SSI-24

SSI-24 (Orion)
Launch date	October 24th, 2015
←SSI-23 SSI Balloon Launches SSI-25→

Pre-Launch

The Pre-Launch proceeded fairly well with few hiccups. After fixing minor problems with the solar panel wiring, the team prepared the gimbal and finished visual preparation of the payload. Unfortunately, the team experienced extreme difficulties setting up the keychain camera (which did not function during flight). The payload, which consisted of two styrofoam boxes and a selfie stick, was attached to a single 1500g balloon.

Flight

SSI-24 used the SPOT Nebula for tracking and recovery.

Experimental Payload

SSI-24 included both a Raspberry Pi 2B and two Arduino Uno boards. The Raspberry Pi was initially intended to be used to stream live video from the balloon, however, due to issues with the camera board, it was simply used as a wifi access point. The two Arduino boards regulated the sensors onboard the balloon, including a temperature sensor, two heating pads, an SD reader, a GPS, a solar panel, and an accelerometer. Though the group initially intended to use a PIXY camera as well, the PIXY's requirement to be updated with signatures made it difficult to use aboard the balloon.

The second board served a single purpose: dropping three Hershey's chocolate bars at a specified altitude. This was accomplished using the GPS altitude from the first Arduino, which would set a single digital pin to high. This would trigger the second Arduino to swing a servo and release the bars.

Milestones

• First use of wifi antennas and Raspberry Pi on an SSI high altitude balloon
• Successful implementation of a gimbal for the SPOT GPS