The micro spacecraft (MSC) Tycho Brahe-1 is the payload of the HEAT booster. It is a pressurized volume providing support for one upright standing/half-sitting person, with a full view through a polymer plexiglas-dome to experience the entire ballistic ride.
Based on the expected flight data and future test-flights, g-force loads and rocket orientation, we will determine the seating construction and necessary support to ensure a safe human travel.
The MSC will have additional pressurized space, around and behind the astronaut, available for several other systems necessary for the flight procedure, and to support additional scientific and commercial projects.
Interior payload systems:
- Seating and support for astronaut,
- Environmental control and life support system (ECLSS),
- Automatic and manual override control of booster seperation and parachute systems,
- Scientific instrumentation,
- Commercial goods.
BOILER PLATE CONSTRUCTION - MSC TYCHO BRAHE-1
Kristian von Bengtson holding the view dome for the spacecraft.
The interior of the spacecraft Tycho Brahe
Visit by the Minister of transportation Lars Barfod
Spacecraft subsystems slide-in rack system
SPACECRAFT SUBSYSTEMS
SEATING AND ASTRONAUT SUPPORT
A standing orientation for the astronaut reduces the rocket diameter, making the flight possible from our technical stand point. Furthermore, this orientation will result in g-loads up through the spine of the astronaut (+Gz), where humans somewhat susceptible to high g-loads. Calculations so far, show that g-loads and g-load time will not become a problem, when combined with our seating support system under development. The seating configuration will provide the following features:
- Slight bend legs and thighs,
- Buttock and arm pit support for optimized ±Gz-load transition,
- Neck and head support, to avoid whiplash and neck contraction,
- General body strapping
- Postural hypotension control
It will not be possible for the astronaut to move around inside the MSC. Only arms will be free to operate the manual override systems, egress, grabbing on to handles or vomit bag as well as additional oxygen mask and the MSC abort system, if necessary after touchdown.
The head may be able to slightly turn sideways to provide a wider outlook, while strapped, and the astronaut will be equipped with a small emergency parachute which will be fitted into the seating system.
To control the orthostatic pressure a pressure suit will be used.
Crash Test Dummy in spacecraft seat
Kristian von Bengtson working on the spacecraft seating system
Sketch of the memory shape foam build up
Space craft seating - Visco elastic foam build up
Top part of seating system done
Astronaut seat done. Final fabric coating sponsored and done by Krumnålen
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM (ECLSS)
The MSC will be required to have simple ECLSS system, to support the astronaut for the flight and additional 24 hours.
The ECLSS system will be supported by low tech equipment well known from e.g. scuba diving activities and space flight.
ECLSS features for MSC:
- Atmospheric pressure of 1 atm,
- Atmospheric composition of oxygen and nitrogen,
- Atmospheric temperature of app 25 C,
- CO2 and humidity removal using LiOH,
- Additional oxygen mask,
- Oxygen and nitrogen tanks,
- Ventilation systems,
- LiOH canisters,
- Communication-systems,
- Backup oxygen-tank.
The astronaut will be suited up to sustain possible failure in expected temperature.
REACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Spacecraft Tycho Brahe with RCS/Chute section almost done
PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT TESTING 02 - MAY 13, 2010
PARACHUTE SECTION TESTING 01 - FEB 2, 2010
PILOT CHUTE DEPLOYMENT TESTING
INTERIOR
Tycho Brahe-1 interior done
AVIONICS
The avionics system of the MSC will be flight controller systems or trajectory calculation devices either guiding the rocket or providing ground personal with a position to assist the pick up of personal and jettisoned booster.
The astronaut may be able to operate cold gas jets to control MSC-yaw in order to avoid unpleasant coriolis force decreasing unnecessary nystagmus effects.
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION & COMMERCIAL GOODS
The MSC will have additional space for scientific instrumentation, provided for by educational or research institutions, who are interested in any data available during the flight.
Commercial goods can be considered to be flown, for later resale as objects "that have been in space".
