launch site operations procedure habet launch team training habet team menu return to the main...

Launch Site Operations Procedure

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training

HABET Team Menu

Return to the Main Training Menu

HABET Launch Menu

This LAUNCH SITE OPERATIONS procedure is valid for the Howe Hall Primary Launch Site and the Outdoor Classroom Alternate Launch Site

Other launch sites may be developed at a later time. A new set of procedures for those launch sites will be needed.

ESCHABET

Procedures Menu

Return to the Main Training Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training This procedure has a

reference on the Master Timeline that shows the recommended time to complete this action which corresponds to a start time of Launch minus some time (L-??:??).

The estimated time to complete this procedure is for someone who has completed the training and has actually done this before.

The Launch Director (LD) is responsible to see that this procedure is completed.

HABET Team Menu

HABET Launch Menu ESC

HABET Procedure

s Menu

Return to the Main Training Menu ESC

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training This procedure covers all activities from setup of the launch site through launch of the balloon. Weather is the primary factor which the LD must judge that could cancel a launch. If the weather is bad or is forecast to turn bad, do not complete this procedure.

You may wait until a later time to complete the procedure, or request a waiver from the MMT for a launch under adverse weather conditions.

HABET Launch Menu

HABET Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training This procedure can kill

you. You must handle the high pressure gas tanks safely at all times.

Only certified launch Directors or above can perform this procedure with assistance from people who have completed Team training.

Return to the Main Training Menu ESCHABET

Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Note the time that you begin

this procedure.

Then begin gathering the equipment shown…

Check off each item...

Then load it all onto the cart…

A second person loads the helium (He) tanks onto the special cart. Be certain that one tank is full.

Then proceed to the launch site.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training L-1:30 (______) 4. Lay Out Launch Site As Shown:

Tie static lines to blocks Connect launch release switch box to orange and black wire Interconnect parachute and upper stack line Hook spacecraft on He Cart Set external power supply beside spacecraft Put wire cutters, zip tie gun, and zip ties beside center block

NOTE: Communications with the SSOL must be in place prior to proceeding

The launch site layout is planned for efficiency and safety. When this step is completed, you will have done everything to prepare for a launch that can be done without expending consumables.

For this reason, the LD must have communications with the MMT in the SSOL before proceeding to the next step.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Wind

Plastic Sheet

F

SCExt Pwr Supply

He Tanks

Kit

Fill hose

Parachute

weights

Release Line with launch release burner wire

Red Block


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

Hang SC on Hook

Launch Switch Box

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training 5. Call for GO FOR SPACECRAFT POWER-UP

“MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft power-up” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Connect external power source to spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on external power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting properly

The LD must receive concurrence that everything is ok before proceeding with certain steps that will consume resources such as batteries, He, or balloons. Approval is called a “GO”.

SSOL Launch Site

MISSION… this is LAUNCH…This is MISSION…

FLIGHT is GO.RECOVERY?...

RECOVERY is GO.

LAUNCH?...LAUNCH is GO.

LAUNCH this is MISSION…

I need a GO for Spacecraft power-up.Roll call for a GO for

Spacecraft Power-up.FLIGHT?...

You are GO forSpacecraft Power-up.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training After the GO is received, the

external power connector is inserted into the spacecraft.

The LD may have to work with the FD if the Spacecraft is not transmitting.

Once the FD confirms a signal, you can proceed.

This gives the spacecraft GPS system time to get a lock on its position.

5. Call for GO FOR SPACECRAFT POWER-UP “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft power-up” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Connect external power source to spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on external power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting properly


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

L-0:50 (______) 6. Prepare for Fill Set center block on scale Connect balloon fill adapter to block Connect regulator to partial He tank

(If full tank is used, tear off “full” portion of tag) Connect hose to fill adapter with Quick Disconnect Barb

Adapter Connect Launch Release lines (3) to Static Lines Connect Launch Release wire to launch release burner Don gloves (clean cotton or latex) Connect balloon to fill adapter with two or three zip ties Check BALL VALVES on regulator (2) - CLOSED MAIN He TANK VALVE – FULL OPEN

NOTE: Balloon is very fragile. Handle with great care.

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training It is now time to prepare for

filling the balloon with Helium.

