Payload Capsule v1.0 Prototype Complete!

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On Wednesday night, Troop 445 got together to begin construction on of the Payload Capsule.

Primary Design Characteristics:

  • Light Weight
    • The lighter we can get, the higher we can go!
  • Compact
    • The more compact we can make this, the less space we will need to heat with Hand Warmers
  • Moderately durable
    • Doesn’t need to withstand a bomb blast, but should cushion impact at a velocity of about 10 feet per second

Characteristics that are not important for us:

  • Aerodynamic
    • There is very little atmosphere left at the high altitudes, so this is not very important
  • Super insulated
    • While we want to insulate our gear, we need to balance this with being lightweight and compact
  • Extreme durability
    • The only impact we will have is when the payload reaches the ground. As long as our equipment doesn’t impact at terminal velocity, we anticipate the it should survive. Fingers crossed?
      Kevin talking about how GPS works, and the tracking methods for the balloon
      Kevin talking about how GPS works, and the tracking methods for the balloon
IMG_7199
Marking the lines for the first cuts

 

445Cutting1
The scouts cut out the foam for the balloon while the adult leaders talk logistics
445Cutting2
Jake S has a big mouth!
Brayden S begins cutting the foam out for the capsule
Brayden S begins cutting the foam out for the capsule
v1weight
With the new capsule material and design, we are far below the weight we anticipated.
v1finaldimensions
The capsule came out slightly larger than we really need. Perhaps some modifications are needed to reduce weight and eliminate dead space even more.

 

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