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A method for establishing a long duration, stratospheric platform for astronomical research

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Abstract

During certain times of the year at middle and low latitudes, winds in the upper stratosphere move in nearly the opposite direction than the wind in the lower stratosphere. Here we present a method for maintaining a high-altitude balloon platform in near station-keeping mode that utilizes this stratospheric wind shear. The proposed method places a balloon-borne science platform high in the stratosphere connected by a lightweight, high-strength tether to a tug vehicle located in the lower or middle stratosphere. Using aerodynamic control surfaces, wind-induced aerodynamic forces on the tug can be manipulated to counter the wind drag acting on the higher altitude science vehicle, thus controlling the upper vehicle’s geographic location. We describe the general framework of this station-keeping method, some important properties required for the upper stratospheric science payload and lower tug platforms, and compare this station-keeping approach with the capabilities of a high altitude airship and conventional tethered aerostat approaches. We conclude by discussing the advantages of such a platform for a variety of missions with emphasis on astrophysical research.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge valuable advice and conversations about high-altitude LTA science platforms from participants in the W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) workshop entitled “Airships: A New Horizon for Science,” especially Jeff Hall, Steve Lord, Steve Smith, Mike Smith, and workshop co-leads Sarah Miller, Lynne Hillibrand, and Jason Rhodes. (Note: This paper was submitted in May 2014 with the referee’s report received in March 2015.)

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  1. Department of Physics, Astronomy, Dartmouth College, 6127 Wilder Lab, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA

    Robert Fesen & Yorke Brown

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  1. Robert Fesen
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Correspondence to Robert Fesen.

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Fesen, R., Brown, Y. A method for establishing a long duration, stratospheric platform for astronomical research. Exp Astron 39, 475–493 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-015-9459-9

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