure as to signal when the payload is turned on.
When fully operational an external LED will enlighten to serve as an indicator. We will also conduct
several mission simulations to test that all parts of the satellite are performing as they should and to
ensure that the actual mission runs as smoothly as possible.
2.55 - Camera Tests:
To ensure the success of
our cameras onboard of the
satellite we will test them
to make sure the operate
correctly. In the case of the
GoPro we will shoot video
until for any reason we
cannot record any more to
get an accurate
representation of how long
it will run.
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Team Orion
September 27, 2012
Project Andromeda
3.0 Budget:
Jack will maintain the budget for both cost and for weight. He will keep detailed and accurate
records about how much money we spend and how much weight that our Balloon SAT currently
maintains. By doing this we will be sure to keep both our budget and weight requirements.
Budget
Amount
Item
Cost
Weight (g)
Retailer
Structure
1
Foam Core
$0.00
50g
Gateway to Space
TBD
Insulation
$0.00
10g
Gateway to Space
1
Plastic Tubing
$4.00
20g
McGuckin’s
4 ft
Aluminum Tape
$0.00
10g
Gateway to Space
TBD
Hot Glue
$0.00
Gateway to Space
TBD
Velcro
$0.00
Gateway to Space
1
Switches
$0.00
2g
Gateway to Space
1
3-axis Accelerometer
$0.00
5g
Gateway to Space
1
GoPro 32 GB SD Card $18.98 + S&H
2g
Amazon
Hardware
8 (6 on
SFE Light to
Satellite, 2 Frequency Converter
on
Ground)
$2.95 + S&H
10g
SparkFun
2
TW30SX UV Photo
Diode
Awaiting Quote
Form Retailer
10g
SciTec.UK.com
1
GoPro
$130.00 + S&H
167g
GoPro
2
Arduino Uno
$0.00
54g
Gateway to Space
$2.39
45.6
CVS
10 (5 on 9V Battery
Satellite)
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Team Orion
2012
September 27,
Project Andromeda
Budget
Amount
Item
Cost
Weight (g)
Retailer
1
2 GB SD Card
$0.00
2
Gateway to Space
1
Canon A780
$0.00
200
Gateway to Space
1
HOBO
$0.00
50
Gateway to Space
1
Heater System
$0.00
100
Gateway to Space
25 ft
Copper Wire
$4.00
113.5 x TBD
McGuckin’s
1
Internal Temperature
Sensor
$0.00
3
Gateway to Space
1
External Temperature $0.00
Sensor
3
Gateway to Space
1
Pressure Sensor
$0.00
3
Gateway to Space
1
Humidity Sensor
$0.00
3
Gateway to Space
TOTAL for Balloon SAT
1026
Miscellaneous
10 ilbs
Dry Ice
$12.00
4536
Safeway
4.0 Schedule
Date:
9.17.12
9.19.12
9.21.12
9.24.12
9.25.12
9.27.12
9.27.12
9.28.12
9.28.12
10.1.12
10.2.12
Schedule:
Team Dinner Meeting @ Ted’s (730-930 pm)
Meeting for Soldering Arduino’s in ITLL (3-430pm)
Meeting for Soldering Arduino’s in ITLL (2-330pm)
Meeting in ITTL Group Work Rooms (800-1030pm)
Meeting in ITTL Group Work Rooms (1-245pm)
Gateway to Space Free Class Period (930-1045am)`
Meeting in ITLL Group Work Rooms (2-400) (8-1200pm)
Meeting in ITLL Group Work Rooms to Assemble Proposal (12-4pm)
Proposal Due (4pm)
Regular Team Meeting (8-10pm) for CoDR
CoDR Turn in and Presentation (930-1045)
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Team Orion
2012
September 27,
Project Andromeda
10.22.12
Review of CoDR
HW 6 Due
Parts list order form due (HW 5)
Parts Arrive
Integration Begins
Regular Team Meeting to discuss pCDR topics (8-10pm)
pCDR and Design Document Rev A/B Due (7am)
Reviews of pCDR
Regular Team Meeting for Assembly
10.23.12
10.29.12
HW 7 Due
Regular Team Meeting (8-10pm) for Flight Testing
11.1.12
11.5.12
11.12.12
11.13.12
11.15.12
11.19.12
11.27.12
11.30.12
12.1.12
12.11.12
12.11.12
Mid Semester Evaluations Due
Regular Team Meeting
Regular Team Meeting for Final Mission Simulation Preparedness
In Class Mission Simulation
Design Document Review Due (12pm(11.16.12))
Regular Team Meeting to check Final Assembly
Launch Readiness Review
Final BalloonSat Weigh in and TURN in (930-1045)
Launch DAY (445-400pm)
Final Hardware Turn In
Final Presentations and Reports (6-900pm)
10.5.12
10.5.12
TBD
TBD
10.8.12
10.18.12
5.0 Saftey
In order to maintain safety for both the members of our team and project,
we will practice careful and precautionary steps throughout the entire
manufacturing and testing process. During the time that we are constructing the BalloonSat,
there will be at least two team members working together: this guarantees that each member of
the team shall not attain any serious injuries. This precaution will also be beneficial to the
inspection and verification process in the building and testing of the BalloonSat. All testing will
be orchestrated with the utmost care having multiple team members present, which will ensure
the accuracy of record data. For all hazardous materials, i.e. dry ice, proper safety measures for
the specific material will be studied and executed. For the handling of electronics, grounding
wristbands will be worn for the prevention of electrostatic discharge damaging the hardware.
