💥 Missile Battlegrounds

Arcade Show & Tell
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I still need help with this, I’ve been trying for months and I’ve been drawin a blank

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What do y’all want t trigger the boss fight

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MBG IS GOING BACK UP ON THE BALLOON ON MARCH 28TH

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I need to lock in and actually work on the game instead of sending it into the stratosphere

1 Like
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Launch Scrubbed - MBG Launch 4

The fourth high-altitude MBG balloon launch was originally scheduled for March 28 but was officially scrubbed due to technical challenges encountered during pre-launch preparations. The next launch attempt is now scheduled for April 18.

The mission began with standard pre-flight procedures. The balloon was set up in an open area, all connections were checked, and the hydrogen tank was prepared for fueling. The payload was secured to the balloon with reinforced attachments, and all instruments and trackers were confirmed operational. Wind conditions were monitored throughout the setup process, with light-to-moderate gusts present at the surface.

During fueling, a hydrogen leak was detected in the tank assembly, releasing gas under pressure. The leak created an immediate safety concern for the team. The leak was successfully isolated and repaired, and fueling operations were temporarily paused for safety checks. During this period, some team members experienced temporary high-pitched voices and ringing in the ears, a harmless effect caused by brief exposure to hydrogen’s low density.

After the leak was repaired, the balloon began to experience structural stress caused by surface-level wind gusts. The wind caught the surface area of the balloon, causing it to twist. This twist cut off the airflow from the valve to the main body of the balloon, creating a small air pocket in the neck of the balloon. This air pocket rapidly inflated with hydrogen, forming a localized bulge in the balloon’s neck.

Shortly after, the pressure in the bulge became too great for the latex to contain, and the balloon burst at the site of the bulge. The balloon was rendered unusable and had to be cut from the valve and released.

No injuries were reported, and the payload remained intact and undamaged. Since the incident occurred entirely on the ground, the balloon did not ascend, and no flight data beyond ground observations were collected.

Lessons Learned

  1. Hydrogen Handling and Leak Prevention:

    • Fueling must proceed slowly, with constant monitoring of tank pressure and connections.

    • Secondary inspection of fittings, hoses, and valves is crucial before introducing pressurized hydrogen.

    • Leak detection solutions or sensors should be used to identify potential issues early.

  2. Balloon Preparation and Structural Integrity:

    • Reinforced neck attachments are essential to prevent structural failure under lateral stress.

    • Balloons should be inspected for material defects or weaknesses prior to fueling.

    • The formation of localized bulges or “tumors” indicates structural stress and must be addressed immediately.

  3. Environmental Factors:

    • Even moderate surface-level wind gusts can compromise balloon integrity during pre-launch handling.

    • Twisting caused by wind can block airflow and create high-pressure pockets in the balloon neck.

    • Launches should ideally be conducted during periods of calm wind whenever possible.

  4. Operational Safety:

    • All team members should maintain a safe distance during fueling.

    • Protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection, should always be worn when handling pressurized hydrogen.

    • Emergency protocols should be in place for leaks, structural bulges, or rapid depressurization events.

Although the March 28 launch did not result in an ascent to the stratosphere, the experience provided valuable information that will directly inform the preparation and execution of the rescheduled launch on April 18. Adjustments will be made to fueling procedures, valve monitoring, balloon attachments, and environmental assessment to ensure safety and mission success.

The team remains committed to achieving a successful high-altitude flight with MBG, and these lessons will be applied to reach the stratosphere in the next launch attempt.

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why do y’all hate me :sob: