KC-135 Launcher Tests
The COLLIDE-2 launchers, like their predecessors, are designed to propel
small spheres at low velocities, ranging from approximately 1 cm/s to 100
cm/s. At speeds below 1 cm/s, it is difficult to move objects over
an easily measurable distance without significant frictional forces which
interfere with the speed measurement. Furthermore, the launchers
are designed to work in a microgravity environment and proper functioning
is not expected for the low speed launchers in a 1-g environment.
The COLLIDE-2 launchers were therefore tested in NASA's KC-135 reduced
gravity aircraft. The Weightless Wonder V flies parabolic maneuvers
which provide about 25 seconds of free fall at a time. We designed
and built a test apparatus to enable us to test the COLLIDE-2 launchers
during these free fall periods on the KC-135.
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Nov. 12, 1999: The test video is currently being analyzed for precise speed
measurements. Preliminary analysis shows that the launchers functioned
nominally.
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Jan.9, 2000: Analysis of the test video is complete. The launchers
functioned nominally and predictably, allowing us to go forward with the
new launcher
designs. A final check and calibration of the new launchers will
be conducted on the KC-135 later this year.
Images from the launcher tests on the KC-135
First test of launcher 5, a high speed launcher. The ball is
blurred in the center of the frame. Grid mark spacing is 2 cm.
Sixth test of launcher 7, designed to fire at 1 cm/s. The ball
is 2 cm from the exit of the launcher barrel at the top of the screen and
moving down in this view.
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