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…
Project Redirect is a large project that consists of many milestones that must be completed for a successful high altitude balloon flight. The milestones that need to be completed can be separated into two phases. Phase 1 is currently active. The goals of phase 1 are as follows: Setup and test the FTS (Flight Test…
On the 2nd of September, we headed out to fly the S1000+ for the first time.
Originally the plan was to fly the FTS (Flight Test System) for the first time on Saturday the 25th. To achieve this goal, we first had to complete a few parts of the FTS. We began by finishing the S1000+; starting with wiring and securing the various components of the flight controller. We also needed…
Click here for part 1 The second subsystem of the FTS (Flight Test System) is the test payload. It will be dropped by the S1000+ from 106.7 m (350 ft). Above is a 3D model of the guidance system test payload. The test payload will differ in design depending on which system will be tested. …
The Flight Test System (FTS), is one of many systems that make up Project Redirect. The FTS is designed to test various components of Project Redirect in a real world environment.
