Post on 21-Dec-2015
Launch Site Operations Procedure
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training
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This LAUNCH SITE OPERATIONS procedure is valid for the Howe Hall Primary Launch Site and the Outdoor Classroom Alternate Launch Site
Other launch sites may be developed at a later time. A new set of procedures for those launch sites will be needed.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training L-1:30 (______) 4. Lay Out Launch Site As Shown:
Tie static lines to blocks Connect launch release switch box to orange and black wire Interconnect parachute and upper stack line Hook spacecraft on He Cart Set external power supply beside spacecraft Put wire cutters, zip tie gun, and zip ties beside center block
NOTE: Communications with the SSOL must be in place prior to proceeding
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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Wind
Plastic Sheet
F
SCExt Pwr Supply
He Tanks
Kit
Fill hose
Parachute
weights
Release Line with launch release burner wire
Red Block
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Hang SC on Hook
Launch Switch Box
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training 5. Call for GO FOR SPACECRAFT POWER-UP
“MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft power-up” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Connect external power source to spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on external power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting properly
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”.
SSOL Launch Site
MISSION… this is LAUNCH…This is MISSION…
FLIGHT is GO.RECOVERY?...
RECOVERY is GO.
LAUNCH?...LAUNCH is GO.
LAUNCH this is MISSION…
I need a GO for Spacecraft power-up.Roll call for a GO for
Spacecraft Power-up.FLIGHT?...
You are GO forSpacecraft Power-up.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
5. Call for GO FOR SPACECRAFT POWER-UP “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft power-up” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Connect external power source to spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on external power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting properly
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L-0:50 (______) 6. Prepare for Fill Set center block on scale Connect balloon fill adapter to block Connect regulator to partial He tank
(If full tank is used, tear off “full” portion of tag) Connect hose to fill adapter with Quick Disconnect Barb
Adapter Connect Launch Release lines (3) to Static Lines Connect Launch Release wire to launch release burner Don gloves (clean cotton or latex) Connect balloon to fill adapter with two or three zip ties Check BALL VALVES on regulator (2) - CLOSED MAIN He TANK VALVE – FULL OPEN
NOTE: Balloon is very fragile. Handle with great care.
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training It is now time to prepare for
filling the balloon with Helium.
Connect the regulator to the PARTIAL He tank.
RegulatorPressure
Adjustment
QuickDisconnect
Barb
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Ball Valve
PartialTank
FullTank
L-0:50 (______) 6. Prepare for Fill Set center block on scale Connect balloon fill adapter to block Connect regulator to partial He tank
(If full tank is used, tear off “full” portion of tag) Connect hose to fill adapter with Quick Disconnect Barb
Adapter Connect Launch Release lines (3) to Static Lines Connect Launch Release wire to launch release burner Don gloves (clean cotton or latex) Connect balloon to fill adapter with two or three zip ties Check BALL VALVES on regulator (2) - CLOSED MAIN He TANK VALVE – FULL OPEN
NOTE: Balloon is very fragile. Handle with great care.
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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BalloonZipTies
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L-0:40 (______) 7. Call for GO FOR FILL “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for fill” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Hold Balloon so neck is not kinked BALL VALVE – Crack OPEN (adjust to maximum safe flow) Adjust regulator, if required, to 100 psi maximum on low side Periodically check lift on scales Monitor He Tank Pressure
If Tank is empty, BALL VALVE - CLOSED MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED Vacant BALL VALVE – OPEN…CLOSED
(The valve without the balloon) Move regulator to full He tank MAIN TANK VALVE – OPEN Tear off tank status tags as required Replace tank valve cap on empty He tank Go to above
If lift is at or above target level: BALL VALVE – CLOSED Remove Quick Disconnect Barb Adapter from fill adapter Fill one small balloon for wind direction and clearance
verification MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED One person grasps balloon at the top of the neck A second person removes the zip ties from the fill adapter
with the cutters Place the loop of the upper stack line around the neck and
fold Place 3 to 4 zip ties around neck to enclose the loop Hook the loop of the upper stack line to the block Report… “MISSON this is LAUNCH… Fill is complete”
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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L-0:40 (______) 7. Call for GO FOR FILL “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for fill” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Hold Balloon so neck is not kinked BALL VALVE – Crack OPEN (adjust to maximum safe flow) Adjust regulator, if required, to 100 psi maximum on low side Periodically check lift on scales Monitor He Tank Pressure
If Tank is empty, BALL VALVE - CLOSED MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED Vacant BALL VALVE – OPEN…CLOSED
(The valve without the balloon) Move regulator to full He tank MAIN TANK VALVE – OPEN Tear off tank status tags as required Replace tank valve cap on empty He tank Go to above
If lift is at or above target level: BALL VALVE – CLOSED Remove Quick Disconnect Barb Adapter from fill adapter Fill one small balloon for wind direction and clearance
verification MAIN TANK VALVE – CLOSED One person grasps balloon at the top of the neck A second person removes the zip ties from the fill adapter
with the cutters Place the loop of the upper stack line around the neck and
fold Place 3 to 4 zip ties around neck to enclose the loop Hook the loop of the upper stack line to the block Report… “MISSON this is LAUNCH… Fill is complete”
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training When the lift is at the
desired level.
