NASA Suborbital Flight Communication and Fire Box

=Problem Definition= This project continues the work of previous University of Idaho capstone teams who have worked with NASA Ames Research Center on developing a communications system for a Tube Deployed Re-entry vehicle (TDRV). Previous teams have done a variety of groundwork such as building a guided parafoil system which can move itself in order to reach a pre-determined GPS location durings its descent. Other work, accomplished between two of the previous capstone teams includes creating a carrier module capable of controlling and housing the Iridium 9523 modem in order to help integrate into future returning cube satellites. Lastly, a previous team developed the initial code base for creating communication over the Iridium network utilizing the Iridium 9523 via a dial up connection. They also attempted to implement a remote server to receive the data.

Our Team is building off of these previous groups and creating a fully functional communication system through an Iridium 9523 connected to a carrier module and powered by Canon BP-955 batteries in a fireproof containment unit. The end product will be a cheap, reliable, and physically safe system capable of real time data communication with a returning satellite.

Deliverables
  Software:   Develop software packages and libraries for a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) necessary to establish a live connection over the Iridium Network. Develop a server capable of receiving transmitted information from the Iridium modem and display to a command line interface.   Electrical:   Fully functional Iridium Carrier Module confined to the PC-104 form factor.  Report on the effect of vacuum and orbit temperatures on the functionality of various types of capacitors and resistors, and the performance differences between typical and high-performance resistors.  </ul>  Mechanical: </li>  Design a lightweight “firebox” capable of containing a fire as a result of thermal runaway caused by batteries used to power the reentry module.</li> </ul> </ul>

Specifications
  Software: </li>  Utilize the Iridium 9523 through a dial up data connection.</li> Web server must be accessible over HTTP</li> Server must receive data sent from the Iridium modem and store locally / display data.</li> </ul>  Carrier Module: </li>  Fit Iridium Carrier within PC-104 Form Factor.</li> </ul>  Battery Box: </li>  Size & Weight:</li>  <li>Must Weigh less than 500g.</li> <li>Must fit within 104 form factor.</li> </ul> <li>Batteries:</li> <ul> <li>Carry 4 BP-9555 batteries.</li> <li>Each battery needs to supply 5A.</li> </ul> <li>Insulation:</li> <ul> <li>No flames may leave the box.</li> <li>Must maintain an internal operating temperature between 0&#176;C and 40&#176;C.</li> <li>Vent hot gasses.</li> </ul> <li>Misc:</li> <ul> <li>Burn up upon re-entry.</li> </ul> <li></li> </ul> </ul>

=Design Considerations=

=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation= Project Schedule

Meeting Minutes

Presentations:

Client Interview: