Session
Session IX: Science and Exploration
Abstract
Access to space is expensive and full of engineering challenges. Students interested in space are willing to take on the engineering challenges but can do little to overcome the high cost of getting to space. A BalloonSat is a low-cost method of accessing space while retaining the engineering challenges. BalloonSats are an excellent way to teach students of any age the fun and excitement of space science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The Colorado Space Grant Consortium’s (Space Grant) BalloonSat program is a hands-on way to introduce new engineering students interested in spacecraft design to fundamental engineering techniques and team working skills. A BalloonSat, weighing up to 4 kg, can reach altitudes of 100,000 feet for a cost of only $300. This altitude presents students with conditions that pose both tough and significant engineering challenges. At this altitude, temperatures are close to –80° C and pressures reach near vacuum conditions. When the balloon bursts, initial descent speeds reach Mach I and when the BalloonSat reaches lower altitudes, condensation can be severe. Using on-board GPS and Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), a BalloonSat can be tracked throughout its flight and recovered for data retrieval. BalloonSats can be used to study atmospheric conditions, demonstrate prototype space hardware and technology, and more. There is a wide range of experiments that can be performed on a BalloonSat. Students have demonstrated that they have the creativity and imagination to generate experiment ideas. The design of each BalloonSat is accomplished entirely by the students. Strict requirements are given which are required to be met in their BalloonSat design. BalloonSats are an excellent way to teach students in a hands-on way the value and fun of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The students who go through the BalloonSat program at Space Grant are excited about their future and all the potential it holds. They see the importance of their classes and the benefits of applying what they learn in the classroom to future projects. They are prepared to contribute to more complex rocket, shuttle, and satellite missions at the University and in their professions.
Balloonsat: Missions to the Edge of Space
Access to space is expensive and full of engineering challenges. Students interested in space are willing to take on the engineering challenges but can do little to overcome the high cost of getting to space. A BalloonSat is a low-cost method of accessing space while retaining the engineering challenges. BalloonSats are an excellent way to teach students of any age the fun and excitement of space science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The Colorado Space Grant Consortium’s (Space Grant) BalloonSat program is a hands-on way to introduce new engineering students interested in spacecraft design to fundamental engineering techniques and team working skills. A BalloonSat, weighing up to 4 kg, can reach altitudes of 100,000 feet for a cost of only $300. This altitude presents students with conditions that pose both tough and significant engineering challenges. At this altitude, temperatures are close to –80° C and pressures reach near vacuum conditions. When the balloon bursts, initial descent speeds reach Mach I and when the BalloonSat reaches lower altitudes, condensation can be severe. Using on-board GPS and Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), a BalloonSat can be tracked throughout its flight and recovered for data retrieval. BalloonSats can be used to study atmospheric conditions, demonstrate prototype space hardware and technology, and more. There is a wide range of experiments that can be performed on a BalloonSat. Students have demonstrated that they have the creativity and imagination to generate experiment ideas. The design of each BalloonSat is accomplished entirely by the students. Strict requirements are given which are required to be met in their BalloonSat design. BalloonSats are an excellent way to teach students in a hands-on way the value and fun of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The students who go through the BalloonSat program at Space Grant are excited about their future and all the potential it holds. They see the importance of their classes and the benefits of applying what they learn in the classroom to future projects. They are prepared to contribute to more complex rocket, shuttle, and satellite missions at the University and in their professions.
