Explorer - 3 and the exhibition "Step into the Future 2013 SFD"

    The development of Explorer-3 began 2 months after the end of work on Explorer-2 and Explorer-1 . The goal was the following - to create a truly reliable device, and most importantly - working completely autonomously.




    To begin with, I decided on what innovations need to be introduced in this model. According to the experience of previous devices, the necessary ones were: a new radio communication, a new building, stable temperature data, solar panels. I refused the USB camera, since it still violates the autonomy.

    In this regard, I chose the following things:

    1. APC220-43 wireless module


    Based on the fact that the previous communication modules had a too low range and the signal disappeared from time to time, the APC220-43 Wireless Module was selected. It is noteworthy in it that it actually works as a COM port extender, while having a coverage radius of 1000m, which ensures comfortable data acquisition.

    2. Stable temperature data

    In previous models, analog temperature sensors constantly malfunctioned, so this time I decided to replace them with 2 digital ones - one complete with a DHT-11 humidity sensor, the other (duplicate) - DS18B20 1-Wire thermometer.

    3. Solar panels

    This, in fact, is the most important innovation that allows you to make the device completely autonomous. And it’s not solid to somehow make a device with a space bias on finger batteries. The generated voltage of one battery is 9V, the current strength is 220mA.

    4. Hydrocarbon sensor

    I did not plan to add it initially, but then it played a rather important role (I will discuss this below), so I installed a gas and smoke sensor with an MQ2 sensor based on Sn02 materials on my device, with a wide range of gas detection .

    In total, the following was used in the device:

    - DS18B20 digital temperature sensor, with a measuring range from -55 ° C to + 125 ° C.
    - DHT11 digital temperature and humidity sensor with a temperature measuring range from 0 to 50oC, and a humidity measuring range from 20 to 90%.
    - atmospheric pressure sensor BMP085.
    - hydrocarbon sensor MQ2.

    Start of development and assembly.


    Active work on the device began in late August. By the time all the necessary components arrived, I had already assembled most of the device and wrote software. The firmware was not very different from Explorer-2. Unless, the part where the data transmission through the radio modules was described was noticeably easier.



    Two batteries were connected in parallel. Thus, they generated a current of 9V and 440mA, which was enough with the head to ensure the normal operation of the entire device.


    The batteries have been successfully tested. However, this unpleasant physical feature was revealed - the cloud was closed by the Sun, and the current is not generated in the right quantities. This was, in principle, not too scary, since with so many sunny days in the summer, the device could get in touch with a guarantee once a day.



    I really wanted to make power from solar panels with a buffer battery, so that the work was, in fact, uninterrupted, but such devices cost about 10 000r.

    I must say that after this the assembly of the device stopped. Summer was ending, and it was trite laziness.

    Suddenly, by mid-September, I found out that I could take part in the “Step into the Future of the 2013 Southern Federal District” exhibition organized by Bauman MSTU somewhere in early October. The pace of development from zero just jumped to heaven — it was necessary to do everything as soon as possible, to test the device, and even to write a job.

    The case was assembled in just 2 days, using composite aluminum. Sensors were installed immediately after assembly.









    It is time to traditionally send him to the windowsill. And then a big bummer happened - on “Mars” everything was covered with clouds and heavy rain. Therefore, the “flight” had to be postponed a little. During this time, the scientific work itself was written.

    Obviously, Explorer-3 in this version is absolutely uncompetitive. Therefore, I more clearly indicated why this device (device model) is needed:

    Description
    In the solar system there are 4 terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and several stone satellites that have undergone full or partial internal differentiation and have a spherical shape. Three terrestrial planets and one giant planet satellite have a dense atmosphere that is subject to climate change. In connection with this, a hypothesis arises that observing the climate on a planet of the Earth type will allow a more accurate idea of ​​the physical processes occurring in its atmosphere during the day and throughout the entire annual cycle.



    The relevance of the problem: the study of the planets (and their satellites) of the solar system will make it possible to have a detailed picture of the history of the origin of the Earth, to open access to new resources. The study of the atmosphere is necessary to obtain information on climatic conditions on this planet (or on its satellite). This information is required for manned missions with landing on the surface. In addition, climate information on the planet will make it possible to predict the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Purpose of work: creating a mock-up of an apparatus capable of collecting and sending to a repeater satellite data on temperature, humidity and pressure fluctuations depending on the time of day on the surface of terrestrial planets.



    Practical significance:
    1. The device is capable of collecting data on changes in the atmospheric parameters of the planet under study for a long time.
    2. Several similar devices at various points on the planet under study are able to form a global network of static meteorological stations.



    As you can see, Explorer-3 in this work is essentially the prototype of a weather station focused on use on other planets.
    I came up with a mode of operation in the global network of weather stations AWSN, to slightly diversify the functionality of the station.
    Here is the principle on which it works:

    To obtain a global picture of changes in the atmosphere of the planet under study, one station is not enough. To do this, it is necessary to launch several similar stations in interesting parts of the planet's surface. This forms the global network of weather stations Alien Weather Stations Network (AWSN). The principle of its operation is based on the fact that in one day the devices record the readings of sensors with the desired time interval. In the planet’s polar orbit there is a satellite - a repeater, which flies over one of the stations every day. At this time, she sends him her ID (tied to the landing region) and the accumulated data. After collecting the information, the satellite transmits it to the Earth, where it is analyzed.

