Operations Control Center (OCC) and Remote OCC (ROCC)
The OCC at the CSBF in Palestine, TX is the solitary point of interface for the
scientist/experimenter for command and telemetry support to/from the payload
when out of sight. It has terminal access to TDRSS and Iridium satellites. The
TDRSS return telemetry and forward commanding are available only from the
OCC. The OCC is manned continuously throughout a flight to monitor balloon
performance and to assure proper operation of the balloon systems. It is able to
monitor up to three payloads simultaneously. It can also provide FAA airspace
coordination as appropriate.
The ROCC is the primary control center for both Antarctica and the mid- latitude
launch sites during the launch and line of sight phase of a flight. It is the primary
CSBF operational control during launch, after the balloon reaches float altitude,
and prior to it leaving the range of launch site telemetry. Operational control is
then handed over to the OCC at Palestine. The ROCC has line of sight data return
and command forwarding systems, and maintains communications with the OCC
via commercial telephone, Iridium telephone, and the internet.
The Legacy Rotator Pointing System
This is a system provided upon request of the user. It is a functional and operating
coarse-pointing system for any balloon-borne platform with a suspended payload
of less than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). The legacy rotator currently utilized for a balloon
mission is a standardized balloon flight subsystem that is mounted right above the
payload, and it separates the rotation of the gondola from the balloon. The legacy
rotator is about 56 kg (124 lb) and was designed to support a maximum payload
of 3,630 kg (8,000 lb) and to withstand an axial termination load factor of 10 g. A
majority of balloon payloads are no greater than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb), therefore the
legacy rotator is over designed for most flights. Reduction of mass of the rotator is
important. A reduction of mass permits either a longer flight duration or more
instrumentation to be added to the payload. Either would allow for more science
data to be collected per balloon flight.
There was a perceived requirement for a coarse azimuth pointing system that
was at least 25% lighter than the legacy rotator for a maximum suspended payload
of 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) and a 10 g axial termination load factor.
Standardized Coarse Azimuth Pointing System
The Standardized Coarse Azimuth Pointing System (SCAPS) is 34% lighter than
the legacy rotator for a suspended payload of less than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb), and it
separates the rotation of the gondola and the payload from the balloon. It utilizes
GPS and solar sensors for commanding orientation of the payload. Solar sensors
at the top of the rotator provide a 360° view. A guidance, navigation and control
system commands sensors to look at a specific point. For example, sensors can
detect the position of the Sun. The sensor command is sent through the avionics
54 Balloon Elements
The OCC at the CSBF in Palestine, TX is the solitary point of interface for the
scientist/experimenter for command and telemetry support to/from the payload
when out of sight. It has terminal access to TDRSS and Iridium satellites. The
TDRSS return telemetry and forward commanding are available only from the
OCC. The OCC is manned continuously throughout a flight to monitor balloon
performance and to assure proper operation of the balloon systems. It is able to
monitor up to three payloads simultaneously. It can also provide FAA airspace
coordination as appropriate.
The ROCC is the primary control center for both Antarctica and the mid- latitude
launch sites during the launch and line of sight phase of a flight. It is the primary
CSBF operational control during launch, after the balloon reaches float altitude,
and prior to it leaving the range of launch site telemetry. Operational control is
then handed over to the OCC at Palestine. The ROCC has line of sight data return
and command forwarding systems, and maintains communications with the OCC
via commercial telephone, Iridium telephone, and the internet.
The Legacy Rotator Pointing System
This is a system provided upon request of the user. It is a functional and operating
coarse-pointing system for any balloon-borne platform with a suspended payload
of less than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). The legacy rotator currently utilized for a balloon
mission is a standardized balloon flight subsystem that is mounted right above the
payload, and it separates the rotation of the gondola from the balloon. The legacy
rotator is about 56 kg (124 lb) and was designed to support a maximum payload
of 3,630 kg (8,000 lb) and to withstand an axial termination load factor of 10 g. A
majority of balloon payloads are no greater than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb), therefore the
legacy rotator is over designed for most flights. Reduction of mass of the rotator is
important. A reduction of mass permits either a longer flight duration or more
instrumentation to be added to the payload. Either would allow for more science
data to be collected per balloon flight.
There was a perceived requirement for a coarse azimuth pointing system that
was at least 25% lighter than the legacy rotator for a maximum suspended payload
of 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) and a 10 g axial termination load factor.
Standardized Coarse Azimuth Pointing System
The Standardized Coarse Azimuth Pointing System (SCAPS) is 34% lighter than
the legacy rotator for a suspended payload of less than 2,500 kg (5,500 lb), and it
separates the rotation of the gondola and the payload from the balloon. It utilizes
GPS and solar sensors for commanding orientation of the payload. Solar sensors
at the top of the rotator provide a 360° view. A guidance, navigation and control
system commands sensors to look at a specific point. For example, sensors can
detect the position of the Sun. The sensor command is sent through the avionics
54 Balloon Elements