Requirements
Define mission objectives, required sensors, success criteria, data products, and public-release boundaries.
Engineering console
Payload systems lab
A complete engineering page should show how the balloon mission is designed, operated, recovered, and published. This console now connects the process to exact Spring 2026 evidence.
Reference mission · KA7NSR-15
APRS burst82,496.996ft
Sensor max83,661.518ft
Samples737aligned rows
CO2 max957ppm
Build
Structure, mass, battery endurance, sensor mounting, insulation, camera retention, SD-card access.
Operate
Weather review, balloon fill, launch roles, APRS tracking, chase plan, recovery, and payload custody.
Publish
Unit consistency, source labels, workbook reconciliation, plots, gallery, and mission report.
Payload architecture
| Subsystem | Purpose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Protect avionics and sensors during ascent, descent, and recovery. | Mass budget, CAD, photos, drop/fit checks. |
| Power | Keep sensors, GPS, camera, and logger alive in cold conditions. | Battery chemistry, current budget, cold test. |
| Telemetry | Track flight path and support recovery. | APRS export, timestamps, coordinates. |
| Science sensors | Measure particulate, CO2, temperature, humidity, and count rate. | Datasheets, calibration notes, raw workbooks. |
| Recovery | Preserve payload and data integrity after landing. | Landing photos, custody notes, card image. |
Flight readiness review
- Payload mass and line-load inspection.
- Battery retention, switch position, cold endurance.
- GPS lock, APRS callsign, clock sync.
- Sensor apertures, insulation, camera state.
- Recovery plan, chase communications, landing documentation.
Unit policy
Every published number must include source and unit: ft/m for altitude, mg/m3 for particles, ppm for CO2, deg C for temperature, percent RH, CPM, and uSv/h.