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Summary

Technical and Operational Enablers for Low Cost Balloon Flights Mike Smith, Senior Aerospace Engineer Aerostar International, Inc. Aerospace Products Department Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 (903) 438-3106 msmith@aerostar.com. Summary. Brief history & background overview

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Summary

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  1. Technical and Operational Enablers for Low Cost Balloon FlightsMike Smith, Senior Aerospace EngineerAerostar International, Inc.Aerospace Products DepartmentSulphur Springs, TX 75482(903) 438-3106msmith@aerostar.com

  2. Summary • Brief history & background overview • Capabilities of free flying balloons • Technical elements of a balloon program • Non-technical issues • Real world examples • Recipe for success

  3. Genealogy of US Stratospheric Ballooning Winzen Research 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 Air Force ONR NCAR

  4. Raven Industries: Depth and Diversity

  5. Aerostar: Full range of capabilities Military Decoy Systems Well established infrastructure Decelerator design and manufacturing Complex 3D shapes: integrated design to shop floor engineering system

  6. The Stratospheric Balloon Routinely and reliably used to carry science payloads to altitudes over 100 kft since the late 1940’s.

  7. Performance Envelope

  8. Balloon size for 4000 lb payload

  9. Payload Range Requirements Crew Size 1 to 10 lbs hand launch 1-2 11-50 lbs Two person hand launch 2 51-500 lbs Rolling Platform or Truck Launch 3-5 Over 500 lbs Crane Launch – very complex 5 Free Balloon Launch Ops Scenarios

  10. Rubber Weather Balloons • Relatively inexpensive • Payload up to 10 lbs with typical balloon sizes • Typically ascend to burst, but can be vavled into float • Launched fully inflated – material stretches as gas expands

  11. Weather Balloon Launch

  12. Plastic Zero Pressure • < $1k to > $100k • Payload capability to the thousands of pounds • Ascends to float passively by venting through ducts • full ascent rate up to float • Launched partially inflated • balloon inflates as gas expands

  13. Small Balloon Launch

  14. Typical Large Balloon Launch

  15. Carrier Vehicle for Aerospace Testing Viking Entry Vehicle Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator (ESA) Balloon Assisted Rocket Launch

  16. Stratospheric Winds • Balloons travel generally west in the summer • Balloons travel generally east in the winter • Winds are light and variable in the spring and fall “turnaround” periods • Winds can be very light in the 65kft to 70 kft layer in the summer (0 to 20 kt) • Winter winds in this layer are generally easterly and light, but can be quite strong for short periods

  17. Bridging the Gap Heavy Equipment Hand Launch No Man’s Land (almost) 5000 lbs 5 - 12 lbs

  18. Small Balloon Performance

  19. Integrated Telemetry System (ITS) • High Altitude Balloon Mission Management System and wide area telemetry and control network • Developed by Aerostar for all balloon users • Operational system flown multiple times without failure

  20. Integrated Telemetry System (ITS) Benefits • Provide an inexpensive, easy to use, turn-key system for balloon and near space platform users • Customer only needs to develop their payload, does not need to develop a Telemetry System concurrently • Uses license free, non-interference communication spectrum • Ensure that entry-level balloon users are equipped with basic payloads that work reliably

  21. Power: 7 - 30 V DC Weight: ~3 lbs Dimensions: 6.5” x 6.5” x 2.5” Battery weight varies by mission requirements. Integrated Telemetry System (ITS) Specifications

  22. Integrated Telemetry System (ITS) Basic Features • GPS Position • 8 channels 5 V 10 bit A/D • Control and status indication of 8 solid state relays • Dedicated relays for transponder on/off and cut-down command • Two RS-232 ports for peripheral devices or external modem such as IRRIDIUM for global communications • Expansion Port for additional A/D, relays, or accessories

  23. Ground Station Laptop computer Power supply Radio modem and antenna

  24. Ground Station Software Sample Screen

  25. Tracking with Google Earth

  26. Icon Data Box

  27. Flight Termination System

  28. Flight Train Spreader Bar with dual line cutters Parachute Payload Box

  29. Non Technical Issues

  30. Broad Brush Issues • Some programs allow a TRL up to 7 for an instrument that has flown on a constant altitude balloon mission. This is attractive for low cost instrument development. • NASA educational programs are evaluated on “Number of Students Reached”, which drives programs toward web based experiences and traveling road shows.

  31. Liability • Anyone running balloon operations must be protected with liability insurance • This is a major factor affecting the operations of high altitude balloons • Aerostar has liability coverage for its operations • Government based facilities have operations that are protected by the U.S. Government • University operations should consult with their legal departments

  32. Where to fly?

  33. Funding Realities • Use of the CSBF is included for officially funded NASA science. • An independently run operation must include the cost of the balloon and flight operations in their grant proposal • Should funds be set aside for small balloon flights through the NASA Balloon Program? • Can the NSF fund small balloon programs? YES! They have for decades!

  34. Real World Examples • NOAA • University of Wyoming • Near Space Corporation (GSSL) • Scientific Instrumentation LTD – Canada

  35. Recipe for Success • Keep it simple (the devil’s in the details) • Use COTS equipment as much as you can. • Balloons • Parachutes • Telemetry Systems • Establish some fixed launch sites • Establish a good relationship with the local FAA • Conduct multi flight campaigns at one location • Avoid using pyrotechnics if possible • Collaborate with other programs

  36. Thank you!

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