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Battery systems were a carefully considered element to (a) minimize fire danger in an oxygenated environment, (b) limit unnecessary weight and (c) ensure power for capsule systems throughout a multi-hour mission. All capsule batteries were lithium ion, space-rated units. In total, two sets of three batteries per pack were used in the capsule: one set that powered the camera and video systems, and one set that powered the scientific, operational and life support systems. The battery pack for the cameras was completely separate from the battery pack that powered scientific/operational/life support equipment. All battery systems were designed to have a minimum 25% and 50% margin of battery life remaining after each flight for the camera and life support/science systems respectively. All battery systems had reassuring margins of battery life left when the capsule was recovered. A cooling system was required to dissipate the 1,100-watt peak output of heat generated from the camera systems. The capsule needed a system that would minimize impact on landing, both because the vessel was intended for reuse during the course of the multi-stage program, and to protect Baumgartner should he find it necessary to return to earth in the capsule rather than jumping. The target was to land with an impact under 12 Gs. Part of this system was a 100-foot-diameter parachute, initially reefed to 17 feet (described in detail later in this document: see paper entitled “Weather, Balloon and Reefed Parachute System”). This mission proved out the efficiency of a reefed system in a high-altitude environment. The other key impact-minimization component was a replaceable crush pad system at the bottom of the capsule. The overall capsule recovery system functioned so well that typical landing shocks ranged from 4.5 to 8 Gs.
The same capsule was used on all three of Baumgartner’s stratospheric flights. On the program’s July 25, 2012 mission, the speed of capsule landing was an unexpected 38 mph / 61 kmh. Despite the relatively high impact, the pressure sphere remained intact, and all power and battery systems were still operating upon recovery. The team returned the capsule from the New Mexico test site to Sage Cheshire Aerospace, where tests revealed that the capsule’s pressure systems, life support and electronics were completely in tolerance and fully functional. Nonetheless, with Baumgartner’s safety on the line, the Sage Cheshire team completely stripped the capsule down (even removing the fire-retardant paint) to re-verify every component and changed out the LOX (liquid oxygen) and Red Bull Stratos Scientific Summit
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