Algal Bloom Water Sampling: This year was unprecedented, with our project initially targeting NASA’s MicroG NExT challenge. After concluding the challenge, we evaluated the components of our existing design—a small unmanned radio-frequency boat—and decided to apply our design to environmental sensing. We collaborated with Dr. Joaquim Goes’ lab at the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory. In a short period of time, our team CAD-ed the vehicle hull and sampling mechanism, 3d-printed the hull with SLS and tested its buoyancy. We designed an antenna system, circuitry plan, and explored LiDAR, ultrasonic, and computer vision systems. We submitted a 40 page report to NASA, as well as a $60k funding proposal to Lamont Doherty. The device is currently designed to target harmful algal blooms in the Long Island Sound. However, there is also a potential opportunity to focus the vehicle design to monitor algal blooms in Central Park.
My Role: Mechanical Sub-Team Lead Led a group of 8 Micro-G members to develop the hull and propulsion system for our autonomous water rescue vehicle. After the challenge, when our team decided to pivot to explore further environmental applications, I spear-headed the water pump design for our algal bloom sampling system.
NASA Micro-G NExT: SEA-LION—>Algal Bloom Testing with Lamont Doherty Labs
Project Overview: Autonomous Water Rescue Vehicle——>Algal Bloom Testing
NASA Micro-G NExT: SEA LION This year’s challenge was to design and manufacture a vehicle with a beacon location system that can autonomously navigate to the target on the water surface. The device is meant to assist NASA going forward to the Moon through the Artemis program, using Orion as the spacecraft to transport crew. In the event of a contingency landing (launch abort, weather contingency etc.), responding recovery forces require on-scene capsule hazard information, potentially from afar prior to committing personnel into a hazard zone.
Design
- Solidworks
- Sketching
- CAD
- Animation
- Finite Element Analysis
Manufacturing
- Rapid Prototyping
- 3D printing (FDM/SLA)
- Laser Cutting
- CNC Machining
- Assembly
- Quality Control
Deliverables
- Multiple Developed Applications
- Water Rescue Vehicle
- Algal Bloom Water Sampling Device
- 40 Page Technical Proposal
- New York Times Article Affiliation
Key Outcomes:
Wrote a 40 page proposal outlining the technical description, manufacturing plan, and operational procedure for the SEA LION autonomous water rescue vehicle
Developed a functional CAD assembly
Introduce and implement two vastly different applications (human water rescue/water sampling) to the our autonomous water vehicle
Partnered with Lamont Doherty Laboratory to reapply our design to environmental water sampling to test for harmful algal blooms in New York waterways (Morningside Park Pond and Long Island Sound)
Device featured in New York Times Article as part of a larger partnership between Columbia University and Morningside Park
SEA LION Device Proposal
Provides an overview of the technical description of the design and operation of the contact sampling device, along with a thorough manufacturing plan. Additionally, it includes the outreach programs organized and hosted by the Columbia Space Initiative as a whole.
