The power system is designed to provide 600 watts (550 watts for the experiments) using solar arrays and batteries for long duration flights. Batteries can
be used for short flights. Power is provided to each instrument through a
switched, resettable circuit breaker to isolate it from the rest of the
instruments.
The on-board flight communication and data system (FCDS) provides individual communication links for each instrument and manages the system
level functions. The power, communication rate and data storage resources
are allocated among the instruments as needed for each flight. The command
and data streams for each instrument are recorded on board. The FCDS can
also deliver command lists to each experiment for autonomous operations.
When the payload is within line of sight telemetry (less than 400 miles), the
FCDS feeds the high rate transmitter with bandwidth up to 1 Mbs. Over the
horizon communication is available through a TDRSS allocation that has
provided 6 kbps data rates in the past with nearly continuous coverage. The
DSTB ground station serves as a repository for the data steam and permits
the investigators access to flight data through the web so that they may monitor their instrument remotely from their home institution.
The facility and its operations have been designed to minimize the interface
burden on the scientific teams. The instrument interfaces to the facility have
been well documented. The high-bay facility at NSSTC is designed to support balloon flight payloads and is available for instrument integration prior
to deployment. Members of the DSTB team have developed balloon instruments and conducted scientific flights for more than 3 decades and have
participated in campaigns all over the world. The team members include
scientists and engineers (electrical, mechanical, software). Two gondolas
have been developed to insure availability of the facility for annual flights.
While one gondola takes part in a campaign, the second is available for
investigators to commence integrating their payload for a launch opportunity
the following year.
The gondola facility described has been constructed and its functionality
demonstrated in a test flight. It is available for investigators to utilize on balloon flights provided through the NASA scientific balloon program. The
DSTB and its support staff permit investigators with no previous balloon
experience to easily take advantage of balloon flight for their research. The
facility provides a clear and user-friendly interface and direct access to an
experienced team. In this scenario the science instrument development
remains with the experienced science team. This team can train young scientists and engineers in a mission environment that is more conducive to developing hands on experience while obtaining valuable scientific data.
3.3 Instrument Carriers/Gondolas 43
be used for short flights. Power is provided to each instrument through a
switched, resettable circuit breaker to isolate it from the rest of the
instruments.
The on-board flight communication and data system (FCDS) provides individual communication links for each instrument and manages the system
level functions. The power, communication rate and data storage resources
are allocated among the instruments as needed for each flight. The command
and data streams for each instrument are recorded on board. The FCDS can
also deliver command lists to each experiment for autonomous operations.
When the payload is within line of sight telemetry (less than 400 miles), the
FCDS feeds the high rate transmitter with bandwidth up to 1 Mbs. Over the
horizon communication is available through a TDRSS allocation that has
provided 6 kbps data rates in the past with nearly continuous coverage. The
DSTB ground station serves as a repository for the data steam and permits
the investigators access to flight data through the web so that they may monitor their instrument remotely from their home institution.
The facility and its operations have been designed to minimize the interface
burden on the scientific teams. The instrument interfaces to the facility have
been well documented. The high-bay facility at NSSTC is designed to support balloon flight payloads and is available for instrument integration prior
to deployment. Members of the DSTB team have developed balloon instruments and conducted scientific flights for more than 3 decades and have
participated in campaigns all over the world. The team members include
scientists and engineers (electrical, mechanical, software). Two gondolas
have been developed to insure availability of the facility for annual flights.
While one gondola takes part in a campaign, the second is available for
investigators to commence integrating their payload for a launch opportunity
the following year.
The gondola facility described has been constructed and its functionality
demonstrated in a test flight. It is available for investigators to utilize on balloon flights provided through the NASA scientific balloon program. The
DSTB and its support staff permit investigators with no previous balloon
experience to easily take advantage of balloon flight for their research. The
facility provides a clear and user-friendly interface and direct access to an
experienced team. In this scenario the science instrument development
remains with the experienced science team. This team can train young scientists and engineers in a mission environment that is more conducive to developing hands on experience while obtaining valuable scientific data.
3.3 Instrument Carriers/Gondolas 43