UPR-R(river) P(rock) Conceptual Design Review University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus November 3, 2008 (9:20 MDT)

Team Members Fernando Batista Xavier Blanco Jonathan Camino Ramon Cintrón Giovanni Colberg Nelson Colon Yanina Colon Marta Esquilin Maria P. Matta Rafael Rios Vanessa Rivera Sheila Roman Stephanie Wolfrom Students:Faculty Support: Elizabeth Dvorsky Vladimir Makarov Geraldo Morell Gladys Munoz Jennifer Pfeiffer Oscar Resto

1) Mission objectives a) Brief explanation b) Expected findings c) Related research/experimentation 2) Design a) Hardware i) Parts ii) Functional block diagrams 3) RockSat Payload Canister User Guide Compliance 4) Conclusion Mission Overview

Objectives Measurement of selected gases in near-space conditions. Microorganism survey of array in near-space conditions.

Measurement of gases Why gases? – Measuring gases is an important part of the mission since they can be the building blocks of polypeptides. There is also an interest in measuring the gases that cause the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Effect

Expected results According to the findings of the “Neutral Composition Measurements of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere” released in 1971 and “Trace Constituents in the Mesosphere” released in 1987 it is plausible to obtain the following gases: - N 2, O 2, Ar, O, CO x, O 3, NO x and H 2 O. However, there are gases of undisclosed identity and concentration.

Miller/ Urey The Miller/Urey Experiment was one of the first attempts at explaining where early life in this planet arose. It was a simple premise, to simulate early earth atmospheric conditions and observe if there was any reaction that would yield "organic" particles. The experiment consisted of adding water (vapor) (H 2 O), methane (CH 4 ), ammonia (NH 3 ), hydrogen (H 2 ), and carbon monoxide (CO) to a sterile balloon then an electric discharge was applied, simulating lightning, passed through it and cooled. The results were clear, amino acids were formed with an approximate 10%-15% yield.

Bases of LIFE !!!!

Finding microorganisms What type of microorganism? - Extremophiles: a) Psychrophiles (Below freezing temperatures) b) Piezophiles (High-pressure environments ) c) Radioresistant (Resistant to Ionizing radiation, UV) d) Endospore (Dormant stage )

Why these specimens?

Expected results Microorganisms or endospores which can resist extremely high levels of radiation. This includes: UV (ultraviolet), X-rays and Gamma rays. Also capable of surviving in low pressures and temperatures. Polypeptides or amino acids could also be obtained because the Miller and Urey components could be readily available.

Preliminary Parts: 1) 3/8” tubing 2) Sequential Valves 3) Millipore type membrane filters 4) Sensory Gas Active matrix array 5) Discrete Semi-Conductor Sensors 6) Power and controls wiring 7) Program Logic Controller (PLC), and AVR 8) Gas Flow Control Diaphragms 9) Miscellaneous… Design

Related research Most of the studies related to atmospheric gases which have been collected at altitudes of 3 km measuring: N 2, O 2, Ar, O, CO x, CH 4, H 2 S, SO 2, O 3, NO x, CFC, and H 2 O

Supporting Analysis Research Identification of gases during the flight –Semiconductor gas sensor Collection of aerosols –Polymer nano-scale filter (25 to1000 nm) Bio-Sample Culture Collection and Survey –Microbiology standard procedures Inorganic particles analysis –Auger, XPS, SIM’s and Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy Size distribution and element characterization –Electron Microscopy (TEM, SEM, EDS, ELL’S) Laser spectroscopy analysis

Collection and Detection Diagram In Flight Computer Control Computer Controlled Flow Valves Microorganism and Aerosol Filters Vacuum Pump Multiple Semiconductor Gas Sensors Gas Canister Sampler Gases Exhaust Atmospheric Intake

In Flight Computer Control Collection and Detection Sequence

RockSat Payload Canister User Guide Compliance –Mass and Volume Our system will comply with mass and volume requirements –Payload activation G-Switch activation Our system will not require high voltages –Rocket Interface Shorting wires

Shared Can Logistics Plan –We intend to use a full canister –Our experiment will be based on finding microorganisms beyond the ozone layer, which divides the Stratosphere and the Mesosphere, the second aspect of our experiment is the measurement of gases in the atmosphere. –By PDR know relative locations in can We require two atmospheric ports (upper level (rocket nose) in lower port in canister)

Management –Leader: Jonathan Camino –Secretaries: Maria P. Matta and Vanessa Rivera –Gas Sensors Designer: Rafael Rios –Computer Programmer: Nelson Colon –Sequential Valves: Fernando Batista –Polymer Collection Filters: Xavier Blanco –Related Library Research: Sheila Roman –Preliminary Schedule: We expect to have a prototype at the end of this semester –We will comply with the mass and volume –The budget will be supported by PRSGC, we are also requesting additional funding from state government and private entities.

Conclusions –Issues and concerns Development of sequential control valves Development of constant flow diaphragm –Atmospheric Ports We have to decide which sensor will proceed for the gas measurements: –Semiconductor sensors / Matrix Arrays Gas Sensors

References Miller, Stanley L. (May 1953). "Production of Amino Acids Under Possible Primitive Earth Conditions". Science 117: 528. Thomas, Gary E. (1987) “Trace Constituents in the Mesosphere” Physica Scrypta T18: Philbrick,Charles R. ; Faucher,Gerard A. ; Wlodyka,Raymond A. (December 1971). “Neutral Composition Measurements of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere” National Technical Information ServiceNational Technical Information Service Nicholson, W, Munakata, N, Horneck, G, Melosh,H, and Setlow, P, (2000). “Resistance of Bacillus Endospores to Extreme Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Environments” Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, p Satyanarayana, T.; Raghukumar, C.; Shivaji, S. (July 2005). "Extremophilic microbes: Diversity and perspectives". Current Science 89 (1): 78–90.Extremophilic microbes: Diversity and perspectives