Mission: L05

Summary:

Our fourth flight was a refresher launch to acquaint some of our new volunteers from Augsburg College with our procedures as well as give our affiliates from Concordia College a chance to test a new version of their payload box, which included a camera for taking pictures and a GPS/tracking system. Unfortunately, the Concordia GPS/tracking system had a few malfunctions and was inoperable for the flight. The spacecraft flew up to 30,000 ft where the altitude switch failed to activate, requiring our dual-tone backup system to be used. Besides these few setbacks, a little extra time for setting up the launch and a delayed launch window, the mission turned out quite well.

Flight Information:

Date:	July 8, 2003
Launch Site:	Blooming Prairie High School :: Map :: Web Page
Launch Coordinates:	Latitude: 43.867 N, Longitude: 93.065 W, Altitude: 1290 feet
Launch Time:	7:57 AM
Balloon:	1500 gram Kaysam Balloon
Ascent Rate:	1150 feet/min
Descent Rate:	1300 feet/min
Stack Weight:	12 pounds (includes 6lb command module, 1.8lb payload, parachute, and harness)
Total Lift:	16.5 pounds
Free Lift:	4.5 pounds
Maximum Altitude:	30,409 feet
Landing Time:	8:43 AM
Recovery Time:	9:07 AM
Landing Coordinates:	Latitude: 43.623 N, Longitude: 92.735 W, Altitude: 1340 feet

Personnel:

Mission Manager:	Greg Nelson
Launch Director:	Stephanie Soffa
Flight Director:	Stephanie Soffa
Recovery Director:	Paul Seifert
Launch Team:	William Duppler, Terry Flower, Sam Napit, Matt Thomasson, Steve Zaffke
Flight Team:	Ryan Shea, Matt Thomasson
Recovery Team:	William Duppler, Terry Flower, Sam Napit, Ryan Shea, Steve Zaffke
Payload Team:	William Duppler, Sam Napit, Paul Seifert

Lessons learned:

Always double check the settings on the altitude switch, the dip switches were set in reverse order, causing the switch not to activate at the desired altitude.
Ensure training is completed before the flight.