Poster Presentation

Solar Energy Utilization for a High-Altitude Ballooning Trip

---

Abstract

In this poster, the design and construction of a Weather Balloon Payload (cube satellite) is presented. The project is a continuation of previous projects sponsored and guided by Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE) through their program Louisiana Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (LaACES). The objective is to measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and the DC output of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels during a trip from the surface of the earth to an altitude of 100,000 ft. The payload was planned to be attached to a weather balloon and flown during the solar eclipse on April 8^th, 2024. Due to the weather condition, only ground measurements were taken and another launch trip was planned in May 2024. A system that interprets input from multiple sensors and stores the data for analysis is developed. The data collected during the flight is written onto an SD card to be analyzed upon return of the payload. Housing for the payload is designed to withstand the extreme temperature and pressure of space, as well as the severe turbulence of flight. Solar panels are incorporated in the payload’s housing and are connected to a current sensor to evaluate the solar energy collected and therefore the amount of solar irradiance that may be collected during the flight. This data may be used in the future to determine the possibility of adding a solar charger on the payload, which would potentially allow for limited, self-maintained power during extended trips.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Current measurement, cube satellite

How to Cite:

Fayed, A., Lasseigne, J., Domangue, Y. & Cross, E., (2024) “Solar Energy Utilization for a High-Altitude Ballooning Trip”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2024(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.18023