Connect the regulator to the PARTIAL He tank.

RegulatorPressure

Adjustment

QuickDisconnect

Barb


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

Ball Valve

PartialTank

FullTank

L-0:50 (______) 6. Prepare for Fill Set center block on scale Connect balloon fill adapter to block Connect regulator to partial He tank

(If full tank is used, tear off “full” portion of tag) Connect hose to fill adapter with Quick Disconnect Barb

Adapter Connect Launch Release lines (3) to Static Lines Connect Launch Release wire to launch release burner Don gloves (clean cotton or latex) Connect balloon to fill adapter with two or three zip ties Check BALL VALVES on regulator (2) - CLOSED MAIN He TANK VALVE – FULL OPEN

NOTE: Balloon is very fragile. Handle with great care.

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Set the center block on the

scale and hook on the fill adapter.

The Launch Release should be connected to the static lines with a bowline knot. Connect the launch release burner.

Gloves are required to keep skin oil from touching the latex balloon and creating a weak spot.

Then connect the balloon to the fill adapter with zip ties.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

BalloonZipTies

FillAdapter

L-0:40 (______) 7. Call for GO FOR FILL “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for fill” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Hold Balloon so neck is not kinked BALL VALVE – Crack OPEN (adjust to maximum safe flow) Adjust regulator, if required, to 100 psi maximum on low side Periodically check lift on scales Monitor He Tank Pressure

If Tank is empty, BALL VALVE - CLOSED MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED Vacant BALL VALVE – OPEN…CLOSED

(The valve without the balloon) Move regulator to full He tank MAIN TANK VALVE – OPEN Tear off tank status tags as required Replace tank valve cap on empty He tank Go to above

If lift is at or above target level: BALL VALVE – CLOSED Remove Quick Disconnect Barb Adapter from fill adapter Fill one small balloon for wind direction and clearance

verification MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED One person grasps balloon at the top of the neck A second person removes the zip ties from the fill adapter

with the cutters Place the loop of the upper stack line around the neck and

fold Place 3 to 4 zip ties around neck to enclose the loop Hook the loop of the upper stack line to the block Report… “MISSON this is LAUNCH… Fill is complete”

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training The LD must call for a GO

for Fill.

Once the GO is received, the He flow is started. Be sure to operate the valves in the correct sequence.

Periodically check the balloon lift until it is equal to or greater than the required value.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

L-0:40 (______) 7. Call for GO FOR FILL “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for fill” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Hold Balloon so neck is not kinked BALL VALVE – Crack OPEN (adjust to maximum safe flow) Adjust regulator, if required, to 100 psi maximum on low side Periodically check lift on scales Monitor He Tank Pressure

If Tank is empty, BALL VALVE - CLOSED MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED Vacant BALL VALVE – OPEN…CLOSED

(The valve without the balloon) Move regulator to full He tank MAIN TANK VALVE – OPEN Tear off tank status tags as required Replace tank valve cap on empty He tank Go to above

If lift is at or above target level: BALL VALVE – CLOSED Remove Quick Disconnect Barb Adapter from fill adapter Fill one small balloon for wind direction and clearance

verification MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED One person grasps balloon at the top of the neck A second person removes the zip ties from the fill adapter

with the cutters Place the loop of the upper stack line around the neck and

fold Place 3 to 4 zip ties around neck to enclose the loop Hook the loop of the upper stack line to the block Report… “MISSON this is LAUNCH… Fill is complete”

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training When the lift is at the

desired level.

The balloon must be tied-off with the stack line embedded into the neck.

Stack Line

Neck

Fold the neck over the stack line.

Remove excesszip ties


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

Report Fill is Complete.