The balloon must be tied-off with the stack line embedded into the neck.
Stack Line
Neck
Fold the neck over the stack line.
Remove excesszip ties
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Report Fill is Complete.
L-0:10 (______) 8. FINAL LAUNCH SEQUENCE “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft
transfer to internal power” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Disconnect external power source
from spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on
internal power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting
properly Verify that launch release switch box KEY is OFF Connect launch battery to launch release switch box Connect spacecraft to parachute Raise the balloon Slowly on the static lines until spacecraft
hangs clear of the ground Hold the small balloon at the downwind side of the
spacecraft and release Verify the balloon flight path with compass Use the wind meter to verify wind speed and report speed
and direction to FLIGHT Report… “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO FOR
LAUNCH” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Audio beacon – ON, Other Switches
– ON Launch release switch box KEY - ON “MISSION this is LAUNCH, release is on my mark… 3… 2…
1… Mark.” When speaking the word “mark” LAUNCH – PRESS AND
HOLD Report “Liftoff” when launch release is activated LAUNCH – RELEASE When spacecraft is clear of all launch site obstacles report
“Spacecraft clear” KEY - OFF
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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”.
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L-0:10 (______) 8. FINAL LAUNCH SEQUENCE “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO for spacecraft
transfer to internal power” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Disconnect external power source
from spacecraft Report… “FLIGHT this is LAUNCH… Spacecraft is on
internal power” Work with FD to ensure that spacecraft is transmitting
properly Verify that launch release switch box KEY is OFF Connect launch battery to launch release switch box Connect spacecraft to parachute Raise the balloon Slowly on the static lines until spacecraft
hangs clear of the ground Hold the small balloon at the downwind side of the
spacecraft and release Verify the balloon flight path with compass Use the wind meter to verify wind speed and report speed
and direction to FLIGHT Report… “MISSION this is LAUNCH… I need a GO FOR
LAUNCH” Respond when polled by the MMGR When GO is received… Audio beacon – ON, Other Switches
– ON Launch release switch box KEY - ON “MISSION this is LAUNCH, release is on my mark… 3… 2…
1… Mark.” When speaking the word “mark” LAUNCH – PRESS AND
HOLD Report “Liftoff” when launch release is activated LAUNCH – RELEASE When spacecraft is clear of all launch site obstacles report
“Spacecraft clear” KEY - OFF
HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
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L+0:01 (______) 9. Stow all launch site gear and return to SSOL for debriefing
Note end time: ___________ Elapsed time: ___________
L+0:30 (______) 10. Debrief with MMGR and Dismiss Launch Team
LD attends EFB with MMT
HABETHABET Training Module Training ModuleHABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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 Since the He displaces air, it can fill a space air, it can fill a space and suffocate people and suffocate people that enter the space.that enter the space.
Also be certain to check that the tank valve is tightly closed when storing the cylinders.
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HABETHABET Training Module Training ModuleHABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training Training Helium (He) is stored in high pressure cylinders and must be handled with extreme caution.
Safety chains are used Safety chains are used to ensure that high to ensure that high pressure cylinders do pressure cylinders do not fall over.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
SafetyChain
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
SafetyChain
SafetyChain
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HABETHABET Launch Team Launch Team Training 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.
TankStatusTags
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