Through collaboration with raven industries/ aerostar international, an industry need has been identified to accurately measure the lift gas temperature within high-altitude balloons along with the…

This federal contract award, with ID NNX16AI83A, was issued by the Shared Services Center, a civilian agency, to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT). The $200,000.00 cooperative agreement is for the development of an acoustic temperature measurement system to accurately measure the lift gas temperature and ambient air temperature of high-altitude balloons. This work is being done in collaboration with Raven Industries/Aerostar International to validate the performance characteristics of future balloons. The project provides an opportunity for SDSMT students to gain hands-on experience in systems engineering, design, and manufacturing as they work to integrate the temperature measurement technology into the balloon design. There is no set-aside designation mentioned for this award.

Through collaboration with raven industries/ aerostar international, an industry need has been identified to accurately measure the lift gas temperature within high-altitude balloons along with the temperature of the ambient air outside the balloon. ACCU4RATE temperature measurements of this nature would assist in validating the performance characteristics of future balloons. The multidisciplinary sdsmt student team will work on developing the technology necessary to do this. The primary objective of the investigation, to be explored by a series of senior capstone design teams, will be on designing and developing an acoustic temperature measurement system. Results will be compared with more traditional measurement systems using radiant insulation. The anticipated mission will include flying the technology on a balloon launched and recovered by raven aerostar, either out of their facilities in sioux falls, SD, or sulphur springs, TX. The project will be an experience like no other for the students and faculty involved. The innovative technology developed through this project will provide the student team with opportunities to conduct research and learn new techniques in systems engineering, design, and manufacturing. Fixtures that hold electrical sensors or relays will have to be designed and integrated into the balloon design. Different students will have the opportunity to lead sections of the project giving them firsthand leadership experience. Faculty advisors will monitor the students and their progress. Underclass students will be trained and mentored by senior students. This project will be crucial for students wanting to learn more about the aerospace industry.