A banner year for solar balloon technology
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Solar-powered stratospheric balloons achieved major advancements in test flights, developmental milestones, and operational achievements this year. A solar-powered stratospheric balloon system known as the heliotrope, has emerged as a low-cost platform capable of carrying several pounds of scientific payload to altitudes ranging from 50,000 to 75,000 feet (Bowman et al., 2020; Image 1) for multi-hour level flights. This innovative system has facilitated groundbreaking scientific discoveries in areas such as infrasound and atmospheric composition. Unlike sealed weather balloons that burst, these balloons remain buoyant by retaining hot air within their open envelopes. Because they are solar-powered, they remain aloft as long as the sun remains unobscured.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NA0003525
- OSTI ID:
- 2462965
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--2024-12137R
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Multihour Stratospheric Flights with the Heliotrope Solar Hot-Air Balloon