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<blockquote>Another thing that got forgotten was the fact that against all probability a sperm whale had suddenly been called into existence several miles above the surface of Tracy, California.</blockquote> | |||
Spacebridge Project: First Launch Report | Spacebridge Project: First Launch Report | ||
== | =NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive= | ||
[[File:NBRL-001 Mission Patch 3.jpg|none|thumb|400x400px|NBRL-001 Mission Patch]] | |||
The Spacebridge project, a revival of an old Noisebridge initiative, aims to explore near-space environments using high-altitude balloons. This report details the first launch of the renewed project, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and future plans. | The Spacebridge project, a revival of an old Noisebridge initiative, aims to explore near-space environments using high-altitude balloons. This report details the first launch of the renewed project, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and future plans. | ||
=== Balloon Details | |||
== Date and Time: == | |||
2024-06-16 2:30 pm | |||
==Vehicle Type:== | |||
Unmanned Free Balloon | |||
==Launch Location:== | |||
McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA | |||
37°43'10.7"N 122°25'10.6"W | |||
== Landing Location:== | |||
Tracy, CA (Estimated) | |||
37°40'44.0"N 121°27'33.2"W | |||
==Objectives:== | |||
Pre-launch: | |||
* 🟩Track and recover NWS radiosonde using SDR ground station | |||
* 🟩Repurpose RS41 radiosonde to transmit telemetry on amateur radio band via APRS | |||
* 🟩Identify appropriate launch location | |||
* 🟩Plan safe and recoverable flight trajectory | |||
* 🟩Communicate with FAA to issue NOTAM | |||
Launch: | |||
* 🟩Assemble and integrate payload and balloon subsystems | |||
* 🟩Safely fill and handle balloon | |||
* 🟩Launch! | |||
Post-launch: | |||
* 🟨 Take time-lapse photos with iPod touch | |||
* 🟩 Receive radio signal from radiosonde | |||
* 🟨/🟥 Track balloon position using telemetry data | |||
* 🟨 Recover payload | |||
[[File:McLaren Flight Trajectory Estimated 6-15-24.jpg|none|thumb|401x401px|Predicted flight path and landing locations. The black line indicates the expected flight path for a release at 10:00 AM. The colored dots indicate expected landing locations assuming a release at 10:00 AM and advancing hourly (11:00 AM launch, 12:00 PM etc.)]] | |||
= Launch Specifications = | |||
== Balloon Details == | |||
* Type: 1500g balloon | * Type: 1500g balloon | ||
| Line 16: | Line 63: | ||
* Hydrogen fill: 125L | * Hydrogen fill: 125L | ||
== Payload == | |||
# RS41 board components: | # RS41 board components: | ||
| Line 28: | Line 75: | ||
# Two stuffed animals (Whale and Petunia) for future fundraising potential | # Two stuffed animals (Whale and Petunia) for future fundraising potential | ||
== Predicted Flight Parameters == | |||
* Estimated maximum altitude: ~35km | * Estimated maximum altitude: ~35km | ||
* Estimated time to peak altitude: 130 minutes | * Estimated time to peak altitude: 130 minutes | ||
= Launch Execution = | |||
== Launch Process == | |||
The launch was conducted by the Spacebridge team, consisting of 15-20 participants with 5-10 regular members. | The launch was conducted by the Spacebridge team, consisting of 15-20 participants with 5-10 regular members. | ||
== Tracking and Chase == | |||
# A chase car equipped with a ground station followed the balloon's trajectory. | # A chase car equipped with a ground station followed the balloon's trajectory. | ||
# Signal reception points included Menlo Park/Redwood City and across the Hayward Bridge. | # Signal reception points included Menlo Park/Redwood City and across the Hayward Bridge. | ||
== Challenges Encountered == | |||
# Frequency band issue: Transmitted on 432.500 MHz instead of the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz). | # Frequency band issue: Transmitted on 432.500 MHz instead of the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz). | ||
# Recovery difficulties: The team was unable to recover the balloon and payload. | # Recovery difficulties: The team was unable to recover the balloon and payload. | ||
= Data Collection = | |||
== Telemetry Data Transmitted (via APRS) == | |||
* Callsign | * Callsign | ||
| Line 59: | Line 106: | ||
* In-flight "conversation" between the Whale and Petunia stuffed animals | * In-flight "conversation" between the Whale and Petunia stuffed animals | ||
== Communication Method == | |||
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) was used for data transmission. | APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) was used for data transmission. | ||
== Ground Station Setup and Capabilities == | |||
[TO-DO: Add details about the ground station setup once available] | [TO-DO: Add details about the ground station setup once available] | ||
= Technical Details = | |||
== Main Circuit Board == | |||
(RS41) Capabilities The team repurposed a recovered RS41 radiosonde, which included various sensors and communication equipment. | (RS41) Capabilities The team repurposed a recovered RS41 radiosonde, which included various sensors and communication equipment. | ||
== Parachute Deployment System == | |||
[TO-DO: Add details about the parachute system once available] | [TO-DO: Add details about the parachute system once available] | ||
== Trajectory Prediction and Optimization == | |||
[TO-DO: Add information on trajectory prediction methods once available] | [TO-DO: Add information on trajectory prediction methods once available] | ||
= Results and Analysis = | |||
== Maximum Altitude Reached == | |||
The balloon reached approximately 35km (to be confirmed with final payload weight). | The balloon reached approximately 35km (to be confirmed with final payload weight). | ||
== Flight Duration == | |||
The balloon reached peak altitude in approximately 130 minutes. | The balloon reached peak altitude in approximately 130 minutes. | ||
== Data Analysis == | |||
[TO-DO: Add detailed data analysis once all collected data is processed] | [TO-DO: Add detailed data analysis once all collected data is processed] | ||
= Lessons Learned = | |||
== Frequency Band Selection == | |||
Future launches will use the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) for better integration with existing tracking networks. | Future launches will use the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) for better integration with existing tracking networks. | ||
== Chase Strategy == | |||
Improvements needed in chase car deployment and tracking methods. | Improvements needed in chase car deployment and tracking methods. | ||
== Ground Station Improvements == | |||
Plans to enhance the ground station setup for more reliable data reception. | Plans to enhance the ground station setup for more reliable data reception. | ||
== Additional Lessons == | |||
[TO-DO: Add any other lessons identified by the team] | [TO-DO: Add any other lessons identified by the team] | ||
= Future Plans = | |||
== Improvements for Next Launch == | |||
# Payload recovery strategies: | # Payload recovery strategies: | ||
| Line 112: | Line 159: | ||
# Ground station enhancements for better data reception and tracking | # Ground station enhancements for better data reception and tracking | ||
== Long-term Project Goals == | |||
* Regular Sunday evening meetings to discuss progress and plan future launches | * Regular Sunday evening meetings to discuss progress and plan future launches | ||
* Potential fundraising through auctioning space-flown collectibles | * Potential fundraising through auctioning space-flown collectibles | ||
= Conclusion = | |||
The first Spacebridge launch was a significant step in reviving this exciting project. | The first Spacebridge launch was a significant step in reviving this exciting project. | ||
Latest revision as of 15:43, 15 July 2024
Another thing that got forgotten was the fact that against all probability a sperm whale had suddenly been called into existence several miles above the surface of Tracy, California.
Spacebridge Project: First Launch Report
NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive[edit | edit source]
The Spacebridge project, a revival of an old Noisebridge initiative, aims to explore near-space environments using high-altitude balloons. This report details the first launch of the renewed project, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Date and Time:[edit | edit source]
2024-06-16 2:30 pm
Vehicle Type:[edit | edit source]
Unmanned Free Balloon
Launch Location:[edit | edit source]
McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA
37°43'10.7"N 122°25'10.6"W
Landing Location:[edit | edit source]
Tracy, CA (Estimated)
37°40'44.0"N 121°27'33.2"W
Objectives:[edit | edit source]
Pre-launch:
- 🟩Track and recover NWS radiosonde using SDR ground station
- 🟩Repurpose RS41 radiosonde to transmit telemetry on amateur radio band via APRS
- 🟩Identify appropriate launch location
- 🟩Plan safe and recoverable flight trajectory
- 🟩Communicate with FAA to issue NOTAM
Launch:
- 🟩Assemble and integrate payload and balloon subsystems
- 🟩Safely fill and handle balloon
- 🟩Launch!
