Payload Integration

Tuesday May 23, 2006

There are two payload integration buildings at Esrange. I'm in the one on the right where our ULDB (Ultra Long Duration Balloon) and test payload are being prepared for flight. As planned, I arrived after initial unpacking and check-out was completed by the CSBF payload engineer. The main purpose of this flight is to test the new 'superpressure' balloon technology developed by NASA and manufactured by Aerostar (take a look at Aerostar engineer Mike Smith's blog). NASA/CSBF (where I work) is responsible for the flight systems, ground support electronics, and flight operations.
Here's what the balloon will look like at 120,000 feet. It holds 6 million cubic feet of helium at a slightly higher pressure than the thin outside air. It is 260 feet across, a scaled-down version of the future 450ft operational balloon. When suspended at launch the flight train will be about 1000ft high! The test payload, weighing about 3000 pounds, supports onboard power, test instrumentation, video cameras, telemetry radios (line-of-sight and TDRSS satellite), valve controls, and the flight termination system. Take a look at my photos (prep, roll-out, and launch) from the previous ULDB test flight in Ft. Sumner, NM in 2005.
So, what am I doing in Sweden?
One system that I designed will measure and send back the tension forces on a few of the 200+ "tendons" in the balloon structure. Another system I helped design is a new electronics box (Commandable Apex Package) that will autonomously control the helium valves to maintain altitude. It is being tested passively on this flight while the old system is being used for manual control. Lastly, I'm testing out a ground-based tracking telecope to view the balloon as it ascends and takes shape over 2 to 3 hours.