1. Balloon Payload Launch
Team Members:
Chris Pillion
Pratik Sarahpalin
Bryan Lowry
James Kirker
Matt Westerfield
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Mary Bowden
Summary of Research
The objective of the balloon payload launch was to successfully construct a payload that could efficiently gather data on temperature, capture photographic stills of the atmosphere, and record brief video clips of the launch. Our payload participated in a total of two launches, occurring on November 8th, 2009 and November 21st, The payload included one Canon camera, an Arduino micro-controller, one internal temperature sensor, and two external temperature sensors.
Methodology
In preparation for the two launches, our team first required a box to hold our electronics. We cut our box from foam core and reinforced the inside walls with black insulation foam to protect our electronics. Next, we constructed a circuit board that would be capable of compiling data from the three temperature sensors. Our sensors were programmed to gather data every 9.5 seconds and our camera was not programmed to capture stills. Instead, our group attempted to program our camera to record video footage of the launch, the balloon burst, and the landing. Once all the components were ready and compactly fit into the payload box, we were ready to launch.
Expected Results
Outcome and Conclusion
Our group had originally planned to have the camera record video in intervals. The camera would be programmed to record the launch, shut off shortly after, turn on to record the balloon burst, shut off once more, and then turn on a final time to capture the landing. Our concern fell upon the life of the camera battery. We wanted to have our camera turn off periodically in order to preserve battery life for other parts of the flight.
While our group had hoped to capture three separate segments of video throughout the flight of the payload, we were only able to capture one. The launch video segment was successfully captured and recorded. However, the camera never shut off subsequent to this video, so our camera died before reaching the maximum altitude of the payload. Nonetheless, the video allowed for an effective aerial view of the balloon launch.