We returned to working on Project Redirect two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the test payload receiver had to be replaced (more about this here.) At this time, we are still waiting to receive the replacement. Once it arrives, we will be able to continue preparing for our next flight. More updates will follow…
Our original plan was to perform our first drop test of the parachute system on the 20th of December. The three failures of the parachute system print jobs (more about this here) used up much of our time, but we still had one more week before this deadline. To achieve this goal, we had many…
In preparation for our next flight, we spent this week working on the second generation parachute system. The second generation parachute system for the test payload will use four parachutes, two mains and two pilots (more about the parachutes here). The pilot chutes attach to the main chutes and will inflate with air more quickly,…
When we flew the FTS (Flight Test System) for the first time, we recorded the flight from the ground. While this was sufficient for recording that flight, we need more cameras to record footage from different view points during the next test. This footage is necessary to gauge the performance of the system that is being…
Part 1 here. Last week we continued work on the parachute system. This is one of the more important systems of the test payload and when completed will bring us much closer to our flight. Our plan was to upgrade the springs and perform more tests in an attempt to increase the power. However, after…
During the past few weeks we have been working on the camera system, one of the many components of the test payload. Originally, we planned to have the camera software completed by October 20th. Unfortunately, we repeatedly ran into errors and bugs, some of these were resolved in a few minutes, while others took days…
Part one here. High Altitude Balloons (HABs) are a unique system that are capable of carrying payloads to near space at a low cost. HABs are made up of many different components, the most significant of these are the balloon, parachute and payload. Balloon Their are two types of balloons. The most common is a…
High Altitude Balloons (HABs) are manned or unmanned balloons that are used to carry payloads into the stratosphere. HABs are capable of reaching altitudes of 18-53 km (11-32 mi) above sea level. HABs are filled with lighter than air gas. It is this gas, that gives them their lift. Once filled, the HAB is released,…
Over the last week, we have have been working on the parachute system. Our current parachute deployment system is spring powered as opposed to a CO2 or pyrotechnic system. The main benefit of a spring launched parachute is that it is reusable. This is especially useful for the test payload which will fly multiple times. …
This week, we have been working on the test payload. So far, we have finalized the design for the main body, copied it to foam board and cut it out. The interior of the first generation test payload was not very flexible or accessible. Seeking to fix both problems, we decided to implement a test…
