Tiny Virtual Reality Space Experience (VRSE)Author: Tiffany A. Lovett, DemoSat Mentor and COSGC Advisor: Barbra Sobhani, M.S.Red Rocks Community College CCofCO RockSat-X Team: Caleb Christenson, Nathan Clapp, Mac Grove, Faatasina Liufau, Tiffany Lovett, Spencer Madison, Segev Morgan, Onterrio Morris, Santana Padilla, Cid Quezada, Marieke Spiegleman, Jared Stroud, Shannon Walters-Dorchak

AbstractCapturing 360° and VR footage in space during student missions reducesthe barrier to entry for those seeking to explore these technologies. The Tiny VRSE project is the continuation of a NASA funded rocket integrated payload project for RockSat-X 2020. VRSE is a collaborative effort conducted by the Community Colleges of Colorado (CCofCO) student team from both Arapahoe (ACC) and Red Rocks (RRCC) Community Colleges. By recreating a smaller version of the team’s RockSat-X payload for this High-Altitude Balloon Platform we can test the viability and accessibility of this design and its technology for small affordable student projects, as well as the viability of the RockSat-X 2020 Mission objectives. Tiny VRSE consists of a mini 360° camera which is extended beyond the payload and captures external footage of the flight. The programmable boom arm is fully 3D printed in PLA and controlled by consumer microcontrollers and sensors.

Tiny VRSE footage will be compiled with the RockSat-X 2020 mission footage and previous DemoSat Fall 2019 Mission footage to be incorporated in a VIVE VR experience. Additionally, the video will be utilized by institutions for STEM education outreach and the technology can be used to develop viable industry methods and standards.

Balloon PayloadSchematic

Tiny Introduction

Tiny VRSE, Big Idea:Since miniaturized electronics are widely consumer available, students can create payloads that are even smaller while maintaining mechanical effectiveness.

Tiny VRSE Objectives :Challenging the Design:▪ Recreating a smaller version of

the team’s RockSat-X VRSE Sub-Orbital Sounding Rocket payload for the High-Altitude Balloon Atmospheric Science Platform.

Training and Setting Standards:▪ Testing viability for RockSat-X

and proving accessibility for small affordable student projects.

Showcasing New Techniques:▪ Creating a VIVE VR experience

with the RockSat-X 2020, DemoSat Spring 2020, and DemoSat Fall 2019 mission footage through iteration and collaboration.

Challenge Goals:▪ Compact▪ Portable▪ Lightweight▪ Cost Effective

New Concepts:● MADV Mini● UV & Altitude

Sensors● Android

Application Compatibility

● Lineage OS &Raspbian

Rocket Boom Arm Extension

Methodology

Payload Comparison

Flight Plan & Methods:What it do…?▪ Extend MADV Mini 360° into the

environment at approximately 1,000 ft.

▪ Cameras and sensors record when powered on.

▪ Arm is programmed to retract when the balloon reaches a set lower altitude than flight.

▪ Ensures retraction will occur prior to touch down.

▪ 360° Footage and 3D Models will be compiled into a VIVE VR experience.

Procedures:Program Basics:▪ Begin recording before lift-off. ▪ Extend through flap just at lift-off

completion. ▪ At low enough altitude trip condition

and retract the arm.▪ Store sensor data on the high-speed

micro SD of each Pi.

Cut-Offs:▪ Humidity issues in electrical

enclosure. ▪ Power surges or voltage irregularity.

OriginalRocket Payload

RockSat-X RocketMajor Components• Electrical Box• Stepper Motor &

Linear Actuator System

• Reel and Scissor Arm• 360º Camera &

Housing• 170º Pi Camera

DemoSat BalloonMajor Components• Sensors• 360º Camera Housing

and Pi Camera• Stepper Motor & Linear

Actuator System• Scissor Arm and Reel• Microcontroller

Compartment• Power Components

Balloon Modifications

Tinier Component Testing

Arm Pieces

Tiny Parts, Major Testing:Completed:• Main electronics assembled.• Power calibration.• Pi camera data storage.Testing & in the Works:• Print and Assemble from

CAD.• Whip, Drop, and Tumble.• Data accuracy tweaks.• Camera enhancements.• Long term power efficiency. • Lineage OS and app

processing.• Field of view tweaks.

Linear Actuator

4-inches

vs

6.9-inches

3-inches

vs

6.6-inches

Payload Electronics and Software

Materials:Main Components• PLA printed scissor arm system • Raspberry Pi Zero• CMX219 Raspberry Pi Camera V.2• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B• MADV Mini System• Raspbian - Lite - Pi Zero• Lineage OS - Pi 4. • Step Motor Controller• Pre-built Miniature Linear Actuator

Rail System• Sensors

Power:• Power Switch• LM2596 DC-DC Buck/Step Down

Converters• Energizer Lithium Ion Battery Pack

Tiny 360°Camera

Electrical Assembly & Flow

Inter-Institutional and Student Collaboration

In-Flight 360°

RockSat- X Payload Design Advisors and Staff at COSGCDirector: Chris KoehlerDeputy Director: Bernadette Garcia Advisor: Corey Huffman

Sponsors:NASA Goddard Spaceflight CenterNASA Wallops Flight Facility

Student Collaboration:RRCC and ACC Student TeamStacey Barbarick, RRCC RockSat-X 2018-2019Graham Kersey, Community College of Denver, DemoSat 2019 with Dr. Joel ThompsonBri Trefner Colorado School of Mines RockSat-X 2019-2020 Team-lead.

Tiny VRSE Now!

The Good:The internal Pi camera is ready! This will be useful if failure is experienced and will help figure out what goes wrong. The size is also nearly half that of the original rocket payload and the cost is insurmountably lower.

The Difficult:Different OS were attempted using the MADV mini and Android compatible applications. Only an Android compatible microcontroller can be used. The Pi Zero appears tobe incompatible.

CameraTesting Lens

Modification

Sensor Assembly

Status Report!The parts are ready to be printed and constructed. The electronics are assembled and being tested for general operations. The housing is awaiting full assembly with printed parts. The system is scheduled to be launched in Summer 2020.

The CCofCO Team

From Left: Nathan, Spencer, Marieke, Onterrio, Cid, Sina, Segev, Tiffany, Mac, Shannon, Barb, Caleb. Not Pictured:

Jennifer Jones.

Acknowledgements

CCofCO RockSat-X Mentors:▪ Jennifer Jones , M.S. (ACC)▪ Barbra Sobhani, M.S. (RRCC)

RRCC Mentors:▪ Professor Adam Forland, M.S.▪ Professor Jeremy Beard, M.S., P.E.

CCofCO Partner:▪ Arapahoe Community College

RockSat-X Sponsors:▪ NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center▪ NASA Wallops Flight Facility