On October 7th, 2010 the Red Bull Stratos team conducted the final
test profile during the week. The capsule and test pilot were brought
to 120,000 feet at a maximum cooling of -60 F. The pre-breathing
process started a 09:40. The capsule systems ground power was removed
at 10:50 and the launch start was at 11:25. Additional desiccant
was added to the capsule but the capsule door again exhibited
condensation during the third flight blocking the view through the
door but the onboard cameras provided full visibility of the test
pilot. The capsule reached 123,000 feet at 14:15 with a chamber
temperature of approximately -14 F where Rob Rowe opened the dump
valve and opened the capsule door starting the egress procedures. Once
he was in position at the step of the capsule the chamber altitude was
reduce at 17,500 fpm as in the previous profile. The flight ended at
14:45 when the chamber reached ambient pressure. The entire flight
time was 3 hours and 20 minutes. The power systems for the payload
were left on the capsule for additional time to represent time of
descent for the capsule. Systems were powered down at approximately
16:45 hours with a payload battery at approximately 11 volts.
The completion of this test process at Brooks is a significant
milestone in the Red Bull Stratos project by man rating the capsule
and all systems.
