Long-duration independent gondola attitude sensor package for shock and termination measurements (DINGO)

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

DINGO (Dynamics INstrumentation for GOndolas) is a custom recording device specifically designed to measure the dynamics of launch, termination, and landing of a balloon gondola while being independent of standard avionics equipment. DINGO is an improvement to the current units used on balloon flights over the last several years due to DINGO's modular design. Additional features not found on COTS units are required in order to meet the goal of 100+ days at float and improved sensing and imaging.

Benefits

DINGO will benefit the Balloon Program by gathering data on the dynamics of launch, ascent, float, and termination of a balloon mission independent of the standard balloon power and telemetry systems. Additionally, DINGO can be equipped with a camera module to capture video footage of the balloon during ascent and the parachute dynamics during termination.

Details

Technology area	Autonomous Systems > Situational and Self-Awareness Technologies > State Estimation and Monitoring
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Denise A Lawless — denise.a.lawless@nasa.gov
Sarah D Wright — sarah.wright@nasa.gov
Christopher D Yoder — christopher.d.yoder@nasa.gov
Christopher Shreves — christopher.m.shreves@nasa.gov
Kenneth E Hall — kenneth.e.hall@nasa.gov
Rachel M Mcharg — rachel.m.mcharg@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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