A system architecture for long duration free floating flight for military applications

Technical Report · Fri Aug 31 00:00:00 EDT 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6525013· OSTI ID:6525013

Epley, L E ^[1]

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1. CIRRUS Aerospace Corp., Burke, VA (USA)

Accessibility is today's space frontier. Our need for wide-band global communications, earth imaging an sensing, atmospheric measurements and military reconnaissance is endless but growing dependence on space-based systems raises concerns about potential vulnerability. Military commanders want space assets more accessible and under direct local control. As a result, a robust and low cost access to space-like capability has become a national priority. Buoyant vehicles, free floating in the middle stratosphere could provide the kind of cost effective access to space-like capability needed for a verity of missions. These vehicles are inexpensive, invisible and easily launched. Developments in payload electronics, atmospheric wind modeling and materials combined with ever-improving communications and navigation infrastructure are making balloon-borne concepts more attractive. The fundamental question is whether a free floating balloon, used in a pseudo-satellite role, has value in a military system. Flight tests are ongoing under NASA sponsorship. Following these tests NASA intends to use the vehicles for research in the Antarctic. The concept is being reviewed by other agencies interested in stratospheric research. We believe that LDFFF systems have applications in areas of communications, surveillance and other traditional satellite missions. Dialogue with the broader community of space users is needed to expand the applications. This report reviews the status of the recent flight tests and presents an overview of the concept of Long Duration Free Floating Flight for military applications. 12 refs., 13 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); CIRRUS Aerospace Corp., Burke, VA (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOD
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6525013
• Report Number(s): UCRL-CR-105118; ON: DE91002668
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
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PRESSURE EFFECTS
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