Payload 08 Information
Payload Flight Number:
Institution:
Payload Title:
Maximum-Altitude Dust Aerogel Collection (M.A.D.A.C.)
Student Leader:
Faculty Advisor:
Payload class:
Small
Payload ID Number:
08
Mass:
1.373 kg
Current:
75 mA
Serial Downlink:
?
Analog Downlink:
?
Serial Commands:
?
Discrete Commands:
?
Payload Specification & Integration Plan
Due: 06/27/2014
Delivered:
Payload Integration Certification
Scheduled: 08/08/2014
Actual:
Flight Operation Plan
Due: 07/31/2014
Delivered:
Final Flight / Science Report
Due: 12/12/2014
Delivered:
Abstract:
Maximum-Altitude Dust Aerogel Collection payload for H.A.S.P. 2014 proposes to collect cosmic dust particles and other particles from the stratosphere and safely return them to Earth of analysis. Our collection method uses a ~225cm2 aerogel block that will passively collect dust particles as they fall through the atmosphere. Our aerogel will be housed within a 3D printed plastic box with an electronically controlled lid that will open at altitude to allow the aerogel to be exposed. Because of their high velocities, comic dust particles will be trapped within the aerogel, while other particles will only settle on the surface. The box will be sealed prior to descent with an electronic latch to prevent contamination. The particles will be removed from the aerogel and subjected to imaging and elemental analysis using a scanning electron microscope. They will then be compared to known cosmic dust samples for authentication.
Science Report:
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