MARY

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of SES 100, blending innovation with exploration, our team embarked on an educational mission named MARY (Methane Arduino Resources Yielder). Inspired by both technical goals and a cinematic character, our endeavor was rooted in creativity rather than real-world Titan exploration. Tasked with the imaginative mission of analyzing methane on Titan, Saturn's moon, our ultimate aim was to foster curiosity about the potential of methane as a resource or fuel.

Project Objectives and Science Mission

MARY's primary goal was to design a fully self-reliant system, incapable of receiving external signals or interactions, capable of capturing stable images during free fall, playfully mirroring the atmospheric conditions on Titan. The assumed science mission sought to use the gathered data as a fictional exercise in analyzing methane concentrations on Titan's surface. The focus was on sparking interest in the potential applications of methane, aligning with the broader scope of space exploration and resource utilization in a simulated context.

Innovative Approach and Technical Implementation

Our choice of an umbrella as a parachute was a symbol of functional ingenuity and a nod to the imaginative spirit of exploration. The camera system, nestled within a casing constructed from scrap packaging materials under the umbrella handle, showcased the resourcefulness inherent in educational space exploration.

Circuit Details

Arduino Microcontroller: Serving as the central processing unit, the Arduino microcontroller was at the heart of the system, orchestrating the entire operation.

Accelerometer: This crucial sensor, while detecting changes in acceleration, provided real-time data to the Arduino, playfully initiating the image capture process during the simulated free fall.

Power Supply Management: A 9V battery powered the system, with a voltage regulator ensuring a stable 5V output for the Arduino. A 5V to 3.3V converter was incorporated to maintain a harmonious integration with the camera's circuit, optimizing performance in the educational context.

Camera Modification: The camera underwent a playful teardown, enabling whimsical direct wiring to the Arduino. A 5V to 3.3V converter was added, embracing the educational spirit by aligning with the camera's voltage requirements.

The condition was that this system had to be fully self-reliant and cannot receive any external signals or interactions. We were also not allowed to use Video Mode on the Action camera. 

Paper work

The other part of the project was paperwork. We had to refer to this project in a way that this mission was executed on Titan (Saturn's Moon), so we had to make everything from scratch, including the project proposal, Science Traceability Matrix, and even the final conclusion report. We had to calculate all the technical camera questions, including field of view and spatial resolution. Anyone is more than welcome to Email me and ask for these Documents for refrence!!

Execution and Testing

The dramatic 50-foot drop simulated the conditions on Titan, with the umbrella's parachute system deploying whimsically. MARY playfully captured stable images of the surface, offering a narrative for our simulated methane analysis mission. The subsequent drop was a playful test of the system's resilience, ensuring its viability for extended educational explorations. The project's playful success underscored the adaptability of our design, making MARY a whimsical concept for future educational endeavors.

Project Management and Leadership

The name MARY encapsulated the essence of our project, drawing inspiration from a movie character while aligning with our educational mission's scientific focus. As the Project Leader, my responsibilities playfully extended beyond the technical realm to effective project management in our educational setting. Budgetary considerations, whimsical progress monitoring, and team coordination were crucial elements that contributed to the playful success of the mission.

Conclusion

Project MARY stands as a testament to the fusion of creativity, technical whimsy, and educational exploration. By playfully combining a fictional character's inspiration with educational applications, our project not only met the requirements of SES 100 but also offered a whimsical glimpse into the potential of methane as a resource on Titan. The playful success of MARY in capturing stable images during the whimsical free fall paves the way for future educational missions that can spark curiosity, unlock the mysteries of celestial bodies, and foster a playful exploration of resources in the advancement of space education.