    In the Explorer-3 layout, working with AWSN is simplified: when this mode is selected, the measurement duration is entered. Then measurements are taken for the specified time, the values ​​are averaged and sent together with the device ID.

    And now about the same hydrocarbon sensor. The fact is that the Curiosity rover did not find methane near the surface of Mars, which could testify to the vital activity of microorganisms in the soil of the planet. However, this gas was recorded by spectrometers from the Earth. This means that methane occurrence sites are localized in point or compact regions. The search for these areas is best done by a network of analyzers. Installing hydrocarbon sensors on Explorer will expand their functionality. The sensor can not identify the gas, but is able to show its share in the environment (in ppm).

    Flight timeline


    While the text of the work was being written, Explorer - 3 more or less became clear on the street, and finally landed on the windowsill.

    The device quite regularly got in touch when there was enough energy. The hydrocarbon sensor did not show a strong fluctuation in the values, and the rest of the sensors worked as expected.

    It’s hard for me to write something in the spirit of “Explorer-1” or “Explorer-2” , if before there was an action with premature failure of the devices, now I managed to create a reliable probe that works like a clock. Not a single failure for the entire time spent on the "planet".
    Based on the results of a 6-day “flight”, the following graphs were built:







    The volume and quality of the data, of course, has increased significantly since the previous missions, which confirms the deservedness of the number “3” in the name of the device, despite my assumptions about its concept in the previous article.

    Conference


    Time passed, and the scientific work was completely compiled. You can familiarize yourself with its text here .
    I would like to express special gratitude to Vitaly Zelenyikot , who helped throughout the work and even compiled an amazing review on it.

    Review text
    The scientific work of Artyom Zubko on the Alien Weather Stations Network project meets the requirements of science, and the development process reflects the principles of preparation of research apparatuses adopted in modern astronautics: repeated tests, development of technical solutions on several generations of devices and prototypes. Although the instruments and devices used in the project do not meet the space requirements for thermal and radiation resistance, the number of CubeSat standard spacecraft using exactly this type of electronics is currently increasing. For example, in September 2013, two ArduSat vehicles were launched into orbit, which use Arduino-based electronics.
    The scientific tasks set in the work also correspond to the modern development of planetology and cosmonautics. Moreover, at the moment, employees of the NGO named after S.A. Lavochkina and Dauria Aerospace companies, in collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and other organizations of the European Space Agency, are developing a series of research Martian probes under the MetNet project (http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/MetNet). This project should implement the goals stated in the scientific work of Artyom Zubko. The launch of the probes is supposed to be carried out in 2018, and a postponement is possible, so Artem Zubko, at the end of the five-year period of study at the university in a specialized specialty, has a chance to participate in the implementation of this project.
    The modern space industry is in dire need of specialists who are not only professionals in their field, but also space and space research enthusiasts. The training of future generations of space researchers is an important matter that is paid attention to in the companies and organizations of the space rocket industry. For example, in the NGO named after S.A. Lavochkina regularly conducts visits to the museum and conducting practical classes for schoolchildren and students there; with the participation of Dauria Aerospace, a CanSat in Russia scientific and technical competition is held for schoolchildren. Artyom’s initiative and independence in the implementation of his research project, of course, is a positive example for all his peers. It is worth expressing the hope that his interest and passion will develop into professional employment in adulthood, and he will be able to contribute to the advancement of man into the universe. And, no less important, will do it under the Russian flag.




    The conference itself was very interesting. Competing projects were powerful. But I didn’t come to compete. The main thing was that I had a chance to talk with professors of higher educational institutions, who gave a great deal of advice on the development of the apparatus and satellite construction in general.













    Explorer-3 did not take anything in the main nomination. Nevertheless, he is not of the level to compete with rescue robots, etc. However, he took 2nd place in the nomination of the youth jury. In general, the judges liked the apparatus, like the idea.

    The most unexpected moment at the exhibition was such that from behind me I heard a voice: "Hello, I’m reading your articles on Habré." Very nice, I hope this guy will respond in the comments :)



    Summary



    The exhibition itself Explorer-3 gave me a lot of experience. Now we can say that the technology of autonomous devices is fully developed, which allows us to move on to something new.

    Unfortunately, the Unified State Examination hangs over me, like the sword of Damocles, which prevents me from doing anything except preparing for it. However, at the end of it, I plan to resume work on Explorer-4.



    What is its difference? The fact is that the fourth generation will run on a single-board Raspberry Pi computer (which has already been purchased) in harness with Arduino, which makes it possible to do something really interesting. Now the Explorer-3 filling will be used as a separate SAA (Simple Atmosphere Analyzer) tool. So far, an approximate drawing of the future apparatus has been made, on which a 3d model will be built.

    Thank you all for your support, which played an important role in my enthusiasm for this matter. Meet me next year!




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