Mission Statement: Mission Statement: Team T.W.S.S. will design and construct a BalloonSat that will simultaneously image the stars in both the visible and near- infrared spectrum in order to empirically measure at which altitude stars become visible within each unique spectrum.

› Cameras mounted side by side in BalloonSat within specially designed cradle/holster. › Shape of Irregular Triangular Prism makes optimum use of space while keeping vital components close to the heater (or so we thought) – also keeps cameras mounted at 45 degree angle so they are in position to successfully image stars. 3 9-Volt Batteries Heater Switch Canon A750 Camera HOBO Lithium Battery (2 each) Internal Temperature External Temperature Humidity Functional Block Diagram

 BalloonSat contained two cameras – one unfiltered and one containing infrared filter created from floppy disk film.  Programmed to take pictures at the same time within 20 second intervals.  Both cameras powered by the same switch and running on same specially written program designed to run on TV setting (instead of AV) Camera w/o infrared filter Camera with infrared filter

First proposed design Final Design First design was isosceles triangular prism with no real system for mounting cameras. Final design is no longer isosceles but instead irregular triangular prism. Contains holster specially designed to hold cameras in place.

 Predicted to capture images of stars much like these images of the moon:  Predicted an exponential trend: Original Prediction: The cameras will not receive data until they reach the altitude at which stars become visible. Upon reaching this threshold, the function will behave exponentially as the number of stars imaged will eventually increase to a maximum..

 Unfortunately, this is what we actually obtained. Above are six corresponding images from both cameras. Frost clearly formed on the outside surface of the Plexiglas due to the formation of water droplets and condensation from outside sources such as clouds.

Internal Temperatures (During Flight) External Temperatures (During Flight) Internal temperature decreased below 0 Centigrade Plexiglas was not sufficiently heated as a result

 Humidity was fairly high inside the BalloonSat, contributing to the overall frost that formed on the Plexiglas. Absolute Humidity

 Our prediction still stands since we did not gain any data from our flight to prove or disprove our hypothesis. As you can see, the sky was getting darker and, if unobstructed, the cameras would have captured glorious images of the stars.

 As previously deduced, the Plexiglas froze over due to water droplets from clouds and internal condensation.  We know this because the formation of ice due to outside sources of water is visible in our collected data of images. On the bright side, we did collect sufficient evidence to back up the theory that water freezes at temperatures below zero degrees centigrade.

 Our mission failed because our Plexiglas window frosted over › Heater’s position could not distribute warmth to Plexiglas › Anti-fog for the Plexiglas window was absent › Humidity levels were too high because desiccant packs were not present

ORIGINAL PRE-FLIGHT DESIGN IMPROVED POST FLIGHT DESIGN Heater takes place of batteries We have made several changes to our previous design to prevent future failures and ensure our Plexiglas window receives adequate heat.

Batteries initially on top of holster Batteries moved to bottom of holster Heater originally underneath cameras Heating grid positioned to nearly touch Plexiglas Heater moved to top of holster ORIGINAL PRE-FLIGHT DESIGN IMPROVED POST FLIGHT DESIGN Batteries moved to bottom of holster

 A fourth cold test was performed.  In order to ensure Plexiglas would not freeze over in future, Rain-X anti-fog wipes were used on surface.  Desiccant packs were placed inside.  The heater was not turned on in order to determine if Plexiglas would freeze under most extreme conditions.  Water was poured on surface of Plexiglas before test to simulate water droplets.

External Temperature during post flight Cold test without Heater. Internal Temperature during post flight Cold Test without Heater. Temperatures descended well below zero Plexiglas did not freeze over Changes proved successful NOTE: Pictures are unavailable because the cold test container is very dark. However, the team noticed no frost on Plexiglas upon end of test Water poured on Plexiglas did not stick to surface; did not collect

 Changes for future flights  Apply anti-fog wipes on viewing window surface  Reposition heater so that it is able to reach Plexiglas  Place desiccant packs inside BalloonSat

 Due to our major flaw we: › Were unable to make any discoveries related to our mission, our cameras worked perfectly but without a clear view of the sky they provided no useful data. › Our data told us that our design had problems with heat distribution and humidity. › Realized frost was a problem overlooked because cold tests were allowed to run well past the standard 3.5hrs (up to 7hrs), resulting in frost dissipating before test analysis.

 Frost and humidity were problems we overlooked.  Anti-fog/desiccant for the window was crucial  Testing needs to be more closely controlled  Our design needed the heater to be closer to the window to prevent frost as shown below in our cradle redesign

 Storage is simple, there are no external parts to break off and all internal components are secured, care in handling and storage at a reasonable temperature will be sufficient.  Heater should be active 10min prior to launch, cameras should be activated <1min prior to launch.  System has been redesigned (see below).

Weight: g Total funds remaining: $ Balloon attachment to RFP spec: Check Sharp edges and burrs removed: Check Flight string fits through box: Check Quality of box construction: Check Corners aluminum taped: Check Switches Identified: Check Switches Secured in off position: Check Team info in two places: Check American Flag: Check Drop Test Passed: Check Whip Test Passed: Check Cold Test Passed: Check Mission Life 3 hours: Check Test Pictures taken from inside box: Check Hobo Delay Start: False (no launch date) Cameras unobstructed: Check External Temperature Sensor 1” out: Check Item (* included in Structure)Cost ($) Weight (g) HOBOProvided 56 Foam Core StructureProvided HeaterProvided 32 3x 9V BatteryProvided 138 Lithium AA Batteries (4)Provided 59.4 Canon A750 Digital CameraProvided Canon A750 Digital CameraProvided Velcro$3.62 * Zip Ties (1)Provided * Tube and washersProvided 28.6 Aluminum TapeProvided * Dry Ice$18.31 N/A 9V Battery$10.34 N/A Brass Rod$0.99 * InsulationProvided * Plexiglas$27.09 * Total$ Starting funds$ Remaining Funds $89.65

 Make sure that all team members communicate effectively and frequently.  If any problem concerning the project arises it should be addressed promptly rather than put off until it is forgotten.  Hold team members accountable for tasks they say they will complete.  Stay on schedule and hold meetings regularly.