Payload class:

Large

Payload ID Number:

9

Mass:

15 kg

Current:

2500 mA

Serial Downlink:

none

Analog Downlink:

none

Serial Commands:

none

Discrete Commands:

none

Delivered:

Abstract:

The proposed project focuses on characterizing the microwave background at stratospheric altitude in the frequency band between 45 and 75GHz. With emerging technologies pushing the useable bands higher and higher, it becomes important to understand possible interferences in higher and higher frequency bands. This experiment has also, as secondary goal, the testing of equipment for a possible future cryogenic HASP mission designed specifically to detect the Cosmological Microwave Background (CMB).  MRE II will use the latest passive microwave reception technology. The McNeese MRE II team consists of 6 engineering students. All 6 of the students have past engineering experience in various fields; 5 have prior experience in the LaACES program (MESS). The team is structured into a group dynamic much like that seen in industry. Every member is accountable for their own budget and technical area, but they are encouraged to interact in a team environment .  The MRE II module will utilize HASP’s 30 VDC power supply to power thermal control and processing equipment. A DB9 connector will be used to transmit real-time telemetry via HASP’s telemetry system using the provided RS-232 link. Data will also be stored on board via high capacity data storage. We are going to use a heterodyne system to address possible problems with too high sampling rate.