1. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
USIP Introduction
CSBF provides space on a dedicated CSBF test flight for additional USIP funded payloads. Generally speaking, since configurations can change based on CSBF test articles, the Gondola utilized has 6 available spaces ”X30” Gondola Top spaces, and 2 40”X30”X28” spaces on the middle shelf. Flight requirements generally dictate a launch at 7am, 2 hours ascent to 115Kft, and a minimum of 2 hours at float. The experiment will be exposed to cold temperatures and low pressure. Expect -70C at the Tropopause during ascent, and general warming to +30C (depending on sun exposure) at float through solar noon. Night time (if flown for extended periods) temperature extremes to -80C.
The Flight Application is the main document that CSBF utilizes to determine flight support. Include ALL desired minimums and requirements on that document , regardless of support limitations defined in this ICD. CSBF will provide a best effort to ensure success.
October 2012 through March 2013
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2. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
Mechanical Interface
CSBF provides 4 Spaces at the top of the gondola, and 2 spaces on the middle shelf.
Note that CSBF has some distance ‘keep out’ spaces on the top shelf due to suspension lines, and there is a height limitation on the middle shelf of 28”. Coordinate with CSBF to define.
Top Shelf Interface is a 7/16” aluminum plate, powder coated white, with a maximum weight allocation per payload of 300 lbs.
Middle Shelf Interface is a 7/16” aluminum plate, powder coated white, with a maximum weight allocation per payload of 200 lbs.
Attachment points are ½” 28 UNF fine thread studs, at the edges (for large footprint) or at the interior (for small footprint) of the plate extending 2” up from the plate. NyLock aircraft style fasteners should be used.
Direct Vibration dampening attachments (springs, plastic hoops) need to be reviewed by CSBF.
The experiment should be designed to withstand launch, post-terminate, and impact loads of 10 G’s without failure or pieces coming off and creating a free-fall hazard.
Please include science view requirements/keep-out areas (if desired) on your flight application.
Payloads with a downlooking view requirement are considered a special requirement. Interaction with CSBF is required to define.
Specialized placement (for small payloads) may be available on a extension boom away from the payload. Note your desire on the flight application. Interaction with CSBF is required to define.
Note that payload rotation at float MAY be controlled or uncontrolled depending on CSBF test articles.
October 2012 through March 2013
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3. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
Electrical Interface
CSBF Provides independent payload power via a CSBF controlled payload master on/off relay.
Science payloads may also integrate their own batteries (using the available footprint) and use a simple on/off switch. (See slide 10 – Launch Process for battery sizing)
28V DC Power and Return Ground, +/- 4 V should be expected. No other voltages will be supplied.
Maximum current draw should be no more than 2.5 amps continuous.
Power Connector provided by CSBF is a Amphenol Mate-n-Lock with crimp sockets Pin Pin 2 Return (Ground)
Mating Power connector on the science payload should be an Amphenol Mate-n-lock with crimp pins
CSBF can provide the connectors as a pre-made assembly (flying leads to your payload) for pre-flight testing and integration. Note this desire on the flight application.
Indicate on your flight application current draw of your payload so that CSBF can size the Amp-hour battery requirement appropriately.
October 2012 through March 2013
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4. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
Telemetry Interface
Interface is a DB-9 socket connector.
PIN 1 – Ground
PIN 2 – Possible IN to Science Payload *See note
PIN 3 – OUT From Science Payload (Standard +/- 12V)
PIN 4 – Not used
PIN 5 – Ground
PIN 6 – CMD 1
PIN 7 – CMD 2
PIN 8 – CMD 3
PIN 9 – CMD 4
CSBF Provides 4 commandable Open-Collector outputs for science use
ULN2804, ~70 millisecond pulse
Commands are sent at science desired intervals, or via a call to the Tower over local communication channels
PIN 3 MAY be configured as 600 baud NMEA On-board GPS data
October 2012 through March 2013
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5. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
CSBF Provides a standard opto-isolated RS232 downlink interface shared between the payloads. The following baud rates are available and shared between the 6 possible payloads. Higher data rates may be available with coordination with CSBF or depending on CSBF test article configuration.
COM 1
2400, 1200, 600 or 300
COM 2
COM 3
COM 4
38400, 19200, 9600, 4800, 1200 or 300
COM 5
COM 6
or 38400
Indicate on the flight application your desired baud rate
CSBF provides a DB9 on the ground for ingestion to the science ground station equipment (essentially the science payload has a wireless One- way RS232 downlink from the payload to the ground station)
October 2012 through March 2013
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6. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
Payload RF
CSBF operates as a government entity, adhering to NTIA requirements for RF emission, and coordinating frequency usage with DOD White Sands.
