Photon Phinder
Response to RFP 2500F09
Team Supernova Brigade
Jordan Dickard, Blake Firner, Amanda Kuker, Michael Lotto, James Bader, Diana Shukis
Team Supernova Brigade 1

Photon Phinder
Mission Statement:
The BallonSat Photon Phinder will be sent to an altitude of approximately 30,000 meters to collect scientific data. The experiment 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.
Technical Overview:
Overview
To achieve our mission objective, we will need to construct a lightweight satellite to be attached to a string and flown to a height of 30,000 meters. Our satellite will be constructed of foam core and metallic tape. The sensors needed will be solar cells and light intensity sensors. Also in the satellite will be an AVR microcontroller board, a heater, a digital camera, and temperature and pressure sensors, along with all the required wiring to connect the different hardware components. The following sections further elaborate on the details of the specifications and design of the Photon Phinder.
Hardware Needed
Solar Cells
Price $1.50-3.00/cell and 4 cells needed (2 for flight 2 extra for testing or if needed)
.5-1V usage
2.25” x 1.12”
Where to acquire: space grant or www.goldmine-elec-products.com
or www.siliconsolar.com
We will test the solar panels in several ways. We will have to test how they will function in low temperature environment. We will do this by exposing the panels to dry ice for a period of time and observing and recording the functionality of the panels after the drastic temperature change. This will provide us with information as to whether or not we need to find a way to provide to heat to our solar panels. We will also test the panels to make sure they absorb light correctly before using them on the satellite. Finally, we will test the attachment of the panels to the structure of the satellite by putting it through harsh physical tests. This is necessary to ensure the panels do not detach from the satellite during launch. In addition, we will test the solar cells efficiency on the ground so that we can compare it to the efficiency values during the flight and determine the altitude of maximum solar efficiency. Finally, we will test the voltage output of the solar cells and predict the maximum output to determine whether or not a voltage divider is needed.
Heater
Provided
Team Supernova Brigade 2

Photon Phinder
We will test the efficiency of the heater under normal conditions. We will also test how temperature affects the efficiency by testing the heater in a box of dry ice. This will help us determine how reliable our heater is.
HOBO
Provided
We will do tests to make sure the device functions properly under normal conditions. We will then test its durability in low temperature conditions by exposing it to dry ice.
LED lights
Acquire: space grant or Radio Shack
We will test the LED lights to make sure their connections are good and will withstand the stress of the launch. We will also test the functionality of LED lights in low temperature by exposing it to dry ice. This will help us to understand how the lights will work in the atmospheric environment. We will also test the potential voltage output of the LEDs to determine whether or not a resistor is needed to regulate the voltage.
Structure Testing
The structure needs to be tested for durability in several ways. We will kick/drop the structure to simulate the forceful impacts of launch and landing. In addition, we will whip the structure around on the string to simulate being whipped around while on the flight string.
Special Features
We will put the solar cells and LED lights 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. Another unique feature is that our experiment is located entirely outside of our box.
Data retrieval:
This experiment is designed to collect data based on light intensity and will be collected via voltmeter that will received by the absorption of the LEDs and solar panels and will be stored in the AVR board where the temperature and pressure data shall also be stored.
Team Supernova Brigade 3

Diagram of Satellite (all measurements in mm):
Photon Phinder
3-D view:
Team Supernova Brigade 4

Functional Block Diagram:
Photon Phinder
Meeting the Requirements of the RFP
1.
Design shall have additional experiment(s) that collects science data and teams must analyze this data.
- Additional experiments shall include the collection of solar energy and determination of light intensity. Analysis will be the relationship between the light intensity and efficiency of the solar panel.
2.
Analog sensor inputs shall not exceed 5V.
- The sensor used to quantify voltage shall not exceed 5V.
3.
After flight, BalloonSat shall be turned in working and ready to fly again.
- After touchdown, repairs to structure and electronics will be made as needed.
4.
Flight string interface tube shall be a non-metal tube through the center of the BalloonSat and
Team Supernova Brigade 5

Photon Phinder shall be secured to the box so it will not pull through the BalloonSat or interfere with the flight string.
- Tube shall be made based off of suggested design with paperclip as locking device.
5.
Internal temperature of the BalloonSat shall remain above -10˚C during the flight.
- Active heater supplemented by insulation shall maintain a temperature above -10˚ Celcius.
6.
Total weight shall not exceed 850 grams (leaving only 350 grams for structure and experiment).
- Total weight of satellite shall be under 850 grams. Our solar cells will weigh no more then 40 grams, and the LED lights will weigh no more the 30 grams (including wiring). That leaves 280 grams for the structure of our satellite, which will be constructed using light weight foam core.
7.
Each team shall acquire (not necessarily measure) ascent and descent rates of the flight string.
- GPS shall determine burst altitude and knowing time to reach burst and touchdown shall allow the acquisition of ascent and descent rates.
8.
Design shall allow for a HOBO H08-004-02 (provided) 68x48x19 mm and 30 grams
- The total dimensions for the satellite are 153.4 x 127 x 254 mm. Within that design there has been a space designed for a HOBO sensor.
9.
Design shall allow for external temperature cable (provided)
- A gap in the structure shall enable an external temperature cable to have contact with external conditions.
10.
Design shall allow for an Canon A570IS Digital Camera (provided) 45x75x90mm and 220 grams (with 2 AA Lithium batteries)
- The satellite’s dimensions are 153.4x127x254 mm, so there is enough room designing in for the
Canon Digital Camera.
11.
Design shall allow for AVR microcontroller board and batteries weighing 150 grams including batteries and 20x80x110mm (provided). Dimensions do not including 2 x 9v batteries.
-The satellite’s dimensions are 153.4 x 127 x 254 mm, and designed into that total area is a space for the AVR microcontroller board.
12.
Design shall allow for an active heater system weighing 100 grams with batteries and id
10x50x50mm (provided). Dimensions do not include 2 x 9 volt batteries.
-The satellite’s dimensions are 153.4 x127 x 254 mm, and within that space an area for the heater has been designed.
Team Supernova Brigade 6

Photon Phinder
13.
BalloonSat shall be made of foam core (provided).
- Foam core shall be supported by aluminum tape and glue to create a sturdy structure.
14.
Parts list and budget shall include spare parts.
- Quantity of spare parts will be provided.
15.
All BalloonSats shall have contact information written on the outside along with a US Flag
(provided).
- Contact information shall be written in permanent marker and US Flag shall proudly be flown.
16.
Proposal, design, and other documentation units shall be in metric.
- Metric units will be the only units used for proposal, design, and analysis.
17.
Launch is in November 7, 2009. Time and location: 6:50 AM in Windsor, CO. Launch schedule will be given later. Everyone is expected to show up for launch. Only one team member is required to participate on the recovery. Launch and recovery should be completed by 3:00
PM.
- Rides shall be acquired to the launch site with friends.
18.
No one shall get hurt.
- Safety shall be of the utmost concern and will be fulfilled with equipment such as safety glasses.
19.
All hardware is the property of the Gateway to Space program and must be returned in working order end of the semester.
- Photon Phinder and all of it’s hardware shall be immediately returned to the program in proper conditions.
20.
All parts shall be ordered and paid by Chris Koehler’s CU Mastercard by appointment to minimize reimbursement paperwork. All teams shall keep detailed budgets on every purchase and receipts shall be turned in within 48 hours of purchase with team name written on the receipt along with a copy of the Gateway order form (HW 04).
- Comprehensive budget reports funded by Chris’s Mastercard shall be submitted promptly after order.
21.
All purchases made by team individuals shall have receipts and must be submitted within 60 days of purchase or reimbursement will be subject to income taxes.
- Receipts shall be promptly submitted.
22.
Have fun and be creative.
Team Supernova Brigade 7

