A.Da.M.Rocket
Atmospheric Data Measuring Rocket
Project Proposal Draft 2
3 November 2006
Western Washington University
Electrical Engineering Technology Department
Class: Etec 471
Professor: Todd Morton
Written By: Matthew Buonadonna
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Guidelines and tips
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Atmospheric Data Measuring Rocket: ADaM Rocket Project Proposal, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Engineering
The proposal for the atmospheric data measuring rocket (adam rocket) project, which aims to develop a self-contained electronic device that measures temperature, pressure, and humidity during the rocket's descent and transmits the data to a ground station for analysis. The project consists of two major divisions: the rocket electronics and the ground station.
Typology: Study Guides, Projects, Research
Pre 2010
1 / 5
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
Related documents
Partial preview of the text
Download Atmospheric Data Measuring Rocket: ADaM Rocket Project Proposal and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!
A.Da.M.Rocket
Atmospheric Data Measuring Rocket
Project Proposal Draft 2
3 November 2006
Western Washington University
Electrical Engineering Technology Department
Class: Etec 471
Professor: Todd Morton
Written By: Matthew Buonadonna
Introduction Atmospheric weather affects everything. Weather can interfere with television reception, prevent planes from landing, and at its extreme destroy entire towns. It is a continuing effort in the field of science and technology to attempt to predict and properly prepare for the weather. A myriad of electronic devices have been produced over the years to better assist meteorologists in recording and analyzing current weather conditions. One device that would be useful in assisting in atmospheric data measuring is a rocket. Rockets are used today for a wide variety of field research applications and would be well suited for measuring high altitude atmospheric conditions. The Atmospheric Data Measuring Rocket (ADaM Rocket) is a self-contained electronic device that will take temperature, pressure and humidity readings at a defined interval during the rockets decent. The data will be transmitted back to a ground station that will then display and store the information to a user for analysis. Project Description The ADaM rocket’s electronic system has two major project divisions, the rocket electronics and the ground station. After the rocket is set up for launch the electronics package will be activated and begin self and transmission tests with the ground station. After all tests are performed the rocket is ready to launch. Once the rocket reaches a one-kilometer apogee the electronics package will begin monitoring atmospheric conditions during the descent and transmit them to the ground station. The ground station will monitor the rocket electronics before, during and after the flight. The data transmissions during the rocket’s descent will be displayed on the interface screen and will also be stored in the ground station’s memory for later analysis and transfer to a PC. Figure 1 , Block Diagram
Figure 2 , Product concept sketch Benefits and Comparison The ADaM rocket has many useful applications. Tornado chasers in the Midwest can use this portable device to measure atmospheric conditions both before and after a tornado strike. Meteorologists who study large storms could launch an ADaM rocket in the eye of a hurricane and collect valuable meteorological data. The military could use such a rocket to help in aiming artillery, or analyzing weather conditions for aircraft landings and takeoffs. The Navy already uses such a rocket to calculate for atmospheric affects on radar (http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/sensors/vaisala_oy/index.html). This rocket, named the VAISALA RK91, travels one kilometer high and takes atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity readings during its descent. The data is used to calculate refractivity estimation for radar stations. My project is almost identical to this rocket in function but will be more compact. The most useful aspect of the ADaM rocket is its portability. The ground station is a small hand-held unit while the rocket and launcher can be carried to the launch location. This feature can really help meteorologist in the field when they need to act fast in taking meteorological data (see Figure 3 below).
Figure 3 , Storm chaser using ADaM rocket Demonstration For the end of the year senior project demonstrations a standing display will be set up with pictures, commentary and a continuously looping movie of the launch and data acquisition. The ADaM rocket’s electronics package and ground station will also be on display and fully functioning for visitors to use. All visitors will be able to interact with the ground station on display. Since it will be impossible to fully demonstrate the entire ADaM rocket operation in the limited confines of the lab there will be other features visitors can interact with to observe the systems operations. The data from the test launch will be stored in permanent memory and will be assessable for a visitor to review. Also, a visitor will be able to interact with the rocket electronics package via pre-flight testing routines to demonstrate the RF capabilities of the system.