This webpage is devoted to documenting the Helios Payload. It is currently under construction, but will be updated continuously with links to all previous data, design files (both good and ugly), conclusions, ongoing work, and other resources. Enjoy!
Helios began as a freshmen group payload in the Fall Semester 2015. That iteration of the payload proved that we could (sort of) safely fly a balloon valve above the parachute, and produced data that has led development since. The valve failed to demonstrate the ability to release enough helium midflight such that there was a mesureable change, but it still produced a lot of other cool data.
Since then, it has become a long term payload. Efforts since mid Spring Semester 2016 have culminated in a second valve design. In reality, the second design is almost two valves capable of flying in either a 3000 g or 1600 g balloon, though only the 3000 g balloon version has flown. This payload has suggested that the valve really can release enough helium to make a different in flight, but it would be dubious to claim success.
Ongoing efforts are now working towards a third valve for Spring 2017, with the aim of a long duration flight with winds to the west (i.e. not towards the ocean!). This valve will likely reuse the Delrin disc from the second version with a hole for a new fill mechanism, and at least a new valve plug if not an entirely new valve design. Some electronics will also be swapped out to get closer to realizing our goal of putting the entire payload inside the balloon neck with no external box, and to utilize a better fan.
First launch. Yay!
This was the failed 1700 ft launch, in which Helios flew the Adafruit Feather 32u4 on a timer.
Helios switched to the Adafruit Feather M0, which died on the Launch Pad, and magically staretd working the next day. Payload flown as a brick.
This time we brought two Feathers, but did not need the second. This is considered our second successful launch, in which methods were refined, and the data indicated a much stronger likelihood of success, though still not a definitive confirmation.
It did in the dark days, but we have since decided that it is a very cool name with an identity separate from its original back-cronym.