3.5 TECHNOLOGY EXAMPLES
Over time, the sophistication and complexity of balloon payloads has increased,
in some instances potentially yielding scientific returns that can rival or exceed
what can be achieved by a far more expensive orbital mission. What ultimately
limits the type and quality of the science that can be performed from a balloon
platform is the altitude of the carrier balloon. In particular, experiments in high
energy astrophysics often require both high altitude and high suspended weight,
as well as long flight durations to increase the likelihood of detections. Similar
statements can also be made for overcoming the absorptive and scattering/seeing
effects of the atmosphere for payloads operating in the ultraviolet and optical. In
the infrared and far-infrared, it is atmospheric water vapor that limits sensitivity.
In all cases the deleterious effects of the atmosphere decrease exponentially with
height, so even modest increases in the altitude limits of carrier balloons are able
to yield significant increases in science return.
Thus great efforts have been made over the decades to address all the individual
technologies that facilitate these types of flights, including the technologies that
relate to both ground and flight support equipment. Some advances were simple
but enhanced a specific phase of a mission, such as improving a collar or launch
spool. Some were more complex, such as requiring a better way to separate the
balloon from the parachute or to terminate the flight. Furthermore, technologies
were enhanced to provide greater data acquisition and to record vast volumes of
data on board as well as to telemeter it to the ground. As the digital age became
more advanced and available, the balloon world had to adapt and even innovate.
The era of the internet and more advanced technologies opened the way for the
commercial balloon applications. Now corporations are advancing technologies
associated with flying constellations of balloons to service remote locations that
have no or little internet service. These commercial applications have advanced
the technology of controlling the altitude and location of balloons which used to
be at the mercy of the prevailing winds.
During the mid-1980’s a number of engineering advances were made in balloon systems. These included:
• Design of a new balloon helium valve.
• Design of an automatic burst detector.
• A computer augmented platform for telecommunication and navigation of
LDB flights.
• Construction of an Omega data sampling receiver for LDB flights.
• Work on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) balloon grade film.
• Testing of a new technique for launching heavy payloads.
• Work on a new super-pressure design concept.
3.5 Technology Examples 59
Over time, the sophistication and complexity of balloon payloads has increased,
in some instances potentially yielding scientific returns that can rival or exceed
what can be achieved by a far more expensive orbital mission. What ultimately
limits the type and quality of the science that can be performed from a balloon
platform is the altitude of the carrier balloon. In particular, experiments in high
energy astrophysics often require both high altitude and high suspended weight,
as well as long flight durations to increase the likelihood of detections. Similar
statements can also be made for overcoming the absorptive and scattering/seeing
effects of the atmosphere for payloads operating in the ultraviolet and optical. In
the infrared and far-infrared, it is atmospheric water vapor that limits sensitivity.
In all cases the deleterious effects of the atmosphere decrease exponentially with
height, so even modest increases in the altitude limits of carrier balloons are able
to yield significant increases in science return.
Thus great efforts have been made over the decades to address all the individual
technologies that facilitate these types of flights, including the technologies that
relate to both ground and flight support equipment. Some advances were simple
but enhanced a specific phase of a mission, such as improving a collar or launch
spool. Some were more complex, such as requiring a better way to separate the
balloon from the parachute or to terminate the flight. Furthermore, technologies
were enhanced to provide greater data acquisition and to record vast volumes of
data on board as well as to telemeter it to the ground. As the digital age became
more advanced and available, the balloon world had to adapt and even innovate.
The era of the internet and more advanced technologies opened the way for the
commercial balloon applications. Now corporations are advancing technologies
associated with flying constellations of balloons to service remote locations that
have no or little internet service. These commercial applications have advanced
the technology of controlling the altitude and location of balloons which used to
be at the mercy of the prevailing winds.
During the mid-1980’s a number of engineering advances were made in balloon systems. These included:
• Design of a new balloon helium valve.
• Design of an automatic burst detector.
• A computer augmented platform for telecommunication and navigation of
LDB flights.
• Construction of an Omega data sampling receiver for LDB flights.
• Work on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) balloon grade film.
• Testing of a new technique for launching heavy payloads.
• Work on a new super-pressure design concept.
3.5 Technology Examples 59