Date
9-12-09
9-13-09
9-15-09
9-19-09
9-26-09
9-27-09
10-03-09
10-08-09
10-10-09
10-17-09
11-06-09
11-07-09
11-14-09
11-21-09
Budget:
Photon Phinder
- Having fun shall be done with a flare of creativity.
23.
Absolutely nothing alive will be permitted as payloads, with the exception of yellow jackets, mosquitoes, fire ants, earwigs, roaches, or anything you would squish if you found it in your bed.
- No animals shall be included in the experiment.
24.
Completion of final report (extra credit if team video is included)
- Analysis of collected data shall reveal the efficiency of solar panels in relation to the intensity of light and enable the determination of the optimal altitude for efficiency.
Management and Cost Overview:
Schedule for construction of the Photon Phinder :
Day Time
SAT 10:00 AM
SUN 3:00 PM
TUES 5:00 PM
SAT 10:00 AM
SAT 10:00 AM
SUN 3:00 PM
SAT 10:00 AM
THUR 9:30 AM
SAT 10:00 AM
SAT 10:00 AM
FRI 2:00 PM
SAT 6:50 AM
SAT 10:00 AM
SAT 10:00 AM
Objective
Mission Proposal
Build AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater
Complete Mission Proposal
Build Satellite Structure and Complete Design Review
Order Materials
Program AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater
Complete Construction of Satellite
Critical Design Review
Structural Testing of Satellite
Complete Satellite Testing and LLR
Final Balloon-Sat Weigh In and Turn In
Launch Day
Data Analysis
Complete Team Presentation and Report
Hardware
Solar Cells (4)
Price
$1.49
Ordered From www.goldmine-elec-products.com
LED Lights
9 V Batteries (2)
Dry Ice
$2.00
$9.99
$3.00 www.goldmine-elec-products.com
Radio Shack
Safeway
Total: $30.94
Team Supernova Brigade 8

Photon Phinder
We plan to stay within our $100.00 budget by strictly adhering to our outlined budget.
The total cost for all of our materials is approximately $31.00 with a remaining $69.00. We will not make unnecessary purchases thus staying within our designated limit. The person in charge of the budget will be Diana Shukis.
Team Contact Information
Name
Jordan
Dickard
Amanda
Kuker
Michael
Lotto
Diana
Shukis
James
Bader
Blake
Firner
Team Biographies:
Phone
Number
719-360-
7408
303-881-
2380
425-802-
3073
303-949-
5353
480-710-
5544
816-225-
2991
Email address jordan.dickard@colorado.edu
Major
ASEN,
MUSC amanda.kuker@colorado.edu
ASEN michael.lotto@colorado.edu
ASEN diana.shukis@colorado.edu
APS james.bader@colorado.edu
ASEN blake.firner@colorado.edu
ASEN
Mailing address
9037 Aden Hall, Boulder, CO,
80310
9026 Crosman Hall, Boulder, CO,
80310
9048 Brackett Hall, Boulder, CO,
80310
911 Portland Place #9, Boulder,
CO, 80303
9031 Brackett Hall, Boulder, CO,
80310
9058 College Inn, Boulder, CO,
80310
Amanda Kuker: Team Leader; Amanda is currently a freshmen at CU Boulder studying Aerospace
Engineering. She is very excited about the exploration of space and being a part of the future of space discoveries. She also loves to ski and play sports in her free time. During the project, Amanda will be in charge of organizing group meetings and keeping the team organized and on schedule.
Jordan Dickard: Electrical/systems Engineer; Jordan is currently a Freshman at CU Boulder studying
Aerospace Engineering and Music. He has an interest in the frontier of space and the design of space vehicles. He also has a passion for music and likes to read and listen to music. During the project,
Jordan will work on programming and electronic design, as well as assisting with the design of the structure.
Michael Lotto: Internal Systems Coordinator; Michael is currently a Freshman at CU Boulder studying
Aerospace Engineering. Specifically, structural design is of great interest. He was born near Seattle,
Washington. He has always been interested in the development of space and its exploration. During the project, Michael will be in charge of the design and organization of the inside of the satellite, also assisting with the structure.
Team Supernova Brigade 9

Photon Phinder
Diana Shukis: Budget Manager/Scheduler ; Diana is currently at Junior at CU Boulder studying
Astrophysics and Geology. She is interested in planetary astronomy and atmospheric sciences. She was born outside of Chicago, Illinois although grew up in Las Vegas, NV. In her free time she enjoys reading, swimming, and watching bad science fiction movies. During the project, Diana will be working on making sure the team meets its budget, as well as organizing presentations and assisting in construction.
James Bader: Structural Engineer; James is a Freshman at CU Boulder studying Aerospace Engineering.
He is a pilot with a fascination of everything involving space and flight. He was born in Mesa, Arizona and grew up a few miles away in Gilbert. In his free time he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, and piloting.
During the project, James will be in charge of the design and construction of the structure of the satellite.
Blake Firner: Scribe/Administration; Blake is currently a Freshman at CU Boulder in the Aerospace
Engineering program. He is a writer and a musician that is involved in the choir and in his spare time he reads and writes poems and music. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Kansas City,
Kansas. During the project, Blake will be in charge of keeping information and helping in designing and organizing the presentations and reports of the group, as well as aiding in construction and design.
Team Supernova Brigade 10