Evolution of Scientific Research Ballooning

Balloons have been used for scientific research since they were invented in France approximately 220 years ago. The last major change in balloon design occurred in 1950 with the introduction of the so-called natural shape balloon with integral load tapes. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently pursuing development of a super-pressure balloon that would enable extended duration missions above 99.5% of the Earth’s atmosphere at any latitude. The ultra-long-duration balloon (ULDB) flights enabled by this constant-volume balloon should result in an even greater sea change in scientific ballooning than the inauguration of long-duration balloon (LDB) flights in Antarctica during the 1990 – 91 austral summer. The ULDB technology advancements include utilization of a new structural design, a co-extruded film for the balloon envelope, and structural integrity provided by the highest strength-to-weight fibers commercially available. The ULDB vehicle development is complemented by a new ballooncraft support system that provides power, data handling and communications via a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) high gain antenna capable of 100 Kb/s real-time telemetry. Another technology key to realizing the full ULDB potential is an active balloon trajectory control system, which is now only in the design stage.