Launch Site Operations Procedure

1. HABET Launch Team Training Launch Site Operations Procedure This LAUNCH SITE OPERATIONS procedure is valid for the Howe HallPrimary Launch Site and the Outdoor ClassroomAlternate Launch Site Other launch sites may be developed at a later time. A new set of procedures for those launch sites will be needed. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

2. HABET Launch Team Training This procedure has a reference on the Master Timeline that shows the recommended time to complete this action which corresponds to a start time of Launch minus some time (L-??:??). The estimated time to complete this procedure is for someone who has completed the training and has actually done this before. The Launch Director (LD) is responsible to see that this procedure is completed. HABETProcedures Menu Return to the Main Training Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

3. HABET Launch Team Training This procedure covers all activities from setup of the launch site through launch of the balloon. Weather is the primary factor which the LD must judge that could cancel a launch. If the weather is bad or is forecast to turn bad, do not complete this procedure. You may wait until a later time to complete the procedure, or request a waiver from the MMT for a launch under adverse weather conditions. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC HABETProcedures Menu

4. HABET Launch Team Training This procedure can kill you. You must handle the high pressure gas tanks safely at all times. Only certified launch Directors or above can perform this procedure with assistance from people who have completed Team training. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

5. HABET Launch Team Training Note the time that you begin this procedure. Then begin gathering the equipment shown… Check off each item... Then load it all onto the cart… A second person loads the helium (He) tanks onto the special cart. Be certain that one tank is full. Then proceed to the launch site. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

6. HABET Launch Team Training The launch site layout is planned for efficiency and safety. When this step is completed, you will have done everything to prepare for a launch that can be done without expending consumables. For this reason, the LD must have communications with the MMT in the SSOL before proceeding to the next step. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

7. HABET Launch Team Training Wind Plastic Sheet Parachute Hang SC on Hook SC Ext Pwr Supply F He Tanks Fill hose Release Line with launch release burner wire Kit Launch Switch Box Red Block weights Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

8. Launch Site SSOL RECOVERY is GO. HABET Launch Team Training The LD must receive concurrence that everything is ok before proceeding with certain steps that will consume resources such as batteries, He, or balloons. Approval is called a “GO”. MISSION… this is LAUNCH… This is MISSION… I need a GO for Spacecraft power-up. FLIGHT is GO. Roll call for a GO forSpacecraft Power-up. RECOVERY?... FLIGHT?... LAUNCH is GO. LAUNCH?... LAUNCH this is MISSION… You are GO forSpacecraft Power-up. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

9. HABET Launch Team Training After the GO is received, the external power connector is inserted into the spacecraft. The LD may have to work with the FD if the Spacecraft is not transmitting. Once the FD confirms a signal, you can proceed. This gives the spacecraft GPS system time to get a lock on its position. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

10. HABET Launch Team Training It is now time to prepare for filling the balloon with Helium. Connect the regulator to the PARTIAL He tank. PartialTank FullTank RegulatorPressureAdjustment QuickDisconnectBarb Ball Valve Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

11. HABET Launch Team Training Set the center block on the scale and hook on the fill adapter. The Launch Release should be connected to the static lines with a bowline knot. Connect the launch release burner. Gloves are required to keep skin oil from touching the latex balloon and creating a weak spot. Then connect the balloon to the fill adapter with zip ties. Balloon ZipTies FillAdapter Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

12. HABET Launch Team Training The LD must call for a GO for Fill. Once the GO is received, the He flow is started. Be sure to operate the valves in the correct sequence. Periodically check the balloon lift until it is equal to or greater than the required value. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

13. HABET Launch Team Training When the lift is at the desired level. The balloon must be tied-off with the stack line embedded into the neck. Fold the neck over the stack line. Neck Remove excesszip ties Report Fill is Complete. Stack Line Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

14. HABET Launch Team Training Request a GO to transfer to internal power and remove the external power connector when approved. Report to the FD that the spacecraft is on Internal Power. Then you can begin raising the balloon and the attached stack into the launch position. The small balloon and the compass are your final check of the flight path. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

15. HABET Launch Team Training Request a GO FOR LAUNCH! When received, turn on the audio beacon switch. A short countdown allows the MMT to note the liftoff time accurately. When the launch button is pressed, the burner will release the upper stack line at the balloon neck. Announce “LIFTOFF”. Observe the balloon until it is clear of all launch site obstacles. Then announce “SPACECRAFT CLEAR”. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

16. HABET Launch Team Training Note the time of completion and the elapsed time, then... Stow all of the launch site gear and return it to the SSOL. The team will debrief the MMGR and then be dismissed. The LD will attend the End-of-Flight (EOF) briefing after the recovery team returns to the SSOL. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

17. HABET Launch Team Training Helium (He) is an inert gas that weighs less than air and can therefore be used to create the buoyancy to lift the HABET spacecraft. Since the He displaces air, it can fill a space and suffocate people that enter the space. Also be certain to check that the tank valve is tightly closed when storing the cylinders. Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

18. HABET Launch Team Training Helium (He) is stored in high pressure cylinders and must be handled with extreme caution. Safety chains are used to ensure that high pressure cylinders do not fall over. Use only the proper cart provided to transport He cylinders. Always keep the valve cap on the cylinder except when dispensing the He in accordance with the proper procedures. Cylinder Cap Safety Chain Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

19. HABET Launch Team Training Safety chains are used at the loading dock when storing tanks off the cart. Cylinders must only be stored in an upright position. The HABET manger will order He and arrange for pickup of empty cylinders. The Launch Director is to ensure that the HABET manager has enough on hand for his assigned mission. Safety Chain Safety Chain Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC

20. HABET Launch Team Training Tags on each cylinder indicate if the tank is full, partially used, or empty. Be certain to remove the bottom of the tag to indicate the status of the cylinder. You would hate to transport a cylinder to the launch site that you thought was full, but was actually empty. Tank Status Tags Return to the Main Training Menu HABETProcedures Menu HABETLaunch Menu HABETTeam Menu ESC