Changes

Before and around the time of the previous flight, CY-2, a reevaluation of project goals for the quarter had been underway. While a full apex vent equipped flight had originally been envisioned for the weekend of '''June 2''', delays on the project prompted a decision to focus more on quick iterations and numerous launches rather than awaiting longer term initiatives. In particular, it was decided that a legacy ValBal vent mechanism, while unlikely to suffice as a long-term solution, was sufficient and necessary for building altitude control expertise within Cycloon in the short term. Therefore, on '''May 19''', the day after CY-2, it was decided that two payloads would be launched on '''June 1''', alongside Spaceshot and onboarding, each with ballast, vent, and (winds permitting) tether and floater mechanism.

Before and around the time of the previous flight, CY-2, a reevaluation of project goals for the quarter had been underway. While a full apex vent equipped flight had originally been envisioned for the weekend of '''June 2''', delays on the project prompted a decision to focus more on quick iterations and numerous launches rather than awaiting longer term initiatives. In particular, it was decided that a legacy ValBal vent mechanism, while unlikely to suffice as a long-term solution, was sufficient and necessary for building altitude control expertise within Cycloon in the short term. Therefore, on '''May 19''', the day after CY-2, it was decided that two payloads would be launched on '''June 1''', alongside Spaceshot and onboarding, each with ballast, vent, and (winds permitting) tether and floater mechanism.

The bulk of the avionics work for the two payloads was completed on May 27, followed by demonstration of vent control on May 29. As winds forecasts for favorable for a float-drop profile, a floater was confirmed for the final configuration. The bulk of the mechanics work occurred on May 29, though due to a lack of spare mechanics the second payload was cancelled. Finally, substantial system integration occurred on May 31.

The bulk of the avionics work for the two payloads was completed on May 27, followed by demonstration of vent control on May 29. As winds forecasts for favorable for a float-drop profile, a floater was confirmed for the final configuration. The bulk of the mechanics work occurred on May 29, though due to a lack of spare mechanics the second payload was cancelled. Finally, substantial system integration occurred on May 31. It was hoped that the flight would land safely in the Pacific, enabling controlled daytime hops throughout the following week.

==Configuration==

==Configuration==

==Flight synopsis==

==Flight synopsis==

[[File:Ssi86profile.png|frameless|800px|center]][[File:Ssi86traj.png|400px|thumb|Mission trajectory]]

[[File:Ssi87pred.png|400px|thumb|Predicted flight trajectories before launch]]

 

'''June 1, 2019, 1035 PDT:''' Launch. A fitting between the neck of the balloon and the vent had to be improvised on site. The target ascent rate was 1.7 - 2 m/s, and the flight plan was to equilibrate at 19-22km, with the first vents occurring at 14km.

'''June 1, 2019, 1035 PDT:''' Launch. A fitting between the neck of the balloon and the vent had to be improvised on site. The target ascent rate was 1.7 - 2 m/s, and the flight plan was to equilibrate at 19-22km, with the first vents occurring at 14km.

'''June 1, 2019, 1435 PDT:''' GPS began reporting coordinates of landing site. It remains unknown why this reset occurred. A recovery team was dispatched to the landing site.

'''June 1, 2019, 1435 PDT:''' GPS began reporting coordinates of landing site. It remains unknown why this reset occurred. A recovery team was dispatched to the landing site.

 

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[[Category: High Altitude Balloons]][[Category: Balloon Launches]]

[[Category: High Altitude Balloons]][[Category: Balloon Launches]]