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Zephyrus Delta
Zephyrus Delta
Zephyrus Delta was launched on November 24th, 2024, and consisted of 2 balloons: alpha and bravo. The purpose of this mission was to conduct more logistical testing and collect data for future research.Â
This launch used a new system for payload, tracker, and balloon naming procedures, along with a coordinated set of launch-day roles. We also tested a series of improved payload designs from the Gamma launch.Â
Preparations
Preparations
The tables on the left show the payload for Zephyrus Delta. In all, the balloons consisted of parachutes, spot traces, LightAPRS's, geiger counters, a venting system, iridium, an Arduino Rig, a PTERODACTYL (plus minicams), and an insta360 camera with the payload mass of Balloons Alpha and Bravo being close 2100 and 1800 grams respectively. Path predictions as well as burst calculations were also conducted in advance in order to prepare for Zephyrus Delta's retrieval and to give a rough estimate of the neck lift, which was adjusted later.
Burst calculation and Path Predictions for Alpha
Burst calculation and Path Predictions for Bravo
Launch Footage and Information
Launch Footage and Information
The two balloons for Zephyrus Delta were launched at approximately 9:15 EST (14:15 UTC) & 9:42 EST (14:42 UTC), respectively, and each took close to 15 minutes to fill up the balloon. Balloon Alpha had a payload weight of around 2880 g with a neck lift of 5000 g, while Balloon Bravo had an approximate payload weight of 1800 g and a neck lift of around 4520 g.
Payload (Balloon Bravo)
Payload (Balloon Bravo)
IMG_7486.MOVBravo Launch (Ground POV)
Bravo Launch (Ground POV)
Flight Information
Flight Information
The estimated total flight duration for Balloon Alpha of Zephyrus Delta was 2 hours and 5 min with an estimated maximum altitude of 75,460 feet (23000 meters). Balloon Bravo had an estimated flight duration of 1 hour and 33 min with an estimated maximum altitude of 84,000 feet (25,600 meters). Balloon Alpha landed at approximately 12:05 EST (17:05 UTC) while Balloon Bravo landed at around 10:48 pm EST (15:48 UTC).
Alpha APRS Path
Alpha APRS Path
The path of balloon Alpha from Millersburg, PA to Pemberton Township, NJ
Bravo (partial) APRS Path
Bravo (partial) APRS Path
A partial path of balloon Beta from Millerburg, PA until the balloon lost radio communication at 84,000ft above Birdsboro, PA. The payload landed in King of Prussia, PA.
Graph of time vs altitude (m) of Balloon Alpa for Zephyrus Delta from the data collected by the LightAprs.
An incomplete graph of time vs altitude (m) of Balloon Bravo for Zephyrus Delta based on the data collected by the LightAprs before it lost connection.
Bravo Burst Video Footage
Bravo Burst Video Footage
Burst Footage (filmed in 360, best viewed in the YouTube app on a mobile phone)
Bravo Burst Photos
Bravo Burst Photos
Balloon burst at 84,000ft
This data was collected from prototype to test the effectiveness of a passive stabilization system, for the launch on Deltas Bravo ballon, we can see the efectivness of the system impimented.
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