High Altitude Visual Orientation Control (HAVOC)
Project Lead - Owen Thrasher (omt0002@uah.edu)
High Altitude Visual Orientation Control (HAVOC) is a BalloonSat project that develops methods of active stabilization for high-altitude balloon payloads.
The current HAVOC payload (named CYCLONE) uses compressed air thrusters to control rotation at high altitudes. In addition to payload control, a three-axis gimbal is used to control camera or instrument orientation. The HAVOC payload improves the collection of high-altitude imagery and other missions required stable payload rotation.
Since 2021, HAVOC has been flown on 6 high-altitude balloon flights.
Interested?
CONTACT INFO: Owen Thrasher - omt0002@uah.edu
HAVOC Project Patch
Photo Gallery:
Meet the Team:
Quinn Booker
Email: qrb003@uah.edu
Todd McKinney
Email: tm0155@uah.edu
Alex Roberts
Email: acr0025@uah.edu
Melinda Downey
Email: md0091@uah.edu
Timothy Marshall
Email: tpm0007@uah.edu
Payload Overview:
Payload free-body-diagram
The HAVOC Cyclone payload is designed to combat excessive payload rotation induced by winds during high-altitude balloon flight. In these situations payloads can rotate rapidly about the axis of the balloon line (denoted as the Z-axis in the above free-body-diagram).
Cyclone Payload CAD
In order to create torque in a low-pressure environment, gas thruster pairs are used to induce rotation about the Z-axis. Two pairs of thrusters, mounted on lever arms to increase torque, are controlled by electric solenoid valves. These pairs of thrusters produce a coupled-moment that can either rotate the payload in a clockwise, or counter-clockwise direction about the Z-axis. Propellant is supplied in the form of compressed air from a lightweight, carbon fiber reinforced tank.
Payload Pneumatics Diagram
Compressed air is stored at a pressure of 4,500 PSI, which is regulated by both a high-pressure and low-pressure adjustable regulator in series. This air line is then split to two solenoid valves that control to either the clockwise or counter-clockwise thruster set.