Super 8 Conceptual Design Review Project “Morpheus”

1. Fall 2011 10-2-12 Super 8Conceptual Design ReviewProject “Morpheus”

2. Overview: Morpheus BalloonSatMorpheus will measure the concentration of ozone and 285 nm ultraviolet-B radiation at different altitudes in the atmosphere. The data will be compared to discover the effects of the former on the latter. In addition, Morpheus will measure the relative humidity at different elevations in the atmosphere to determine how this affects the concentration of ozone at the mentioned altitudes. Objectives: 1. To construct a balloon-propelled satellite 2. To measure UVb radiation and O3 under, inside, and above the ozone layer (10km-50km above surface) 3. To examine effects of relative humidity on the concentration of O3 at different altitudes 4. To collect general environmental statics including temperature and photographs 5. To analyze the effects of UV radiation on the density of O3. 6. To recover the satellite and have it ready to perform within 24 hours.

3. Expect to prove/discover: We expect to prove that the ozone layer reduces the amount of UV radiation that reaches the surface of Earth. The mission’s goal is to verify the inverse relationship between the concentration of UV radiation and ozone in the ozone layer. -ozone is formed when ultraviolet radiation strikes molecular oxygen (O2) in the atmosphere, breaking them down into two oxygen atoms. The highly reactive individual oxygen atoms bond with more oxygen molecules to form ozone. Similarly, ozone can be broken down into an oxygen molecule and an oxygen atom by the same photons.1 -Although ozone is more prevalent in the ozone layer, from 10 to 40 kilometers in altitude, it can also be created and exist in smaller concentrations at lower altitudes. This lower altitude ozone exists only for a small amount of time compared to ozone at higher altitudes-in the ozone layer- due to the instability of ozone molecules at high pressure in the lower atmosphere. In the ozone layer, the atmospheric pressure is ideal for the extended survival of ozone. -The concentration of ozone should be relatively constant in the ozone layer, and it will exist in much smaller quantities at most altitudes other than that of the ozone layer -“Changing environmental conditions such as air temperature and humidity also affect ozone chemistry.”2 Environment Science Published for Everybody Round Earth. http://www.atmosphere.mpg.de/enid/1z1.html. Sept 23rd 2012. Earth Observatory at NASA.gov. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/ChemistrySunlight/chemistry_sunlight3.php Sept23rd 2012. Boston Electronics http://boselec.com Sept 23rd 2012

4. Morpheus: Design -In the topmost 4 corners, there will be 3 ozone sensors and 1 UVb photodiode -Heater -will be as close to sensors as possible (may need two heaters) -Insulation -a lot will be necessary especially around the sensors -Flight tube (knots, washers, bolts) -3 ozone detectors because of the chance of failure considering exposure to flight environment -HOBO -will record internal humidity and temperature -Arduino UNO -will record voltages from the sensors and convert into data -will control the power on/off of the components depending on flight stage

5. Design 2

6. Design 3

7. Team Super 8 Overview

8. Schedule

9. Budget • Budget • Weight • Money

10. Biggest Concerns 1. Power -Running the entire system will consume power 2. Heat -Sensors will be exposed to flight environment 3. Schedule Conflicts -2-3 meetings per week -commuting team mates 4. Testing -Failure of instruments, etc 5. Cost of the photodiode (~$180)