L-0:10 (______) 8. FINAL LAUNCH SEQUENCE “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft

transfer to internal power” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Disconnect external power source

from spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on

internal power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting

properly Verify that launch release switch box KEY is OFF Connect launch battery to launch release switch box Connect spacecraft to parachute Raise the balloon Slowly on the static lines until spacecraft

hangs clear of the ground Hold the small balloon at the downwind side of the

spacecraft and release Verify the balloon flight path with compass Use the wind meter to verify wind speed and report speed

and direction to FLIGHT Report… “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO FOR

LAUNCH” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Audio beacon – ON, Other Switches

– ON Launch release switch box KEY - ON “MISSION this is LAUNCH, release is on my mark… 3… 2…

1… Mark.” When speaking the word “mark” LAUNCH – PRESS AND

HOLD Report “Liftoff” when launch release is activated LAUNCH – RELEASE When spacecraft is clear of all launch site obstacles report

“Spacecraft clear” KEY - OFF

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Request a GO to transfer to

internal power and remove the external power connector when approved.

Report to the FD that the spacecraft is on Internal Power.

Then you can begin raising the balloon and the attached stack into the launch position.

The small balloon and the compass are your final check of the flight path.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Request a GO FOR LAUNCH!

When received, turn on the audio beacon switch.

A short countdown allows the MMT to note the liftoff time accurately.

When the launch button is pressed, the burner will release the upper stack line at the balloon neck.

Announce “LIFTOFF”.

Observe the balloon until it is clear of all launch site obstacles.

Then announce “SPACECRAFT CLEAR”.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

L-0:10 (______) 8. FINAL LAUNCH SEQUENCE “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft

transfer to internal power” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Disconnect external power source

from spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on

internal power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting

properly Verify that launch release switch box KEY is OFF Connect launch battery to launch release switch box Connect spacecraft to parachute Raise the balloon Slowly on the static lines until spacecraft

hangs clear of the ground Hold the small balloon at the downwind side of the

spacecraft and release Verify the balloon flight path with compass Use the wind meter to verify wind speed and report speed

and direction to FLIGHT Report… “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO FOR

LAUNCH” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Audio beacon – ON, Other Switches

– ON Launch release switch box KEY - ON “MISSION this is LAUNCH, release is on my mark… 3… 2…

1… Mark.” When speaking the word “mark” LAUNCH – PRESS AND

HOLD Report “Liftoff” when launch release is activated LAUNCH – RELEASE When spacecraft is clear of all launch site obstacles report

“Spacecraft clear” KEY - OFF

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training

Note the time of completion and the elapsed time, then...

Stow all of the launch site gear and return it to the SSOL.

The team will debrief the MMGR and then be dismissed. The LD will attend the End-of-Flight (EOF) briefing after the recovery team returns to the SSOL.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

L+0:01 (______) 9. Stow all launch site gear and return to SSOL for debriefing

Note end time: ___________ Elapsed time: ___________

L+0:30 (______) 10. Debrief with MMGR and Dismiss Launch Team

LD attends EFB with MMT

HABETHABET Training Module Training ModuleHABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training

Helium (He) is an inert gas that weighs less than air and can therefore be used to create the buoyancy to lift the HABET spacecraft.

Since the He displaces Since the He displaces air, it can fill a space air, it can fill a space and suffocate people and suffocate people that enter the space.that enter the space.

Also be certain to check that the tank valve is tightly closed when storing the cylinders.


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Training Module Training ModuleHABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Helium (He) is stored in high pressure cylinders and must be handled with extreme caution.

Safety chains are used Safety chains are used to ensure that high to ensure that high pressure cylinders do pressure cylinders do not fall over.not fall over.

Use only the proper cart provided to transport He cylinders.

Always keep the valve cap on the cylinder except when dispensing the He in accordance with the proper procedures.

Cylinder Cap

SafetyChain


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Safety chains are used at the loading dock when storing tanks off the cart.

Cylinders must only be stored in an upright position.

The HABET manger will order He and arrange for pickup of empty cylinders.

The Launch Director is to ensure that the HABET manager has enough on hand for his assigned mission.

SafetyChain

SafetyChain


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Tags on each cylinder indicate if the tank is full, partially used, or empty.

Be certain to remove the bottom of the tag to indicate the status of the cylinder.

You would hate to transport a cylinder to the launch site that you thought was full, but was actually empty.

TankStatusTags


Launch MenuHABET

Team Menu

HABET Procedure

s Menu

launch site operations procedure habet launch team training habet team menu return to the main...

Documents

launch sites

launch site layout

start time of launch

launch director ld

launch release burner

certified launch directors

ssol launch site mission

howe hall primary launch