Victor Taberski, Ryan Walker, Allen Marshall, Matt Kerwin, Andrew Winthrop, Steven

RammOctober 14, 2008

UANIOOU – (Upper Atmosphere Near-Infrared Optical Observing Unit)

Simultaneously image stars in both the visible and near-infrared spectra, to empirically measure the altitude at which stars become visible within each spectrum.

Prove that obtaining high-quality images of stars using an upper-atmosphere BalloonSat is possible and more cost-effective than using a satellite, thereby presenting the amateur scientific community with an inexpensive and effective method of high altitude experimentation in these spectrums.

• Determine what altitude stars become clear in the visible spectrum.

• Determine what altitude stars become clear within the Near Infrared Spectrum.

• Gain comparison of same view field in both spectrums.

• Prove our Hypothesis: Images taken from a BalloonSat will be clearer than images taken from the ground, and provide comparable results that are cheaper than using a Satellite.

A near-infrared remote as seen by the naked eye

The same remote as seen by a near-infrared capable camera

2.1.0 Mission Goal (G1)Team T.W.S.S.’s BalloonSat will ascend to the altitudes between 75,000 and 100,000 feet in order to take digital and near

infrared pictures of the stars within one minute intervals to measure the altitude at which certain stars become visible in order to demonstrate the cost-efficiency of a BalloonSat compared to an in-orbit satellite.2.2.0 Mission Objective One (O1) - comes from G1

Construct and test a BalloonSat that will be functional prior to November 15, 2008, which will cost a maximum $150.00 and be able to withstand the extreme conditions that exist in high altitudes so that the experiment may be successfully carried out.

2.2.1 Requirements (comes from O1)In order to ensure durability and a relatively low weight the structure will be constructed out of Foam Core and

will be heavily insulated so that the subsystems are shielded from the extreme conditions that exist at high altitude.2.3.0 Mission Objective Two (O2) - comes from G1

Simultaneously take digital and near infrared images of the stars using a Canon Digital Camera and a Kodak camera (converted to near Infrared). The cameras will be programmed to take pictures at the same time every one minute so that the separate images may be compared side-by-side. The data will be analyzed with the number of stars present in each photo as a function of altitude.

2.3.1 Requirements (comes from O2) Team T.W.S.S. shall purchase a Kodak Camera (converted to near infrared) and use the Canon Digital

Camera provided in order to fulfill the second mission objective. The cameras must be placed on top of each other on the same side of the structure in order to ensure the same section of sky is imaged by both cameras. They must also be angled at 45 degrees so they are pointed upwards in the direction of the stars in the sky. 2.4.0 Mission Objective Three (O3) - comes from G1

Measure internal and external temperature as a function of time/altitude using the HOBO data logger. Humidity will also be calculated by the HOBO. This information shall contribute to the overall understanding of the conditions present at each altitude and will indicate if such conditions caused the satellite to fail should this situation arise.

2.4.1 Requirements (comes from O3)The probes for the HOBO data logger must be strategically placed so they may most effectively collect

temperature and humidity data. The first probe shall be placed inside, farthest away from the heater, so the data taken is not adversely skewed by the immense heat given off. The second probe shall be placed on the outside of the structure on the same side where the HOBO is positioned so that the probe and HOBO are close together.

3.1 Method of Completion◦ The two cameras shall be mounted internally with one above the

other to ensure both cameras capture the same section of the sky.◦ The team will compare the ascent data with the time each picture is

taken to determine which images correspond with which altitude.◦ The correlations will actively illustrate at which altitudes stars are

visible on both spectrums. The digital camera will represent the naked eye; the infrared camera on the other hand, will pick up much fainter emissions of light that exist outside of the visible spectrum.

 3.3.1 Parts Required◦ Received: Cannon Digital Camera, Plexiglas, Foam Core, Aluminum

Tape, PVC Pipe, HOBO, 9-Volt Batteries, 12-Volt Battery, Heater, Zip Ties, Velcro, Insulation.

◦ Still needed: Kodak Camera, near infrared filter.

• 9/24

•Proposal presentation (completed)

•Begin programming cameras (partially completed)

•Begin CAD design (completed)

•Begin power systems design (completed)• 9/29

•Structure design complete (partially completed)•Start fabrication (completed)

• 10/1

•Finish programming cameras (not completed)•Begin testing and troubleshooting cameras (not completed)

• 10/02

•Finish infrared data logger design (completed)

•Fabrication complete (completed)•Start assembly (initial version completed)

•Finish power system design and assembly (completed)

• 10/03•Prototype completed (not completed)

• 10/12•Begin Second Prototype construction (in progress)

• 10/16

•Final Model construction

•10/03•Camera compatibility testing (in progress)

•10/06•20ft Drop test & Stair Test (completed on prototype)

•10/12•Repairs & Redesign (in progress)

•10/10•Systems tests (in progress)

•10/16•Whip/Swing test

•10/18•Cold Test

•10/20•Vacuum test

•10/25•Final repairs and design changes

•11/02•Balloon Sat Completed!

•11/04-11/06•Mission Simulation Test

•11/11•Pre-launch Inspection & LRR 08:00

•11/14•Final weigh-in completed by 14:00

We expect to find that the pictures we generate with the Cannon Digital camera will become visible first. After that the pictures taken with the near infrared Kodak camera will become visible. Hopefully the near infrared pictures will show us stellar objects that are not apparent in the visible light spectrum.

We expect to have to perform some photoshopping of our infrared pictures to get the contrast needed for good comparison to the Visible spectrum photos.

Item Cost

HOBO $0.00

Foam Core $0.00

Heater $0.00

3x 9V Battery $0.00

Timing Circuit $0.00

12V Battery $0.00

Dry Ice $0.00

Digital Camera $0.00

Infrared Camera ~$99.99

Aluminum Tape $0.00

Insulation $0.00

PVC Tube ~$5.00

Plexiglass $27.09

Total ~$132.08

Item Weight (g)

Digital Camera ~200.00

3x 9V Batteries 138.00

Heater 32.00

Timer 33.50

Timer battery 7.30

Foam Core Structure ~300.00

PVC Pipe 72.60

Infrared Camera ~200.00

Total ~983.40

• Successfully Programming the Kodak camera to achieve synchronized imaging with the other camera.

• Keeping temperature of Balloon Sat in Functional Range.

• Staying on schedule to allow sufficient time for testing.

• Mounting the equipment securely enough to survive flight intact and in place.