Supernova BrigadeSupernova BrigadeConceptual Design ReviewConceptual Design Review

Jordan Dickard, Diana Shukis, Amanda Kuker, Michael Lotto, James Bader, Blake

Firner

9/22/09

Mission Overview• The BallonSat Photon Phinder will measure the

intensity of light emitted from the sun at different altitudes in the atmosphere of the Earth and compare it to the voltage output of a modern photovoltaic cell.

• The satellite will also measure the temperature (C˚) at different altitudes. The data collected will aid scientists in determining the optimal altitude to maximize solar cells performance.

• This will aid in research for future renewable energy sources.

Design Overview

• Design– Solar cells and LED lights will be placed

on top of the satellite so as to evenly absorb the light.

– Since the LED lights and solar cells will be facing the same direction at the same time this will more accurately provide us with cohesive data.

– A unique feature is that our experiment is located entirely outside of our box.

Diagram of Satellite (measured in mm)

Functional Block Diagram

Management

• Amanda Kuker: Team Leader• Jordan Dickard: Electrical/systems

Engineer• Michael Lotto: Internal Systems

Coordinator• Diana Shukis: Budget Manager/Scheduler• James Bader: Structural Engineer• Blake Firner: Scribe/Administration

Schedule

Date Day Time Objective

9-12-09 SAT 10:00 AM Mission Proposal

9-13-09 SUN 3:00 PM Build AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater

9-15-09 TUES 5:00 PM Complete Mission Proposal

9-19-09 SAT 10:00 AM Build Satellite Structure and Complete Design Review

9-26-09 SAT 10:00 AM Order Materials

9-27-09 SUN 3:00 PM Program AVR Microcontroller, Camera, and Heater

10-03-09 SAT 10:00 AM Complete Construction of Satellite

10-08-09 THUR 9:30 AM Critical Design Review

10-10-09 SAT 10:00 AM Structural Testing of Satellite

10-17-09 SAT 10:00 AM Complete Satellite Testing and LLR

11-06-09 FRI 2:00 PM Final Balloon-Sat Weigh In and Turn In

11-07-09 SAT 6:50 AM Launch Day

11-14-09 SAT 10:00 AM Data Analysis

11-21-09 SAT 10:00 AM Complete Team Presentation and Report

Budget

Total Cost: $30.94

Hardware Price Ordered From

Solar Cells (4) $1.49 www.goldmine-elec-products.com

LED Lights $2.00 www.goldmine-elec-products.com

9 V Batteries (2) $9.99 Radio Shack

Dry Ice $3.00 Safeway

Weight

Hardware Weight

LED Lights 30 g

Solar Cells 40 g

HOBO H08-004-02 30 g

Cannon A570IS Digital Camera 220 g

AVR Microcontroller Board and Batteries 150 g

Active Heater System and Batteries 100 g

Structure 280 g

Total Weight: 850 grams

Concerns

• We are unsure as to how the LED lights and Solar Cells will react to the atmospheric conditions.

• Structural concerns• Due to the angle of the sun during

an early morning launch we are unsure if the Solar Cell and LED’s will be effective.