altair procedures (10/7/13)

1

ALTAIR 14

29Jul15

Name: ________________

Site: ________________

2

Table of Contents Part 1: Mission Overview ............................................................................................................................ 3

Purpose of Flight ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Systems Under Test .................................................................................................................................. 3 Changes From Previous Flights ................................................................................................................ 4 Flight Success Criteria ............................................................................................................................... 4

Part 2: Flight Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 5 Timeline .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Flight Properties Table ............................................................................................................................. 7 P1: T-3 Day Wx Check ............................................................................................................................... 8 P2: T-2 Day Wx Check and MRR ............................................................................................................... 9 P3: T-1 Day Launch Preparations ........................................................................................................... 10 Equipment Checklists ............................................................................................................................. 12 P4: Assembly and Departure ................................................................................................................. 18 P5(L): Arrival and Setup (Launch) .......................................................................................................... 20 P5(R): Arrival and Setup (Recovery) ..................................................................................................... 21 P5(S): Arrival and Setup (Science) ......................................................................................................... 22 P6: Vehicle Assembly and Verification ................................................................................................. 24 P7: Launch .............................................................................................................................................. 28 P8: Flight ................................................................................................................................................ 30 P9: Post Flight Documentation ............................................................................................................. 32 P10: Recovery ....................................................................................................................................... 32

Part 3: Reference ...................................................................................................................................... 33 Site Data ................................................................................................................................................. 33 Frequency List ......................................................................................................................................... 33 Emergency Phone Numbers ................................................................................................................... 34 Personnel and Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 34 Vehicle Flight Properties (from A12) ..................................................................................................... 37

3

Part 1: Mission Overview

Purpose of Flight

The purpose of the ALTAIR 14 flight is to provide an engineering test of all flight and operational

systems and to attempt to procure quantitative science imagery of the new LED diffusive light

source. The two principle systems under test are the science system including telescope

pointing and imaging, and the parafoil recovery system.

The current gondola was developed after the loss of A13 and has never been flown.

Nevertheless, it was designed using previous lessons learned and has been extensively ground

tested, so it offers high confidence of successful operation. The suspension rigging and parafoil

deployment system has been changed dramatically, however, and has only been tested in

tethered flights. Validation of correct deployment is a major objective of this mission.

Some aspects of the descent navigation software have been improved, so it is an objective to

gather flight characteristics data and to develop a workable steering strategy to bring the

parafoil to a landing at the designated recovery site.

The diffusive light source has been tested in the lab and roughly calibrated. Although the

platform may not be fully stable in this flight, obtaining quantitative imagery should be possible,

and is a major objective of the mission.

The SPOT Trace is installed. It is a mission objective to demonstrate its functionality at altitude.

This flight will continue the process of gradually increasing cutdown altitude.

Systems Under Test

Payload:

- Science firmware

- Science protocol

- Diffusive light source

- Parafoil deployment at higher altitude with new rigging.

- Parafoil controllability

- SPOT

Ground Operations:

- Telescope pointing

4

- Science protocol

- Imaging system

- Navigation

Changes From Previous Flights

Payload

- New Version 3 Gondola

- New Science firmware installed

- New control aspects incorporated into firmware

- Backup altitude cutdown enabled

Ground Operations

- Science protocol features added in software

- New procedural strategy for descent

Flight Success Criteria

Flight Vehicle Result

1. Obtain ascent rate of 5.8 m/s +/-0.5 m/s

2. Achieve cutdown at planned altitude

3. Achieve final descent rate of 3 m/s

5. Survive landing with no damage to critical payload systems

7. Achieve controlled steering in descent.

8. Measure steering turn rate.

9. Measure descent rate in turns.

10. Achieve landing within 1 km of selected landing location

5

Science Payload Result

1. Demonstrate science protocol

Ground Operations Result

1. Receive telemetry from launch to descent leg < 500 m

2. Locate and recover payload after landing

3. Obtain quantitative imagery of vehicle in flight

4. Demonstrate usability of flight navigation software

5. Demonstrate effectiveness of strategy for navigation to landing

Part 2: Flight Procedures

Timeline

Mission Time

(DD:HH:MM)