Lastly, the team’s contact information, and an American flag will be affixed to the exterior of the
balloonsat to alleviate concerns of terrorism and provide a sense of safety in the local
community.
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Team Orion
2012
September 27,
Project Andromeda
6.0 Team Overview
Member
Title
Role
Phone #
School
Address
Evan
Long
Team
Leader
Integration
(704) 979-4622
Dylan
Anderson
Associate
Team
Leader
Structural
Design
(763) 496-8297
Alexis
Sutker
Team
Member
C&DH
Filming
(847) 436-2013
Stearns East
Hall 1059
Jaevyn
Faulk
Team
Member
Science
(970) 580-5084
Willard Hall 295
Lucas
Ibarra
Team
Member
C&DH
(303) 916-9464
4340 Monroe Dr.
Eric
Hardwick
Team
Member
Power &
Data
Collection
(206) 714-6736
Stearns East
Hall 474
Devon
Connor
Team
Member
Power &
Data
Collection
(303) 775-6858
Crossman 204
Jack
Oblack
Team
Member
Budget
Managem
ent
(720) 979-7570
Willard Hall 304
University Darley North Hall
of
440
Colorado
at Boulder Willard Hall 395
2.1 - Biography's
Dylan Anderson: Dylan Anderson is a freshman undergraduate student majoring in aerospace
engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was born on July 12th, 1994, in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Special skills include Solid Works experience, soldering and
leadership skills. He loves building things and is part of MOPS for the DANDE project at
Colorado Space Grant Consortium.
Jaevyn Faulk:Jaevyn Faulk is a freshman undergraduate student majoring in aerospace
engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was born on September 25th, 1994 in
Julesberg, Colorado. Jaevyn’s Special skills include Photoshop experience, soldering, and
management experience. He plans to build and fly an ultralight.
Alexis Sutker: Alexis Sutker is a freshman undergraduate student studying Aerospace
Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was born on August 20, 1994, in
Evanston, Illinois and has resided there for most of her life having an early childhood in Tucson,
Arizona. Alexis graduated in the top 15% of her senior class at Evanston Township High School.
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Team Orion
2012
September 27,
Project Andromeda
She enjoys basketball, model rockets, snowboarding ,and filming. Special skills include
soldering, metal shop, and welding.
Lucas Ibarra: Lucas Ibarra is a junior undergraduate student studying astronomy at the
University of Colorado at Boulder. He was born on March 20th, 1992 in Thornton, Colorado and
lived most of his life there. Lucas is a transfer student from the United States Air Force Academy
where he studied Space Operations. Lucas’ special skills include soldering, leadership
experience and Satellite operations experience.
Jack Oblack: Jack Oblack was Born in Boulder, CO August 3, 1994. He lived in Westminster,
CO and moved to Littleton when he was ten. He has always had a passion for flight and loves
fighter jets. He is part of AFROTC and is studying Aerospace engineering. He has team
leadership experience and knows a little bit about electronics. He is buying the Go Pro.
Evan Long: Evan Long was born on August 1st, 1993, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Evan is a
freshman undergraduate student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Evan enjoys rowing,
mountain biking, hiking and various other outdoor activities. His special skills include,
Leadership and Management skills, soldering and scheduling.
Eric Hardwick: Eric Hardwick is an undergraduate freshman attending the University of
Colorado at Boulder, currently studying for his Aerospace Engineering major. He was born on
November 17th, 1993 in Bellevue, Washington, and grew up on Mercer Island. Eric is an Eagle
Scout, and has a passion for building and creative writing. His skills include 2 years of
Solidworks experience, prior soldering experience, 7+ years of Word 2000 and PowerPoint 2000
experience, and prior leadership experience.
Devon Connor: Devon Connor is an undergraduate physics student attending the University of
Colorado at Boulder. He enjoys bike riding and parasailing. Special skills include soldering, and
leadership experience.
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Team Orion
2012
September 27,