Thin-film balloon for high altitude observation
2000; Elsevier BV; Volume: 26; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0273-1177(00)00062-4
ISSN1879-1948
AutoresY. Matsuzaka, T. Yamagami, Michiyoshi Namiki, Michihiko Toriumi, Shigeo Ohta, Fumiyoshi Makino, H. Hirosawa,
Tópico(s)Underwater Vehicles and Communication Systems
ResumoThe development of high altitude balloons will enrich many areas of scientific observation. A high altitude balloon fabricated using improved technology with thin Winzen polyethylene films has been flown in the upper atmosphere. A light weight balloon carrying small instruments can reach an altitude higher than 40 km. In contrast to sounding rockets, the balloon-borne experiment provides a unique opportunity to stay at a high altitude for more than a few hours at low cost. We have developed methods for fabricating large balloons for scientific observation and have also established a new belt sealer and successful launching system. In January 27, 1997, a thin-film balloon with a volume of 120,000 m3, carrying a payload of 11.8 kg, reached an altitude of 50.2 km which is the highest balloon altitude ever in Japan. This shows that a thin-film balloon is suitable for high altitude observations and can fill the gap between satellite and conventional balloon altitudes.
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