A Multiple Payload Carrier for High Altitude Ballooning

obtain analyzable


A multiple payload ballooning platform
• The current scientific balloon flight model is that each experiment corresponds to a separate balloon payload.
-This generally includes developing custom systems for the balloon payload as well as the experiment.-This development (or refurbishment) of balloon payload systems can add years and millions of dollars to the cost of an experiment.
• This model may need to be used for large aperture or heavy experiments.• However, lighter, smaller packages could be clustered on the same platform and take advantage of common resources -A standardized power, telemetry and commanding interface enables the research group to focus on instrument development.-Potentially lowers overall experiment cost and improves turn-around time.Two @ 0 to 5 VDC Two @ 0 to 5 VDC Discrete commands: 2 to 4 2 to 6

The High Altitude Student Platform (HASP) is a model multi-payload carrier
Analog & discrete interface: EDAC 516-020 EDAC 516-020 The standard HASP payload interface • Different resources for "small" and "large" payloads.
• Mechanical interface is a ¼" thick PVC plate, including power and communication connectors, wiring pigtail and footprint.• Power provided at ~30 VDC plus both uplink and downlink communication.

CosmoCam provides visual monitoring
• Real-time views of the payloads, the balloon and the Earth during launch, flight and termination.
• The HASP system is very robust • CSBF recovery personnel are usually at the payload within hours after landing.• Several features lessen impact damage -Suspension cable threaded through PVC pipe to minimize chance that the pin plate and flight train will collapse on the payloads.-Fiberglass booms absorb some impact on payload tip over.
• Many of the outrigger booms and payloads survive impact.
• Sometimes there is damage to a few of the solar shields.
• Internal electronics is fully functional after each flight.

Conclusions
• HASP is the first balloon platform to support multiple independent experiments using a standard interface.
-Originally developed to help address the looming crisis in aerospace workforce development -Four flights between 2006 through 2009 with two more scheduled for fall 2011 • The standard mechanical, power and communication interface supports payload needs.• Modular design isolates the multiple payloads from the balloon vehicle improving flexibility.• More than 60 payloads have been accepted for flight on HASP -Of these we expect about 85% will make it to flight and about 70% of flown payloads will be successful.
• HASP systems are very robust and we plan to fly twice within a period of about one week this fall • Lessons-learned from HASP are applicable beyond student training and can be scaled to support heavier more complex instruments.

•
Fly to an altitude > 36 km for a duration of ~20 hours • Includes two major components -The upper frame (HASP) supports the multiple payloads -The bottom frame (CSBF frame) to support the balloon vehicle communication and support structure • HASP includes a standard interface for each payload -Eight "small" experiments on booms and four "large" experiments on top -The HASP control electronics multiplexes and isolates the 12 experiments from the CBSF systems.v061611 Academic High Altitude Conference -2011 4 • Include CosmoCam for real time video during launch & flight Provided and operated during the flight by Rocket Science, Inc. (www.cosmocam.com)• Exciting live views showing the black of space and the curvature of Earth from the edge of space.• Scientific value monitoring experiments that change their physical configuration.Opening of MSU experiment (8 times normal speed) Typical Payload Development Schedule • Payload development takes place in the spring -Require monthly status reports and telecon meetings -Preliminary thermal / vacuum test the 3 rd week of May v061611 Academic High Altitude Conference -2011 7 • Application process takes place in the fall -Release of CFP (Call for Payloads): October 1 -Applications due: December 18 -Selection announcement: mid-January • Integration occurs during 1 st week of August -Use the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, Texas -Must pass a thermal / vacuum test to be flight certified • Flight Ops take place around Labor Day -Use the CSBF balloon launch facility in Ft.Sumner, a medium weight payload -Total suspended weight is 2,000 pounds -Use a 11 million ft 3 zero pressure balloon • Flight lasts about 17 hours -Takes about 2 hours to get to ~36 km (~120,000 feet) -Take about 45 minutes to come down on parachute -Get a day and some night in "space" • HASP has now flown four times -Total time at float is more than 75 hours -Expect to continue flights each year HASP launch at 8 times normal speed

The success rate for HASP payloads is reasonably good
CosmicDust?