EDT Event

- 03:00:00 Sun P1: T-3 Day Wx Check

- 02:00:00 Mon P2: T-2 Day Wx Check

- 01:00:00 Tue P3: MRR, T-1 Day Launch Preparations

- 00:02:00 0230, Wed P4: Assembly and Departure

- 00:01:30 0300 P5: Arrival and Setup (Launch)

- 00:01:30 0300 P5: Arrival and Setup (Science)

- 00:01:30 0300 P5: Arrival and Setup (Recovery)

6

- 00:01:00 0330 P6: Vehicle Assembly and Verification

00:00:00 0400 P7: Launch

+ 00:00:50 0430 P8: Landing

+ 00:01:00 0430 P9: Post Flight Documentation

+ 00:02:00 0500 P10: Recovery

7

Flight Properties Table

Use this data for generating predictions with the habhub trajectory and ascent rate predictors

(habhub.org), and to record values measured during flight.

Launch Date/Time: Thu 23Jul15 0430 EDT, 0930 UTC

Call Sign: ALTAIR14

Property Target Values Observed Values

Gondola Mass 2.5 kg, 5.5 lb kg

Parachute+Rigging Mass 0.41 kg, 0.9 lb kg

Flight Train Mass* 2.96 kg, 6.5 lb kg

Balloon Mass 1200 g -

Balloon Fill Volume 280 ft3

Nozzle Lift 6.9 kg, 67 N, 15 lbs

Launch Time 0400 EDT, 0900 UTC

Climb Rate 5.8 m/s

Cutdown Altitude 4000 m

Cutdown Time T+00:15:00

Burst Altitude 27 km, 88 kft -

Sea Level Descent Rate 3 m/s

Touchdown Time T+00:30:00

* Defined as Payload + Parachute + Rigging Mass. Does NOT include mass of balloon.

http://habhub.org/

8

P1: T-3 Day Wx Check

__ Predicted ground winds at launch site < 5 mph (4.4 knots) ,

__ Skies at launch site < 20% coverage

__ Ceiling < 20,000 ft

__ Chance of precipitation <10%

__ Obtain preliminary estimates of flight train properties and complete the table below

__ Verify that sufficient helium is available, plus a margin if transport is available

__ Identify prospective launch and recovery sites

__ Obtain any permissions necessary for use of launch or recovery sites.

Property Source Value

Flight Train Mass Measure

Climb rate Habhub Burst Calculator

Balloon Fill Volume Estimate

Nozzle Lift Habhub Burst Calculator

Burst Altitude Habhub Burst Calculator

Cutdown Altitude Flight Properties Table

Sea Level Descent Rate Previous flight data

9

P2: T-2 Day Wx Check and MRR

Wx Check

__ Predicted ground winds at launch site < 5 mph (4.3 knots) , no gusting

__ Skies at launch site < 10% coverage

__ Ceiling > 20,000 ft


Mission Readiness Review

__ Confirm all launch and recovery personnel availability for launch window

__ Poll personnel for feasibility of flight

__ Confirm all open issues have been addressed

__ Update all TARGET values in the Flight Properties Table

__ Identify any remaining issues to be resolved before launch in the table below

Issue Resolved?

Software discrepancies as listed

Firmware discrepancies as listed

Gondola issues as listed

Set Altitude Cutdown value

Set DNT Power Level

Rehearse Rigging Procedure

10

P3: T-1 Day Launch Preparations

Launch Go/No Go Decision

__ Generate T-1 Day Predictions with habhub and data in Flight Properties Table

__ Save predictions for future reference

__ Verify Weather conditions at launch site

__ Ground winds at launch site < 5 mph (4.4 knots) , no gusting


__ Ceiling > 20,000 ft

__ (Cloud cover <10%)

__ Identify recovery site, via criteria:

__ < 5 miles of predicted landing location

__ Wide horizon view

__ Adequate cell reception or access to ham radio repeater system

__Suitable landing field

Recovery Site Robert Frost Ln.

Lat +43.685450°

Lon -72.199085°

Elv 1375 ft, 419 m

__ Identify launch site, via criteria:

__ Open area free of obstructions

__ Downrange view

__ Adequate cell reception or access to ham radio repeater system

__ Owner permission available

__ Provides landing at desired recovery site

Launch Site Thetford Academy

Lat +43.815330

Lon -72.232228

Elv 984 ft, 300 m

__ Identify accessible ham repeaters and complete Appendix 2: Frequency List

__ Install current Tracker software on launch, science, and recovery computers

__ Install current firmware onto flight control computer

11

Payload Preparation

Verify:

__ Temperature probes secured with kapton tape

__ RF beacon antenna connector is tightened down

__ Telemetry antenna connector is tightened down

__ Spray interior with compressed air to remove dust and debris

__ Steering strings clear and seated

__ Strain relief to DNT UHF connection to flight control board

__ (Black paper covering installed)

__ Install foam covering on gondola

__ Orange duct tape covering installed

__ Mission patches and return notification installed

Payload Life Test

__ Assemble and power up the recovery ground station (see P5-R for procedures)

__ Set gondola master power switch ON

__ Verify payload telemetry

__ Data streaming

__ GPS Fix

__ AHRS

__ All Sensors

__ Science

__ Cut down

__ Steering

__ RF Beacon

__ SET GONDOLA MASTER POWER SWITCH OFF. TAPE DOWN.

__ PLUG IN CHARGERS TO GONDOLA CHARGE TERMINALS AND LEAVE CHARGING

__ Verify video camera data storage empty

__ Charge video camera

__ Disassemble recovery ground station used for payload life test

Video Camera Setup

__ Verify camera charged (solid green light when on charger)

Pack for Flight

__ Measure the following OBSERVED values; enter in Flight Properties Table

__ Gondola Mass

__ Parachute and Rigging Mass

__ Compute the Flight Train Masses and record in Flight Properties Table

__ Re-compute climb and descent rates, record in Flight Properties Table

__ Prepare fresh suspension rigging and spreader bar

__ Roll flight harness on spreader bar

__ Complete Equipment Checklist on following pages

12

Equipment Checklists

LAUNCH 0: Unboxed

__ Gondola with Telemetry Antenna

__ Gondola Cap (including switch plug)

__ Spreader bar with suspension rigging attached

__ Tarp

__ Launch Frame

__ Helium Cylinders (2) 150SCF

LAUNCH 1: Inflation

__ 30 ft Release Line

__ Helium Regulator Wrench

__ Long-nose Pliers

__ Box: Balloons

__ 1200g Balloons in plastic bags (2)

__ Box: Gas Handling

__ Regulator

__ Tubing

__ Inflation Nozzle

__ Bag 1

__ Zip Ties (4)

__ Tie-off strings (5)

__ Wire Cutters

__ Bag 2

__ Nitrile Gloves

__ Paper Towels

13

LAUNCH 2: Radio

__ Ground Station Radio (Canary) (including transmission cable)

__ 6-Element Yagi

__ Radio Tripod

__ DNT Power Supply

__ RJ45 Cable (Green, 15 ft)

(Ham radio equipment)

LAUNCH 3: Computer (Green Case)

