KD7LMO - ANSR


ANSR ANSR-10 Summary Photos The U of A

ANSR-10 Flight Summary

Launch 7 Dec 2002, 1626 UTC, (9:26 AM MST)

Payloads The University of Arizona Cross Band Repeater (Course Project), Micro Beacon II, Cut Down, and Payload Computer

Notes Just after burst (within 30 seconds) the Micro Beacon II package separated from the main payload string. The separation occurred at approximately 175845 UTC (10:58:45 AM MST). Without a parachute or other drag, the package accelerated to a vertical speed of over 210 MPH. The Micro Beacon slowed as it entered the lower portions of the atmosphere, but hit the ground with an estimated speed of 60 MPH. Further analysis and additional packet radio logs are required to calculate estimated landing coordinates. After the flight, a group searched the area of the last packets but were unable to locate or receive a signal from the Micro Beacon II.

The University of Arizona Cross Band Repeater also failed at nearly the same time as its antenna feed element separated from the BNC connector.

The Payload Computer RF output was very weak because the antenna feed line was destroyed and the signal was transmitted through an open BNC connector. During the descent we were able to receive a landing estimation packet from the payload computer. Using this information, we were able to get within a half mile of the landing site and receive the weak signal of the payload computer to get an exact location. The estimated landing coordinates from over 20,000' were within 3000' of the actual landing.

Flight Summary

All payloads recovered except for Micro Beacon II recovered 10 miles south of Superior, AZ near Granite Mountain. Data and statistics recovered from Flight Data Recorder:

77.4 statue miles from the launch site on a heading of 83° true.

Fight time 2:14:11, landed 1840 UTC, (11:40 AM MST)

Departed at 1400', landed at 2400'.

Peak altitude 93443'.

Average ascent rate 995'/minute. Average descent rate 2185'/minute. At touch down 860'/minute.

Lowest internal payload computer temperature 15.1° F, average 40.1° F.

Lowest external temperature -64.8° F, average -12.1° F.

GPS maintained 99.5% 3D lock during flight (38 seconds unlocked). Average PDOP 1.64. Average of 9.5 tracked satellites.

Average bus voltage 8.3 volts.

ANSR-10 Mountain Side Landing.

Payload Performance

The following is the performance of each payload package.

The University of Arizona (Course Project) – Student designed and built cross band repeater. Operation nominal.

Micro Beacon II – Operation nominal until separation from payload train in flight. Worked until impacting ground.

Payload Computer – Operation nominal except for antenna/feed line separation in flight.

Cut Down – Untested. Control wiring separation in flight. Nichrome wire twisted and broken.

Lessons Learned

Preflight check list and procedure to ensure all interconnections, antenna, and feed lines have proper strain relief.

Flight Data Recorder and Maps

	Flight Data Recorder contents as comma separated text (ASCII) NOTE: This file contains the complete flight recording in one second increments. Additional information on telemetry measurands included with Payload Computer - Data Logger
	Topographical Map, Complete flight.
	Topographical Map, Landing area. Note the rugged terrain and peaks surrounding the touch down zone.

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