NASA has set an impressive stratospheric record: their ultra-strong, ultra-high-pressure balloon completed a full circle around the Southern Hemisphere in a record 16 days. This experiment proved that such platforms could be the key to long and cost-effective science missions without the use of powerful rockets or complex engines.
The balloon, whose size when inflated can be compared to a soccer stadium, launched from New Zealand in mid-April. After just two hours, it reached its working altitude of 33 kilometers, where it kept most of the time during the trip. Observers could see the balloon even from the ground: it resembled a silvery dot against the sky.
Early landing
Although the mission was planned for 100 days, it ended early due to sudden damage to the balloon shell and a helium leak. Nighttime temperatures forced the balloon down to 18 kilometers, especially over colder areas. However, NASA engineers deliberately sank it in the Pacific Ocean, using the 2-ton cargo as ballast. This avoided environmental pollution.
“We transmitted all the science data via telemetry, so the loss of hardware did not affect the result,” said Gabriel Gard, program manager.
GPS, radio communications and ionospheric winds
The mission’s primary science instrument was HIWIND – it investigated atmospheric winds that affect the ionosphere. This charged region of the atmosphere is critical for satellite communications, GPS and navigation. Data from the balloon will help improve predictions of its changes, reducing the uncertainties in the technologies we use every day.
Cheap alternative to satellites
Despite the early completion, NASA considers the mission a success. On May 3, they launched another balloon with an improved system that should last longer. Such platforms are ideal for long-term experiments: they are cheaper than satellites, capable of carrying large cargoes and collecting data for months.
According to NASA
