Command

WIP Command page

• Expand on Summary
• For each version get an internal, external and external with purse image
• If possible get a single picture with all of them showing relative size (its kinda impressive how much smaller they got)
• For each system indicate:
  • Time In Service
  • What tracking hardware was typically flown
  • Approx capabilities, redundancy, etc
  • Approx mass
  • Limitations/Reasons for replacement

Payload Summary

Command is the Balloon Payload Programs primary, and often only means of tracking, commanding, and logging position of balloons in flight. At a minimum, every version of command has been designed with a radio beacon transmitting GPS. This has primarily been done through the use of APRS transmitters on 144.390 MHz, for a number of flights supplimentary cellular tracking on landing, and starting around NS-76, Iridium

Command-v6

• Green-PETG Box

Fits 2x LightAPRS and 1x BITS with space for an additional tracking unit. Larger than the -v5 box and easier to work with due to onboard LVC/regulators for BITS-v4 and the LightAPRS boards.

Mechanically identical to Command-v5, simply stretched from a rectangle to a square. The payload plate threaded insert holes were slightly increased in diameter which improved their durability. Total mass increase over v5 was minimal. The primary downside of this design is that Coax still runs from the plate to the lid, which creates some difficulty in closing the box and preventing a seal from being made.

Command-v5

• Red-PLA Box

Flew with 2x LightAPRS, 1x BITS, and 1x Celltracker-v2. Challenging to work with due to extreme compact size and offboard LVCs. Issues with Celltracker-v2's GPS (maybe ESD fault) and the high reliability of BITS led to only flying with BITS + 2 LightAPRS boards.

This box design was extensively drop tested from 10, 20 and 50ft with 500g of simulated electronics mass. While the prototype was damaged, it would have protected the electronics while remaining somewhat water resistant.

Command-v4

• EPP Foam Cooler

Mini-Command

• Small version of v3

Lack of redundancy contributes to NS-68 loss.

Command-v3

• 3D printed Cube with 2 payload plates with 2x systems per plate. Variety of hardware flown, Typically 2x Habduinos and 1x Celltracker, flew LINK and BITS.

Modern enough should be able to document anything from here and later

Command-v2

• 3D printed triple plate box

Limited info, JPL folks might have insight

Command-v1/Early Tracking

• Before the 3d printed boxes, large DIY foam boxes using RS422/Serial APRS trackers or flying mobile radios

Limited info, but need a picture