Any RF Transmitting source needs to be commandable ON/OFF in flight
ANY RF Transmitting source needs to have either of:
NTIA License
FCC License
Amateur Licensed operator
CSBF has several 2.4Ghz ISM band allocations. Coordination with CSBF is required for ANY ISM band transmitter.
Indicate on your payload flight app ANY RF Transmission sources and their applicable license/power out/emission designator.
October 2012 through March 2013
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7. PRE-Flight Integration
It is a requirement to have the payload integrated at CSBF Palestine TX, on the Test gondola, prior to the campaign
Expect 3-4 day on-site integration time period.
CSBF has no restrictions on foreign nationals/students.
All interfaces should be tested and working prior to deployment, or include additional time at Palestine to develop.
Payload should be in its flight configuration for integration.
CSBF is sensitive to any RF emissions at UHF Frequencies (430Mhz +/- 10Mhz)
Testing of the payload in a high RF environment (Frequencies and power depend on CSBF test article configurations) will be done at Palestine, as well as prior to flight (Compatibility Test). Results should be reviewed post test and any anomalies/interference brought to CSBF attention.
As part of the integration process, CSBF can provide thermal-vac testing support using one of its available chambers. Please indicate any desire for testing on your flight application. Note that any thermal or vacuum issues found could significantly change design of your payload, and should be done early in the design\manufacturing process if possible.
October 2012 through March 2013
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8. CSBF ICD for USIP Potential Payloads
Ground/Flight Safety
Note any of the following on your flight application. Include either ground or flight usage. Its too late to address these issues in the field. Most will require review by WFF safety or CSBF
High Voltage
High Gauss Magnets (Normally superconducting strength)
Lasers
Radioactive sources
Pressure Vessels
Xray or other high energy sources
Any other item that might have consequences to people or materials (especially any energetic materials – ie Lithium batteries, chemicals)
October 2012 through March 2013
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9. General Items
Hard Drives will not function at altitude. Use SSD or SD media for onboard storage
Thermal questions
When in doubt, paint it white.
Bare Metal should not be exposed to the sun.
Use ½” or greater foam for insulation.
Contact CSBF for “Thermal Design Guidance for Science” document.
Cold Temperatures will greatly affect certain batteries depending on chemistry. (Alkaline, etc)
If Science desires their own GPS, please investigate COCOM limits.
Some GPS Engines cease to function above 60Kft.
A GPS Simulator is not a definitive test of a GPS engine.
CSBF can provide models that are flight proven if requested.
CSBF can provide Flight Proven GPS antennas with RF filters.
October 2012 through March 2013
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10. General Items – 2 Launch Process
CSBF could ‘show’ for multiple attempts before launching the Gondola. Assume routine access to payload between launch attempts.
Plan for multiple shows and size batteries (if internal) appropriately.
Assume that the payload is a low priority test, and other high-priority science payloads could take the payloads launch position in the queue, resulting in a week (or more) delay in launch from planned.
Launch Day
Assume a 2-3am show on launch day
Payload pickup ~ 330am
Payload to the flight line and accessible (with restrictions) to 430am
Downlinks normally off to conserve battery power. Assume limited health checks (via telemetry) on the flight line prior to launch.
Payload at launch height and not accessible after 5am
7am
Float 1030am
Termination 2 hours (minimum) after float
Recovery Process
Recovery (and return) of the payload to the launch site can take up to a week depending on several factors.
Payload could sit for several days awaiting recovery depending on location and land owners permission to recover.
Science users should provide a shipping container with pre-printed UPS or FEDEX labels (If they desire CSBF to ship on return) or leave a representative onsite to take care of shipment return.
October 2012 through March 2013
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11. Appendix Molex (Power Connector) data sheets
Example circuit using CSBF open collector outputs to change state of momentary/latching relay
Mechanical Interface (Upper)
Mechanical Interface (Middle)
October 2012 through March 2013
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12. October 2012 through March 2013
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13. October 2012 through March 2013
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14. Example Circuit–Latching/Momentary Relay
October 2012 through March 2013
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15. Upper Mechanical Interface
October 2012 through March 2013
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16. Middle Shelf Mechanical Interface
October 2012 through March 2013
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