A challenge to the highest balloon altitude

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A challenge to the highest balloon altitude

Saito, Y. / Akita, D. / Fuke, H. / Iijima, I. / Izutsu, N. / Kato, Y. / Kawada, J. / Matsuzaka, Y. / Mizuta, E. / Namiki, M. / ... [more]

Abstract

Abstract Development of a balloon to fly at higher altitudes is one of the most attractive challenges for scientific balloon technologies. After reaching the highest balloon altitude of 53.0km using the 3.4μm film in 2002, a thinner balloon film with a thickness of 2.8μm was developed. A 5000m³ balloon made with this film was launched successfully in 2004. However, three 60,000m³ balloons with the same film launched in 2005, 2006, and 2007, failed during ascent. The mechanical properties of the 2.8μm film were investigated intensively to look for degradation of the ultimate strength and its elongation as compared to the other thicker balloon films. The requirement of the balloon film was also studied using an empirical and a physical model assuming an axis-symmetrical balloon shape and the static pressure. It was found that the film was strong enough. A stress due to the dynamic pressure by the wind shear is considered as the possible reason for the unsuccessful flights. A 80,000m³ balloon with cap films covering 9m from the balloon top will be launch in 2011 to test the appropriateness of this reinforcement.

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Document information

Title :

A challenge to the highest balloon altitude

Contributors:

Saito, Y. (author) / Akita, D. (author) / Fuke, H. (author) / Iijima, I. (author) / Izutsu, N. (author) / Kato, Y. (author) / Kawada, J. (author) / Matsuzaka, Y. (author) / Mizuta, E. (author) / Namiki, M. (author)

Published in:

Advances in Space Research ; 49 , 4 ; 613-620

Publication date :

2011-11-09

Size :

8 pages

ISSN :

0273-1177

DOI :

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2011.11.013

Type of media :

Article (Journal)