Design of a High Altitude Balloon Drop Test for SPORE
(Small Probes for Orbital Return of Experiments)
Author(s)
Juneau, Jessica
Advisor(s)
Spencer, David A.
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to:
Permanent Link
Abstract
The Small Probes for Orbital Return of Experiments (SPORE) flight system is designed to
perform atmospheric entry, descent and landing (EDL) in order to return small payloads
from an Earth orbit to the ground for recovery and laboratory analysis. A high altitude
balloon drop test of a nearly identical re-entry probe, weighing 10.51 kg is described. In
order to test the parachute deployment system and canopy performance at flight-like
dynamic pressures and Mach numbers, a drop altitude of 32.8km from a 0.11 mcm balloon
was determined to be sufficient, based on a float altitude trade study. A Monte Carlo
analysis of the drop test trajectory was performed to characterize variability of chute
deployment conditions and landing ellipse size. A description of launch and ground
operations is included, as well as a preliminary probe and gondola design. Finally, an
overview of similar historical stratospheric balloon drop test programs is provided.
Sponsor
Date
1905-07-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved