Spacebridge/NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive: Difference between revisions
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[[File:McLaren Flight Trajectory Estimated 6-15-24.jpg|none|thumb|401x401px|Predicted flight path and landing locations. The black line indicates the expected flight path for a release at 10:00 AM. The colored dots indicate expected landing locations assuming a release at 10:00 AM and advancing hourly (11:00 AM launch, 12:00 PM etc.)]] | [[File:McLaren Flight Trajectory Estimated 6-15-24.jpg|none|thumb|401x401px|Predicted flight path and landing locations. The black line indicates the expected flight path for a release at 10:00 AM. The colored dots indicate expected landing locations assuming a release at 10:00 AM and advancing hourly (11:00 AM launch, 12:00 PM etc.)]] | ||
= Launch Specifications = | = Launch Specifications = | ||
Revision as of 15:42, 15 July 2024
Another thing that got forgotten was the fact that against all probability a sperm whale had suddenly been called into existence several miles above the surface of Tracy, California.
Spacebridge Project: First Launch Report
NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive
The Spacebridge project, a revival of an old Noisebridge initiative, aims to explore near-space environments using high-altitude balloons. This report details the first launch of the renewed project, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Date and Time:
2024-06-16 2:30 pm
Vehicle Type:
Unmanned Free Balloon
Launch Location:
McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA
37°43'10.7"N 122°25'10.6"W
Landing Location:
Tracy, CA (Estimated)
37°40'44.0"N 121°27'33.2"W
Objectives:
Pre-launch:
- 🟩Track and recover NWS radiosonde using SDR ground station
- 🟩Repurpose RS41 radiosonde to transmit telemetry on amateur radio band via APRS
- 🟩Identify appropriate launch location
- 🟩Plan safe and recoverable flight trajectory
- 🟩Communicate with FAA to issue NOTAM
Launch:
- 🟩Assemble and integrate payload and balloon subsystems
- 🟩Safely fill and handle balloon
- 🟩Launch!
Post-launch:
- 🟨 Take time-lapse photos with iPod touch
- 🟩 Receive radio signal from radiosonde
- 🟨/🟥 Track balloon position using telemetry data
- 🟨 Recover payload
Launch Specifications
Balloon Details
- Type: 1500g balloon
- Color: Natural
- Neck Diameter: 1.3"
- Uninflated Diameter: 72"
- Standard Inflated Diameter: 22'
- Burst Diameter: 27'
- Hydrogen fill: 125L
Payload
- RS41 board components:
- Microcontroller
- 70cm radio transmitter
- GPS
- Humidity sensor
- Thermometer
- Barometer
- Battery pack
- Two stuffed animals (Whale and Petunia) for future fundraising potential
Predicted Flight Parameters
- Estimated maximum altitude: ~35km
- Estimated time to peak altitude: 130 minutes
Launch Execution
Launch Process
The launch was conducted by the Spacebridge team, consisting of 15-20 participants with 5-10 regular members.
Tracking and Chase
- A chase car equipped with a ground station followed the balloon's trajectory.
- Signal reception points included Menlo Park/Redwood City and across the Hayward Bridge.
Challenges Encountered
- Frequency band issue: Transmitted on 432.500 MHz instead of the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz).
- Recovery difficulties: The team was unable to recover the balloon and payload.
Data Collection
Telemetry Data Transmitted (via APRS)
- Callsign
- GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude)
- Temperature
- Voltage
- Contact email
- In-flight "conversation" between the Whale and Petunia stuffed animals
Communication Method
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) was used for data transmission.
Ground Station Setup and Capabilities
[TO-DO: Add details about the ground station setup once available]
Technical Details
Main Circuit Board
(RS41) Capabilities The team repurposed a recovered RS41 radiosonde, which included various sensors and communication equipment.
Parachute Deployment System
[TO-DO: Add details about the parachute system once available]
Trajectory Prediction and Optimization
[TO-DO: Add information on trajectory prediction methods once available]
Results and Analysis
Maximum Altitude Reached
The balloon reached approximately 35km (to be confirmed with final payload weight).
Flight Duration
The balloon reached peak altitude in approximately 130 minutes.
Data Analysis
[TO-DO: Add detailed data analysis once all collected data is processed]
Lessons Learned
Frequency Band Selection
Future launches will use the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) for better integration with existing tracking networks.
Chase Strategy
Improvements needed in chase car deployment and tracking methods.
Ground Station Improvements
Plans to enhance the ground station setup for more reliable data reception.
Additional Lessons
[TO-DO: Add any other lessons identified by the team]
Future Plans
Improvements for Next Launch
- Payload recovery strategies:
- Prepare chase team to leave immediately upon launch or stage downwind
- Improve ground station setup
- Transmit on national APRS frequency for wider tracking coverage
- Transmission frequency adjustment to 144.390 MHz
- Ground station enhancements for better data reception and tracking
Long-term Project Goals
- Regular Sunday evening meetings to discuss progress and plan future launches
- Potential fundraising through auctioning space-flown collectibles
Conclusion
The first Spacebridge launch was a significant step in reviving this exciting project.