Alternate Solutions

Compact Rectangular Probe

This design titled "Compact Rectangular Probe" features the vertical divider that separates the two compartments. This means the left compartment contains the Tardigrade samples while the right contains the electronic equipment. The exterior walls of this design would be made with Styrofoam insulation. The divider would be constructed from a sheet of plexi-glass. The eyelet which would attach the balloon is attached to the plexi-glass divider. On the top of the probe would be two access panels allowing the insertion of electronic equipment as well as Tardigrade petri dishes. This probe is the only design that uses a vertical divider instead of a horizontal one. The materials used in the construction of this probe would be plexi-glass for the divider, styrofoam for the walls, and aluminium for the eyelet. The benefits of this design are the extremely simple construction, the small amount of materials needed, and the lightweight design.

Soyuz Style Probe

This probe design is modeled after the Soyuz landing craft. The Soyuz landing craft is used by astronauts and cosmonauts returning from the international space station. This is the only design featuring the landing legs. This design has a vertical division between the two compartments. Another feature is that the bottom of the probe has hinges which allow it to swing open for the insertion of a tray of petri dishes. This allows the user to insert all of the dishes at once and therefore reduce the risk of spilling them. The legs would assist Nathaniel Librizzi in his goal of a soft landing upon re-entry of the probe.

Triangular Probe

The third probe design uses the idea that triangles are the strongest shape in nature. This design also allows the user to cut down on weight because of the fact there is less wasted space for the electronic equipment. This means that the larger bottom compartment is able to hold an equal amount of tardigrades. The bottom tardigrade containment layer contains a checkerboard pattern to hold the petri dishes in place. There are side access panels to get into the electronics and tardigrade areas.

Mesh Exposure Probe

The third probe design was a combination of both the Soyuz Probe's shape, and the Compact Rectangular Probe's simplicity. The design features a vertical division between the electronic components and the tardigrade storage area. The top of the probe is reinforced with a plexi-glass circle to prevent the eyelet from ripping itself free. The tardigrade containment area is made from mesh that allows the atmospheric conditions to effect the tardigrades within. This probe once again features a checkerboard pattern that

Summation Abstract-

Each idea exhibits a different feature. The feature in the first design is the extreme simplicity of construction. This means it is very easy to produce, but may not yield the best results. This is because the exposure area is not as exposed as some of the other designs. The second probe "Soyuz Style" is the safest in regards to landing however it will be heavier than necessary due to the large landing legs. The third design is triangular which means it will have a large amount of strength compared to the other designs. However this design compromises the area available for electronics and cameras. The final design is harder to build but yields the greatest exposure for the tardigrade storage as well as the largest area for cameras and electronics.