Spacebridge/NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive

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Another thing that got forgotten was the fact that against all probability a sperm whale had suddenly been called into existence several miles above the surface of Tracy, California.

Spacebridge Project: First Launch Report

NBRL-001: Infinite Improbability Drive[edit | edit source]

NBRL-001 Mission Patch

The Spacebridge project, a revival of an old Noisebridge initiative, aims to explore near-space environments using high-altitude balloons. This report details the first launch of the renewed project, highlighting our achievements, challenges, and future plans.


Date and Time:[edit | edit source]

2024-06-16 2:30 pm

Vehicle Type:[edit | edit source]

Unmanned Free Balloon

Launch Location:[edit | edit source]

McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA

37°43'10.7"N 122°25'10.6"W

Landing Location:[edit | edit source]

Tracy, CA (Estimated)

37°40'44.0"N 121°27'33.2"W

Objectives:[edit | edit source]

Pre-launch:

  • 🟩Track and recover NWS radiosonde using SDR ground station
  • 🟩Repurpose RS41 radiosonde to transmit telemetry on amateur radio band via APRS
  • 🟩Identify appropriate launch location
  • 🟩Plan safe and recoverable flight trajectory
  • 🟩Communicate with FAA to issue NOTAM

Launch:

  • 🟩Assemble and integrate payload and balloon subsystems
  • 🟩Safely fill and handle balloon
  • 🟩Launch!

Post-launch:

  • 🟨 Take time-lapse photos with iPod touch
  • 🟩 Receive radio signal from radiosonde
  • 🟨/🟥 Track balloon position using telemetry data
  • 🟨 Recover payload


Predicted flight path and landing locations. The black line indicates the expected flight path for a release at 10:00 AM. The colored dots indicate expected landing locations assuming a release at 10:00 AM and advancing hourly (11:00 AM launch, 12:00 PM etc.)

Launch Specifications[edit | edit source]

Balloon Details[edit | edit source]

  • Type: 1500g balloon
  • Color: Natural
  • Neck Diameter: 1.3"
  • Uninflated Diameter: 72"
  • Standard Inflated Diameter: 22'
  • Burst Diameter: 27'
  • Hydrogen fill: 125L

Payload[edit | edit source]

  1. RS41 board components:
    • Microcontroller
    • 70cm radio transmitter
    • GPS
    • Humidity sensor
    • Thermometer
    • Barometer
    • Battery pack
  2. Two stuffed animals (Whale and Petunia) for future fundraising potential

Predicted Flight Parameters[edit | edit source]

  • Estimated maximum altitude: ~35km
  • Estimated time to peak altitude: 130 minutes

Launch Execution[edit | edit source]

Launch Process[edit | edit source]

The launch was conducted by the Spacebridge team, consisting of 15-20 participants with 5-10 regular members.

Tracking and Chase[edit | edit source]

  1. A chase car equipped with a ground station followed the balloon's trajectory.
  2. Signal reception points included Menlo Park/Redwood City and across the Hayward Bridge.

Challenges Encountered[edit | edit source]

  1. Frequency band issue: Transmitted on 432.500 MHz instead of the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz).
  2. Recovery difficulties: The team was unable to recover the balloon and payload.

Data Collection[edit | edit source]

Telemetry Data Transmitted (via APRS)[edit | edit source]

  • Callsign
  • GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude)
  • Temperature
  • Voltage
  • Contact email
  • In-flight "conversation" between the Whale and Petunia stuffed animals

Communication Method[edit | edit source]

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) was used for data transmission.

Ground Station Setup and Capabilities[edit | edit source]

[TO-DO: Add details about the ground station setup once available]

Technical Details[edit | edit source]

Main Circuit Board[edit | edit source]

(RS41) Capabilities The team repurposed a recovered RS41 radiosonde, which included various sensors and communication equipment.

Parachute Deployment System[edit | edit source]

[TO-DO: Add details about the parachute system once available]

Trajectory Prediction and Optimization[edit | edit source]

[TO-DO: Add information on trajectory prediction methods once available]

Results and Analysis[edit | edit source]

Maximum Altitude Reached[edit | edit source]

The balloon reached approximately 35km (to be confirmed with final payload weight).

Flight Duration[edit | edit source]

The balloon reached peak altitude in approximately 130 minutes.

Data Analysis[edit | edit source]

[TO-DO: Add detailed data analysis once all collected data is processed]

Lessons Learned[edit | edit source]

Frequency Band Selection[edit | edit source]

Future launches will use the national APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) for better integration with existing tracking networks.

Chase Strategy[edit | edit source]

Improvements needed in chase car deployment and tracking methods.

Ground Station Improvements[edit | edit source]

Plans to enhance the ground station setup for more reliable data reception.

Additional Lessons[edit | edit source]

[TO-DO: Add any other lessons identified by the team]

Future Plans[edit | edit source]

Improvements for Next Launch[edit | edit source]

  1. Payload recovery strategies:
    • Prepare chase team to leave immediately upon launch or stage downwind
    • Improve ground station setup
    • Transmit on national APRS frequency for wider tracking coverage
  2. Transmission frequency adjustment to 144.390 MHz
  3. Ground station enhancements for better data reception and tracking

Long-term Project Goals[edit | edit source]

  • Regular Sunday evening meetings to discuss progress and plan future launches
  • Potential fundraising through auctioning space-flown collectibles

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

The first Spacebridge launch was a significant step in reviving this exciting project.