Post-launch:
- 🟨 Take time-lapse photos with iPod touch
- 🟩 Receive radio signal from radiosonde
- 🟨/🟥 Track balloon position using telemetry data
- 🟨 Recover payload
Launch Specifications[edit | edit source]
Balloon Details[edit | edit source]
- Type: 1500g balloon
- Color: Natural
- Neck Diameter: 1.3"
- Uninflated Diameter: 72"
- Standard Inflated Diameter: 22'
- Burst Diameter: 27'
- Hydrogen fill: 125L
Payload[edit | edit source]
- RS41 board components:
- Microcontroller
- 70cm radio transmitter
- GPS
- Humidity sensor
- Thermometer
- Barometer
- Battery pack
- Two stuffed animals (Whale and Petunia) for future fundraising potential
Predicted Flight Parameters[edit | edit source]
- Estimated maximum altitude: ~35km
- Estimated time to peak altitude: 130 minutes
Launch Execution[edit | edit source]
Launch Process[edit | edit source]
The launch was conducted by the Spacebridge team, consisting of 15-20 participants with 5-10 regular members.
Tracking and Chase[edit | edit source]
- A chase car equipped with a ground station followed the balloon's trajectory.
- Signal reception points included Menlo Park/Redwood City and across the Hayward Bridge.
Challenges Encountered[edit | edit source]
- Frequency band issue: Transmitted on 432.500 MHz instead of the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz).
- Recovery difficulties: The team was unable to recover the balloon and payload.
Data Collection[edit | edit source]
Telemetry Data Transmitted (via APRS)[edit | edit source]
- Callsign
- GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude)
- Temperature
- Voltage
- Contact email
- In-flight "conversation" between the Whale and Petunia stuffed animals
Communication Method[edit | edit source]
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) was used for data transmission.
Ground Station Setup and Capabilities[edit | edit source]
[TO-DO: Add details about the ground station setup once available]
Technical Details[edit | edit source]
Main Circuit Board[edit | edit source]
(RS41) Capabilities The team repurposed a recovered RS41 radiosonde, which included various sensors and communication equipment.
Parachute Deployment System[edit | edit source]
[TO-DO: Add details about the parachute system once available]
Trajectory Prediction and Optimization[edit | edit source]
[TO-DO: Add information on trajectory prediction methods once available]
Results and Analysis[edit | edit source]
Maximum Altitude Reached[edit | edit source]
The balloon reached approximately 35km (to be confirmed with final payload weight).
Flight Duration[edit | edit source]
The balloon reached peak altitude in approximately 130 minutes.
Data Analysis[edit | edit source]
[TO-DO: Add detailed data analysis once all collected data is processed]
Lessons Learned[edit | edit source]
Frequency Band Selection[edit | edit source]
Future launches will use the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) for better integration with existing tracking networks.
Chase Strategy[edit | edit source]
Improvements needed in chase car deployment and tracking methods.
Ground Station Improvements[edit | edit source]
Plans to enhance the ground station setup for more reliable data reception.
Additional Lessons[edit | edit source]
[TO-DO: Add any other lessons identified by the team]
Future Plans[edit | edit source]
Improvements for Next Launch[edit | edit source]
- Payload recovery strategies:
- Prepare chase team to leave immediately upon launch or stage downwind
- Improve ground station setup
- Transmit on national APRS frequency for wider tracking coverage
- Transmission frequency adjustment to 144.390 MHz
- Ground station enhancements for better data reception and tracking
Long-term Project Goals[edit | edit source]
- Regular Sunday evening meetings to discuss progress and plan future launches
- Potential fundraising through auctioning space-flown collectibles
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
The first Spacebridge launch was a significant step in reviving this exciting project.