Mission: T02

Summary:

The second tethered test was very successful. The new filling system proved to be much more secure then having the entire balloon lift concentrated on the fill nozzle. Three drops of the command module were made and the parachute successfully opened each time. The first drop was done with the electronics removed from the box and dead weight used instead. The balloon was initially filled with less helium then was needed to lift the stack so it had to be brought down and more helium was added. For the second and third parachute drops, the dual tone cutdown system was used. Calculations of the descent rate were also made at this time.

Flight Information

Date:	July 8, 2003 7:30 AM
Launch Site:	St. Paul Campus Research Plots :: Map :: Web Page
Launch Coordinates:	Latitude: 44.98 N, Longitude: 93.23 W, Altitude: 237 Meters ASL

Personel:

Mission Manager:	Greg Nelson
Launch Director:	Kevin Sweeney
Flight Director:	Stephanie Soffa
Launch Team:	Dr. Garrard, Jennifer Halsted, Dave Hultman, Ryan Nordell

Lessons learned:

Check complete stack weight before helium fill. Even though adding helium isn't difficult, it should be avoided.
Transmitting the dual tone command must be done while the onboard transceiver is not transmitting. Otherwise the command is not received by the MIM.
For tethered flights, at least six people are needed to easily handle the stack lines. Regular flights, however, shouldn't require as many people on the launch team.