Testing
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Payload Transmission Test
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Recovery Pressure Test
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Propulsion Static Motor Test
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Recovery Parachute Deployment Test
Transmission Test
The Transmission test was conducted on February 24th, this test allowed the team to test the DJI Air Unit camera system and its connectivity with the DJI goggles. The test was conducted on the East side of Oahu where team members were placed at Bellows beach and Makapu’u lookout, a distance of about 5 miles (26,000 ft). This test taught the team the limitations of the DJI FPV camera system such as the need of an unobstructed connection between the camera and goggles; the need for cooling to the system so the camera will not overheat. The Transmission test will be redone in the future with the considerations we have learned from this first iteration of the transmission test.
Vacuum Chamber Test
The Vacuum Chamber test is a test which tested the flight computers the recovery system will use during the launch. The test is conducted within a vacuum chamber where the pressure within the chamber is increased to points where the flight computer would trigger an event in this case turning on a light. The test is to test the functionality of the flight computer's trigger system to make sure that they function at the intended pressure. The test tested this functionality with the Stratologger Flight Computer and will be conducted again with the Telemega Flight Computers in the future.
Static Motor Test
The propulsion test was conducted on March 16th, it allowed the team to practice the prep necessary to assemble, secure, and launch the motor. The team was supervised and guided through this test with the help of Dr. Hudson and his checklist which he has used for all of his rocket launches. During the test Dr. Hudson explained to the team the importance of the checklist and following it to make sure that nothing would go wrong within the test. The test showed the team how the motor will launch and the burn time (time the motor will fire), it also allowed the team to learn how to clean the motor after the launch.
Parachute Deployment Test
The Parachute deployment test was also conducted on March 16th, it allowed the team to learn how to measure, place, and ignite the blackpowder charges needed to deploy the parachutes during the flight. The team packed the parachutes in the booster section motor tube measured the necessary amount of black powder charges with the help of Dr. Hudson, then launched the charges using e-matches. The test let the team see how the deployment of parachutes will be and any issues the team should pay attention to.