NSL-21

On Saturday 22-February 2014, we launched NSL-21 as another proof-of-concept flight. Similar to NSL-19, we used the 'blue box' and a 600g H2 cell to test some ideas in a night flight. The intention was a sunset launch followed by a dark night flight in clear skies over central NC. Due to unusual weather forecasts, this ended up being a last minute flight for Paul L.

Tests for this flight include:

• Mod of 808 camera for low light (remove IR filter and load special code).

• Test of Mobius (next generation 808 camera) with low light settings.

• Test RF shielding around cameras. Mobius is known to cause GPS interference.

• Test effect of bottom-hung chute on ascent rates and payload stability.

• Check out our new H2 supply, fill measurements, and viability of two launches per $25 tank.

and (spoilers)...

• Test of waders for swamp recovery :)

With the expertise of Chris G., the prep and launch went without issue. The team even had a nice comfortable picnic table to set up on at a public park in Siler City. ( We've returned to this table for later launches. )

The Mobius camera, set to low light, recorded 6 hours of video:

The new RF shielding worked well. The interference from the cameras did not impact the GPS tracker.

The under-hung parachute acted as a sea anchor during the flight. The ascent rate was slowed dramatically, but it also held the payload tightly against swinging. As a result, the flight went VERY long and was a nail biter.

It finally came down less than three miles from saltwater! Paul and Chris kept up in the chase car below. At 100m altitude, the parachuting payload appeared to be headed for a large field, but at the last second it changed course 180 degrees and drifted into a swamp. The chase crew was near the landing site and collected the exact landing GPS location, but it ended up being a very dark swamp. The frogs and other critters were very loud and foreboding, both at the chase car, and recorded on the payload's cameras.

The next day, Lucas W. and Paul L. headed back out to the site with their own solutions for the swamp: