Project Team
Students
Austin Livsey
Aerospace Engineering
Penn State University Park, Penn State Greater Allegheny
Jeivian Ramos
Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering
Penn State University Park
Faculty Mentors
Jesse McTernan
University Park
School of Engineering Design and Innovation
Sven Bilén
University Park
School of Engineering Design and Innovation
Project
https://sites.psu.edu/mcreu/files/formidable/2/2023-07-26/MCREU2023_PosterPDF.pdf
Project Video
Project Abstract
Solar eclipses have an impact on atmospheric behaviors such as gravity waves and electrical conductivity. One method to measure these behaviors is to use a weather balloon to carry scientific equipment strung along a cable into the stratosphere. In our system this equipment includes video cameras, pressure sensors, an Iridium tracker, Ubiquiti radios, and a Gerdian collector. To track the balloon, there is a ground station with a tracking parabolic antenna that can receive data from the balloon. Additionally, streaming video from the balloon’s flight is possible via a laptop and the Ubiquiti radio network. During this research timeframe, the focus is on the foundational elements of launching the balloon and configuring components to enable them to communicate with each other. As of now, the balloon is able to be tracked by the ground station, and most of the components are working properly. These results are crucial in being able to launch the balloon and collect scientific data during the next two solar eclipses.
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