Everything that could go wrong, and hopefully won't

As the launch date approaches (only 6 more days), the stress levels here at mission control (a.k.a. my room) are rising. There is still quite a lot to do before we'll be ready to launch. We can finally load weather reports from our landing prediction site (the site only predicts 180 hours into the future), so we've basically nailed down the launch site. I've also found a suitable helium dealer that will rent out 100 cu. ft. of helium for 2 days at the price of 70 dollars. A good price on a pressure regulator is yet to be found, and we may resort to using a party balloon valve, which would increase the filling time incredibly. The impending launch is always in the back of my mind, and sometimes I lie awake at night thinking of what there is left to do, what we might have forgotten, and everything that could possibly go wrong. So, as a way to vent, I've compiled a list of things that could terminate, ruin, or otherwise bring failure to our mission. I call it "Everything that could go wrong, and hopefully won't"

1. Premature burst of balloon

Explanation: This is the one that is the most disastrous, and unfortunately the most likely, event. The bursting would probably occur during the filling stage, as the wind could cause the partially filled balloon to strike a sharp object like a rock or a blade of grass, thus bursting or tearing a hole in the balloon. Alternatively, the burst could occur because the balloon got twisted up during inflation, stretching and bursting a small section of the balloon. 

Prevention: In order to keep such an event from happening, we'll lay down either tarps or sheets on the ground, covering any sharp objects, and the balloon will be laid out flat to make sure it is not twisted during inflation. The balloon must be handled with caution, and all handlers will be wearing latex gloves to prevent skin oils from degrading the balloon fabric, and to prevent bursting by a sharp fingernail. Although I do not know how much the balloon fabric can take before being torn, I am going to assume it is very weak and take all precautions to ensure safe handling. 

2. Faulty or non-configured electronics

Explanation: This one is caused mostly by forgetfulness, like forgetting to turn the GoPro or cell phone on, or forgetting launching the flight recording app. The whole mission would be pointless if we failed to record the video. Any failure with the cell phone would not be too disastrous, because there is a good chance of capsule recovery based solely on wind predictions. 

Prevention: We will be checking and double checking and triple checking to make sure all of the electronics are powered on before we let the capsule fly away, as well as testing their functionality throughout setup. 

3. Capsule or parachute disconnection

Explanation: There is a small chance of some sort of separation either parachute-to-balloon or capsule-to-parachute. The nylon cables themselves are very strong, however the capsule or parachute could separate through other means, like a poorly tied knot. A disconnection between parachute and balloon would result in a prematurely terminated flight, but a disconnection between capsule and parachute would result in a styrofoam box weighing 650 grams and containing $400 of equipment plummeting to earth at terminal velocity (not as cool as it sounds). 

Prevention: Tie good knots. That's really all there is to it. A knot can be made tighter by soaking the nylon cord in water and then tightening again. We will most likely also attach safety lines in between components in case the primary lines fail. 

4. Premature release

Explanation: Although this case is not very likely, it is a rather intimidating thing to think about your $150+ balloon and helium floating away without any payload, or your balloon and payload floating away without any electronics configured.

Prevention: Safety lines will be tied between the balloon and the helium tank during inflation, as well as between the capsule and the helium tank

5. Very unlikely events

Explanation: Some events are very low probability, but still possibilities. These events include, but are not limited to: Prevention from launch by local authorities, prevention of recovery by irritated farmer, water landing, mid-air collision with commercial airliner (yeah, not good), landing in Hanford Nuclear Cleanup Site (don't worry, our weather predictions say it will go the opposite way), or being mistaken for an alien spacecraft and confiscated (okay, that's never going to happen).

Prevention: Okay, so most of these things are either impossible or not predictable. However, to prevent a mid-air collision with any piloted craft, the capsule is outfitted with a radar reflector, and a NOTAM (notice to airmen) will be filed to alert pilots in the area of our launch. Any birds that are not outfitted with radar technology will just have to keep their eyes open.

Well that's the end of my list, now you know a little bit more of the risks we're taking in doing this mission. I think I understand now a fraction of a fraction of the stress that the people at NASA felt when putting a man on the moon. Check back tomorrow evening for another post. Better yet, just check every day this week, I'll be putting in quite a bit of time to prepare for the launch.