__ Operations Computer (Gateway--Elsie)

__ Computer Power Supply

__ PS/2 Mouse

__ RJ-45 Release Key

__ Bag 1

__ 6-pin RJ45-DB9 Adapter

__ Keyspan

__ USB Cable

__ (USB Hub)

LAUNCH 4: Power

__ Battery (12 V), or confirmed car outlet available

__ Battery clips

__ Cigarette lighter adapter

__ 12-120 V Power Inverter (Duracell)

__ 50-ft Orange Extension Cords (2)

__ Brown Extension Cord

__ Power Strip

LAUNCH 5: Miscellaneous

__ Parafoil in bag

__ RF Beacon antenna

__ Bag 1

__ Gondola Video Camera

__ Video Camera Mount

14

__ Screws (2)

__ Screwdriver

__ Vinyl Tape

__Bag 2

__ SPOT

__ Rigging String Threading Tool

__ Cutdown String

__ Parafoil Support String

__ Headlamps (3)

__ Space Blankets (2)

__ Orange duct tape

__ Orange cloth tape

__ Gloves

__ Nylon cord

__ Cotton cord

__ Spare Rope

__ Zip-ties

__ Trash Bag

(LAUNCH 6: Telescope) __ LT6 Telescope

__ Handbox and coil cord

__ Bag1

__ RJ11 cable (black)

__ RJ11 extension cable (white)

__ RJ11-DB9 adaptor

__ Keyspan

__ USB cable

__ Telescope power supply

__ Star diagonal

__ Eyepiece

__ Compass

RECOVERY 1: Blue Bag

__ Recovery Computer (Toughbook—Burt)

__ USB Mouse

__ Recovery Computer Power Supply

15

__ Ground Station Radio (Zanzibar)

__ 910 MHz Duckie Antenna

__ DNT Power Supply


__ RJ45 Cable (5 ft White)

__ RJ45-DB9 Adapter

__ 12-120 V Power Inverter (Duracell)

__ Cigarette Lighter Power Cord for Inverter

__ (RamBo Thumb Drive)

__ (12 V Gel-Cell)

__ (Battery Clips)

Recovery 2: RF Beacon Receiver __ RF Beacon Receiver

__ RF Beacon Antenna

__ Headphones

SCIENCE 0: Unboxed

__ Telescope Tripod

__ Portable Table

__ Camp Chair

__ Poncho

SCIENCE 1: Ground Station

__ Telescope Com Kit (Bag)

__ USB cable

__ Keyspan

__ White RJ-11 cable (RS-232 to telescope)

__ RJ11-DB9 Adapter (attached to Keyspan)

__ Telescope Power Supply

__ MERCURY Test Vehicle

__ 9V Battery (Mercury spare)

__ Green laser pointer

__ 10 ft USB A-B Cable (for camera)

16

__ Camera Kit (Plastic Box)

__ Camera

__ Power Supply

__ Telescope Adapter

__ Focal Reducer

__ Headlamps (3)

SCIENCE 2: Radio

__ Battery (12 V), or confirmed car outlet available

__ Battery clips

__ Cigarette lighter adapter

__ 12-120 V Power Inverter (Belkin)

__ 50-ft Orange Extension Cord

__ 25-ft Orange Extension Cord


__ Power Strip

__ Ground Station Radio (Goldstone)

__ 6-Element Yagi

__ Radio Tripod

__ DNT Power Supply

__ RJ45 Cable (Blue, 25 ft)

__ Bag 1

__ RJ45-DB9 Adapter

__ Keyspan Adapter

__ USB Cable

SCIENCE 3: Computer (Black Case)

__ Computer (Thinkpad – Stubbs)

__ Computer Power Supply

__ USB Mouse

__ USB Hub

__ USB GPS

17

SCIENCE 4: Telescope

__ LX200GPS Telescope

__ Handbox

__ Handbox coil cord

__ Star diagonal

__ Finder Scope

__ Aperture Cap

__ Instrument Port Cap

__ 25 mm Eyepiece

18

P4: Assembly and Departure

__ Confirm all open issues identified in the P2 table have been resolved __ Update flight success criteria to reflect the target flight profile

__ Update P8: Flight event altitudes to reflect target flight profile

__ Generate T-6 Hour and T-6 Hour (Failed Cutdown) flight trajectories and post to reference

section

__ Export kml of predicted flight path and save for later reference

__ Update this document’s Table of Contents

__ Update cover date and “NOT FOR FLIGHT” disclaimer and print for distribution

__ Check all personnel present (and awake)

__ Load Launch Car

__ LAUNCH 0: Unboxed

__ LAUNCH 1: Inflation

__ LAUNCH 2: Radio

__ LAUNCH 3: Computer

__ LAUNCH 4: Power

__ LAUNCH 5: Miscellaneous

__ Load Recovery Car (Science and Recovery combined for ALTAIR 14)

__ RECOVERY 1: Blue Bag

__ Load Science Car

__ SCIENCE 0: Unboxed

__ SCIENCE 1: Ground Station

__ SCIENCE 2: Radio

__ SCIENCE 3: Computer

__ SCIENCE 4: Telescope

__ Ensure each member of the LAUNCH team is equipped with

__ (Cell Phone (fully charged))

__ Adequate clothing for the weather

__ (Headlamp with spare batteries)

__ Ensure each member of the SCIENCE team is equipped with

__ (Cell Phone (fully charged))

__ Adequate clothing for the weather

__ (Headlamp with spare batteries)

__ Ensure each member of the RECOVERY team is equipped appropriately.

Recovery team members should be equipped with any items necessary to operate safely in the

environment that the payload is expected to land in. Individual judgment and experience should

be used, but depending on terrain and season, suggested items would include:

__ Cell Phone (fully charged)

__ Handheld GPS (or phone equivalent)

__ (Handheld Ham Radio)

__ Backpack with enough space for equipment and recovered vehicle

19

__ Headlamp with spare batteries

__ Food and Water

__ Clothing suitable to season and weather.

__ Sun block

__ Sunglasses

__ Work Gloves

__ Dispatch Launch Team to launch location. Note departure time in P5(L).

__ Dispatch Recovery Team to recovery site. Note departure time in P5(R).

__ Dispatch Science Team to science site. Note departure time in P5(S).

20

P5(L): Arrival and Setup (Launch)

Time of Departure

Time of Arrival

Time Setup Complete

General Setup

__ Note time of arrival

__ Park vehicle ~50 ft from and upwind of launch position if practical

__ Deploy tarp at launch position and weigh down with equipment boxes

__ Deploy launch frame

__ Set helium cylinders on launch frame

__ Connect inverter to car power supplies (battery clips or cigarette lighter as necessary)

__ Connect orange extension cord(s) to inverter and run to ground station position

__ Connect power strip to extension cord

__ Connect brown extension cord to power strip

Telemetry Radio

__ Deploy radio tripod

__ Attach ground station radio to Yagi antenna and mount on tripod

__ Connect antenna to radio and verify tight connections

__ Connect RJ45 cable to ground station radio

__ Connect RJ45 cable to 6 pin RJ45-DB9 adapter

__ Connect DNT power supply to ground station radio

__ Connect DNT power supply to brown extension cord

Ground Station

__ Set up empty boxes as work table for ground station

__ Set up computer

__ Connect computer to power supply and connect power supply to power strip.

__ Connect PS/2 mouse to computer

__ Connect RJ45-DB9 adapter (on cable) to computer serial port

__ Turn on power strip and verify power available

__ Consider idling car to prevent draining battery

__ Boot computer

Sync computer date and time to USNO or cell phone, accurate to the second

__ Launch Tracker software

__ Verify correct Base Location set in software

__ Note setup complete time

21

Telescope Setup

__ Set up telescope tripod

__ Mount telescope on tripod

__ Connect telescope to power supply and computer

__ Complete alignment of the telescope according to directions on the hand box

__ Hit “Mode” once alignment is complete

P5(R): Arrival and Setup (Recovery)

Time of Departure

Time of Arrival

Time Setup Complete

__ Advise Flight Director of arrival and location


__ Connect 120V power inverter to cigarette lighter outlet

__ Connect brown extension cord to inverter

__ Set up computer

__ Connect mouse (if desired) to computer

__ Connect computer power supply to extension cord and computer

__ Connect RJ45-DE9 adapter to RJ45 Cable

__ Connect RJ45-DE9 adapter to recovery computer serial port

__ Connect RJ45 Cable (white) to ground station radio


__ Connect DNT Power supply to brown extension cord

__ Verify power from inverter

__ Boot computer

__ Sync computer date and time to USNO or cell phone

__ Launch Tracker.exe (on Desktop)

__ Enter recovery team location into base location, or select location from list

__ (If MERCURY is available, check reception of data)


__ Advise Flight Director of status

22

P5(S): Arrival and Setup (Science)

