Team Balloon Satellite II

Multi-Disciplinary Senior Design

CSEN 4201

Level II Mid-Term Report

17 October 2003

Mentor: Tony Kim

Goals For Project

Develop a reusable balloon satellite

• Real-Time Data Transmission

• Re-launch with new payloads in one day

Obtain the greatest amount of communication bandwidth capable with existing technology and budget.

Goals For Project (cont.)

Obtain scientific data in radiation, solar activity, and atmospheric science.

Senior engineering design class

• Multi-disciplinary

• Fulfill future ABET requirements for TAMUK

• Fulfill Senior Design requirement

Design Objective

Construct reusable satellite

Explore outer atmosphere

Return safely to Earth

Satellite shall withstand up to ten launches

Design Objective (cont.)

Weight: no more than 12 pounds

Ascent Time: 90 – 100 minutes

Altitude: at least 100,000 feet

Descent Time: 30 minutes via parachute

Work Breakdown

Structure

Breakdown Structure Detail

Communications • Packet Radio

• Transmission

• Ham Radio Licenses

• Video

• Antennae

Data Systems• Processor

• Control I/O

• Programming

Breakdown Structure Detail (cont.)

Instrumentation• GPS

• Vitals

• Gauges

Payload Allocation

Power

Structure• Satellite

• Physical Construction

• Parachute

General Architecture

Satellite Components: Power

Lithium-Ion batteries shall be used

Nominal Voltage: 30V or 15V

Weight: 1300 grams max. (2.86 pounds max.)

Satellite Components: Communication

Antenna

• Omni-directional antennaFor amateur television (ATV) transmission on 70cm band

(420-440 MHz)

• Packet Radio antenna 2 meter dipole

Satellite Components: Communication

Packet Radio

• Send and receive command and telemetry data

• Transmission in 2 meter band

• Total system weight under two pounds

Satellite Components: Communication

Amateur Radio (HAM) License

• Must be licensed by FCC to transmit in required bands

• Technician Class license is sufficient

Satellite Components: Communication

Video

• Transmission in 70 cm band

• Ground control records video feed via ATV

• System uses small “spy” cameras on satellite

Satellite Components: Data Systems

Processor: BASIC Stamp

Motherboard: Basic Stamp Carrier

• Serial Port Interface

• Uses external DC power

Memory: 128MB Flash

Satellite Components: Instrumentation

Serial port interface with Data Systems

Monitors external environment

• Temperature

• Pressure

• Humidity

Satellite Components: Structures

Payload Construction – Inner Shell

• 3/16” thick Sturdy Board

• Provides strong shell with insulation

Payload Construction – Outer Shell

• Polyurethane Foam

• Polystyrene Foam

• Cost and availability are factors

Collaborative Efforts

National Space Science Technology Center (NSSTC)

• Ed Myska

• Mark Adrian

• Dennis Gallager

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corpus Christi Office

• Jason Dunn

Conclusion

This project meets senior design course requirements for each discipline

Offers students a chance to work under time and budget constraints, as well as with mentors from industry

Allows for a personal exploration of space!