Efforts toward achieving an unmanned, high-altitude LTA platform
- Mechanical Engineering Lab., Ibaraki (Japan)
The modern demands for an unmanned aerospace platform, capable of long-duration stationkeeping at high-altitudes, are well-known. Satellites, balloons, and aircraft have traditionally served in the role of platform, facilitating tasks ranging from telecommunications to deep-space astronomy. However, limitations on the performance and flexibility of these systems, as well as the intrinsically high-cost of satellite construction, operation, and repair, warrants development of a supplemental technology for the platform. Much has been written in the literature on the possible advantages of a lighter-than-air (LTA) platform, if such an LTA could be constructed. Potential applications include remote sensing, environmental monitoring, mobile communications, space and polar observations, cargo delivery, military reconnaissance, and others. At present, conventional LTA`s are not capable of serving in the manner specified. Within this context, a research program known as HALROP (High Altitude Long Range Observational Platform) is currently underway. The goal is to create a stratospheric platform, possibly in the form of a next generation LTA vehicle. The authors present a qualitative review of their efforts, focusing on milestones in the HALROP Program. 12 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 379543
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960613-; TRN: 96:004290-0061
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. international airborne remote sensing conference and exhibition, San Francisco, CA (United States), 24-27 Jun 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the second international airborne remote sensing conference and exhibition: Technology, measurement & analysis. Volume I; PB: 702 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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