Time of Departure

Time of Arrival

Time Setup Complete

General Setup


__ Advise Flight Director of arrival and status

__ Set up science station table and chair

__ Unload telescope tripod

__ Deploy and level tripod facing true north

__ Mount telescope on tripod (leave aperture cover in place)

__ Connect inverter to car power supplies (battery clips or cigarette lighter as necessary)

__ Connect orange extension cord(s) to inverter and run to science station position

__ Connect power strip to extension cord

__ Connect brown extension cord to power strip

Telemetry Radio

__ Deploy radio tripod

__ Attach ground station radio to Yagi antenna and mount on tripod

__ Connect antenna to radio and verify tight connections

__ Connect RJ45 cable to ground station radio

__ Connect RJ45 cable to 6 pin RJ45-DB9 adapter

__ Connect RJ45-DB9 adapter to Keyspan

__ Connect USB Cable to Keyspan


__ Connect DNT power supply to brown extension cord

Telescope

__ Connect Handbox

__ Connect telescope power supply to telescope and brown extension cord

__ Install finder scope

__ Install star diagonal and eyepiece

__ Boresight finder scope

Science Station

__ Set up computer

__ Connect computer to power supply and connect power supply to power strip.

__ Connect mouse to computer

__ Connect USB Hub to computer

__ Connect telemetry Keyspan to USB Hub via USB cable

23

__ Connect GPS Receiver to USB Hub

__ Connect telescope Keyspan to USB Hub via USB cable

__ Connect RJ11-DB9 adapter to Keyspan

__ Connect telescope an RJ11-DB9 adapter via RJ-11 cable (white)

__ Turn on power strip and verify power available

__ Consider idling car to prevent draining battery

__ Boot computer

__ Launch Tracker software

__ Verify correct Base Location set in software

__ Sync computer time to GPS

__ If appropriate, set base to GPS

__ Use MERCURY to verify data reception

Star Alignment

__ Perform star alignment

__ Verify pointing Time completed ______________________

Science Camera Setup

__ Remove eyepiece and star diagonal

__ Install Camera using camera adapter

__ Connect camera power supply via 25-ft orange extension cord

__ Connect camera to USB Hub with USB cable and extension cable

__ Start CamCtrl

__ Point to good star target

__ Focus (1 turn CW) “

__ Close CamCtrl



24

P6: Vehicle Assembly and Verification

Start Time

Completion Time

SPOT Activation

__ Power SPOT on by pressing Power button

__ Leave SPOT in a location where its antenna can see the sky

(Validation will occur after inflation.)

Balloon Inflation

__ Have contents of box “Launch 1: Inflation” ready at hand

__ Tie one end of the release line to the eye bolt at one end of the launch frame

__ Remove helium cylinder caps from both cylinders

__ Install gas regulator onto first helium cylinder and tighten with adjustable wrench

__ Install pressure regulator handle just enough to make contact then back off one turn

__ Attach inflation hose and nozzle to regulator

__ Designate one person as “Balloon Wrangler”

The Wrangler must not let go of the balloon until it is secure!

__ Designate one person as “Balloon Technician”

The Technician will perform tie-off and secure the balloon to the guy line.

__ Designate one person as “Balloon Helper” if a third person is available

If a third person is not available Technician performs Helper tasks.

__ All personnel don nitrile gloves before handling the balloon

__ Technician: Carefully open balloon storage bag and lay balloon out on tarp

__ Wrangler: Insert inflation nozzle into the neck of the balloon

__ Wrangler: Grip balloon nozzle around inflation nozzle

__ Helper: Open helium cylinder master valve.

__ Technician: Note Cylinder 1 initial pressure

Tank Initial Final

Cylinder 1 Pressure (psi)

Cylinder 2 Pressure (psi)

__ Helper: Open helium regulator valve, allowing gas to flow into balloon.

__ Inflate balloon until Cylinder 1 is exhausted.

__ Helper: Close regulator valve. Close master valve.

__ Helper: Move regulator to Cylinder 2.

__ Helper: Open cylinder master valve.

25

__ Technician: Note Cylinder 2 initial pressure

__ Helper: Open regulator valve, allowing gas to flow into balloon.

__ Inflate balloon until Cylinder 2 is exhausted (or tare weight lifted or nozzle lift achieved).

__ Helper: Close regulator valve. Close master valve.

__ Technician: Note Cylinder 2 final pressure.

__ Wrangler: Hold balloon neck closed at very top of neck. Use two hands.

__ Technician: Fold balloon neck lengthwise twice, insert through top loop of flight harness, fold

back, and tie off with three tie-off strings. (Helper can assist with bringing up flight harness,

handing tools, etc.) See figure.

__ Technician: Tie release line

loop through suspension loop.

__ Technician: Thread release

line through release line loop and

tie to opposite end of launch

frame.

__ When Technician is satisfied

that the balloon is secure, the

Wrangler may carefully release

the balloon.

__ Adjust release line to suspend

the spreader bar just above

shoulder height.

The following steps may require

adjustment of the release line

length in order to make the

balloon height convenient for each

step

__ Cap both gas cylinders.

__ Stow all tools and extraneous

equipment.

Flight Train Layout

__ Verify SPOT is operational by

checking the findmespot.com website. Account ALTAIR; Password ALTAIR5.

__ Install SPOT in pocket on inside of gondola hat. Make the white tape visible in pocket

(antenna points to sky). Tape in place with orange duct tape.

__ Adjust the spreader bar to its nominal position.

__ Pass cutdown string through one suspension loop, knot on short side of cutdown string just

outside loop.

__ Attach one end of parafoil support string to same side of spreader bar as cutdown string,

__ Unpack parafoil and accordion fold carefully. Once clips are free, do not let them go.

26

__ Pass free ends of cutdown string and support string through parafoil shrouds just behind

second row of shrouds.

__ Attach support string to support parafoil.

__ Pass cutdown string through second suspension loop.

Parafoil should now be suspended securely with both cutdown strings hanging down.

__ Install RF beacon antenna on gondola.

__ Install telemetry antenna on gondola.

__ Slide hat over RF beacon antenna.

__ Use threading tool to thread steering strings through holes in hat, and clip to parafoil clips.

Be sure to get the Right steering string to the Right clip!

__ Remove tape from gondola main power switch

__ Set gondola power switch to ON.

__ Use threading tool to thread cutdown strings through holes in hat.

Twist each cutdown string 10 times before feeding.

__ Feed cutdown strings through eyelets and pass on end through the other as shown in the

figure.

__ Execute cutdown on computer to set string

__ While plunger retracts, thread loop down so rigging is as in diagram below (hat not shown for

clarity).

__ Set gondola main power switch to OFF.

27

__ Raise balloon to suspend gondola just off the ground. Adjust the cutdown strings so the loop

over the plunger is just snug and the gondola sits level.

__ Settle hat snugly on top of gondola. (It can’t go down too far.)

__ Carefully arrange parafoil in the “fanfold” arrangement shown in the figure. There will be 4

pleats each side of center. Keep the fold over the cutdown string (and support line)

approximately centered between the rows of shroud lines.

__ Remove parafoil suspension line. Cut it free if necessary.

__ Verify cutdown stirings pass between forward and aft portions of the parafoil.

__ Verify all shroud lines hang free.

__ Verify all front vents are open (and face forward!)

__ Cover parafoil with space blanket.

Camera Setup

Camera materials and tools are located in Box Launch 5: MISC Bag 1

__ Screw the mount to the gondola foam cap at the marked location

__ Set mode switch on left of camera to VIDEO

__ Verify camera SD card is installed and seated

28

__ Slide the camera pocket clip over the camera mount with lens (not the white button!) facing

forward. The lens is on the same side as the clip.

__ Tape camera to the camera mount with vinyl tape. Place the tape low to keep tape clear of

controls on camera.

Payload Life Check

__ Point telemetry antenna down and tighten connector.

__ Verify ground station GO for life test

__ Remove on/off foam plug from the hat (don’t lose it)

__ Set gondola main power switch ON

__ Verify data received at ground station

__ Verify Beacon operational

__ Verify Lights operational

__ Verify Mux operational

__ Verify GPS operational

__ SET GONDOLA MAIN POWER SWITCH OFF

__ Replace the foam on/off switch plug (match orientation marks)

__ Dry gondola with paper towels if necessary

__ Remove diffuser cover


P7: Launch

__ Verify Vehicle Go for Launch

__ Verify Launch Ground Station Go for Launch

__ Verify Science Go for Launch

__ Verify Recovery Go for Launch

__ Remove space blankets from vehicle

__ VERIFY TELEMETRY ANTENNA TIGHT AND ORIENTED TO POINT DOWN

__ Remove foam on/off switch plug

__ SET GONDOLA MASTER POWER SWITCH ON

__ Replace foam on/off switch plug; tape down (match orientation marks)

__ Verify parafoil ready

__ Verify Launch ground station receiving data

__ Verify Tracker XLS and KML logging check boxes checked

__ Check Track box

__ Activate Video Camera

__ Slide power switch on right side of video camera from OFF to ON

__ Press and hold the large white button until the green light comes on

__ Verify Blue light (on the right) comes on, indicating camera is in video mode

__ Press big white button on camera to start recording

__ Command Optical Beacon to Flash

29

__ Verify optical beacon is flashing

__ Verify payload telemetry

__ GPS fix

__ All Temperatures 15-30°C

__ (Orientation within 5° horizontal)

__ Avionics and Lights battery voltages > 7.5 V

__ START TRACKER LOG

__ Complete the following steps as near to simultaneously as possible

__ Release guy line to launch vehicle

__ Click “RELEASE” Button in tracker software to begin mission timer

Release Time (hh:mm:ss, UTC):

__ Inform Science of Release Time

__ Inform Recovery of Release Time

__ Science enter Release Time

__ Recovery enter Release Time

Immediately continue to P8 on next page

30

P8: Flight

- Continually slew the ground station antenna to maintain the azimuth indicated by the Tracker

- Monitor flight parameters

- Remain in contact with Science

Event: Acquisition of Signal (AOS)

All Sites--

__ Advise Flight Director of LOS

Event: Altitude: 1 km

Climb Rate (m/s):

Start science protocol.

Event: Altitude: 3 km

__ Arm cutdown system

Event: Altitude (4 km), Cutdown

__ Execute cutdown as vehicle passes planned cutdown altitude

Cutdown Altitude (km)

Cutdown Time (hh:mm:ss, UTC)

Initial Descent Rate (m/s)

Event: Loss of Signal (LOS)

All Sites--

__ Advise Flight Director of LOS

__ Log last GPS fix and rates

__ Make screenshot of last screen

Lat (dd.dddd)

Lon (dd.dddd)

Alt (m)

ROC (m/s)

GSP (m/s)

CRS (dd)

32

P9: Post Flight Documentation

__ COPY ALL FLIGHT FILES TO THUMB DRIVE

__ Enter all observed values into the flight properties table

__ Note any equipment used from box of spares or from sources not in procedures

__ Pack equipment in boxes

P10: Recovery

Assembly of recovery ground station is discussed in P5(R).

- Estimate time required to recover payload given LOS location and expected terrain

- Travel to last GPS fix

- Listen for RF Beacon

- Record position data

- Proceed to location of vehicle

33

Part 3: Reference

Site Data

Site Lat Lon Elevation

Whitefield (KHIE) +44.3675556° -71.5458056° 1072 ft, 327 m

Rutland +43.5299167° -72.9496389° 787 ft, 240 m

Garipay +43.717540° -72.272527° 523 ft, 160 m

Springfield (KVSF) +43.3437222 -72.5172778° 578 ft, 176 m

Taftsville +43.619248° -72.457326° 550 ft, 168 m

Thetford +43.815978° -72.232200° 974 ft, 297 m

Mt. Cardigan +43.649448° -71.914267° 3156 ft, 962 m

Robert Frost Ln. +43.685450° -72.199085° 1375 ft, 419 m

Barnes (Norwich) +43.7209° -72.3325° 951 ft, 290 m

Frequency List

Telemetry 900-912 MHz Net ID = 07

SPOT Tracking data: findmespot.com Account: ALTAIR PW: ALTAIR5

Team Communications Moose Mountain Repeater

Repeater Frequency Offset PLL Tone?

Moose Mountain 145.330 MHz -600 kHz 100 Hz

34

Emergency Phone Numbers

FAA: (800) 992-7433 Burlington FSS

Boston Center area B: (603) 879-6665 Air traffic control

Vermont State Police: (802) 878-7111 State Recreational Enforcement

New Hampshire State Police: (603) 271-2450 Director’s Office, Concord NH

Personnel and Contact Information

Personnel Position Site Contact

Yorke Brown Principal Investigator Science 603-727-8494 AC4E

Justin Albert Principal Investigator Launch 250-661-7066

Bob Eccher Launch Technician Launch 802-281-9456

Galen Brown Flight Director Launch

Asher Lantz Science Technician Science

35

T-30 Hour Predictions

T-12 Hour Predictions

36

T-6 Hour Predictions (Failed Cutdown)

37

Vehicle Flight Properties (from A12)

Climb Rate 5.8 m/s

Descent Rate 3.1 m/s

Airspeed 8.1 m/s

Turn Rate 8 deg/s

altair procedures (10/7/13)

Documents