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T0169-B

A Novel Approach to Balloon Altitude Control for the Purpose of Stratospheric Balloon Trajectory Control

PI: Iain Beveridge, John Straus (Co-I), World View Enterprises Inc.

The ability to perform large altitude changes for the purpose of achieving meaningful trajectory control has long been an objective of stratospheric balloon operations. This project outlines a novel approach to altitude control for the purpose of trajectory control with the possibility of station keeping at certain times of year. The system proposed is the second generation of an altitude control system developed by World View. The design is utilizing components that are currently being manufactured using specifications developed using the data obtained during the flight of the first generation system. The flight will demonstrate the capability of the system to command altitudes within the nominal operating range of 60,000ft to 80,000ft. The flight will also demonstrate the lower limit of altitude control by commanding the altitude to descend to the lowest simulated altitude (20,000ft). Finally the system will demonstrate the potential to perform altitude changes for the purpose of station keeping.

Technology Areas (?)
  • TA01 Launch Propulsion Systems
  • TA04 Robotics, Tele-Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Problem Statement

No additional information available.

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    REDDI-F1-16 (Jul 2016)
  • Program Status
    Completed
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 1 Balloon

Development Team

Web Accessibility and Privacy Notices Curator: Alexander van Dijk Responsible NASA Official: Stephan Ord Last Update: November 16, 2018