SBIR-STTR Award

This innovation proposes the use of a thin film stratospheric balloon to lift a launch vehicle with a payload to an altitude above most of the Earth's atmosphere, then ignite the launch vehicle rocket motor. It will have the capability to carry the payload to its final destination, either into Earth orbit or to the mission design goal. This launch system will eliminate the first stage rocket thrust normally required to overcome the atmospheric requirements. A Balloon Assisted Launch System will improve launch vehicle efficiency, save energy, reduce costs, and provide users with greater flexibility in selection of launch sites, including terrestrial and ocean surface locations. The cost effectiveness of sea launched Balloon Assisted Launch Systems versus conventional ground based systems that require standard range operations will be determined. This proposed launch system can make orbital capability available to organizations such as universities, research centers, commercial organizations, and countries that cannot effort to develop the conventional complex and expensive launch facilities.

Keywords:
Balloon Balloon Range Safety Range Safety Launch Site Launch Site Rocket Rocket Operations

This Phase II proposal will demonstrate the use of a balloon system using current balloon technology to lift a simulated launch vehicle to an altitude above 90% of the Earth's atmosphere. At this point, a live rocket with a satellite payload may be launched into orbit. For this demonstration mission, the simulated rocket stack will be rotated in azimuth, heading data will be collected and transmitted to the ground prior to mission termination. An operating mission will carry a live rocket that will have the capability to carry the payload to low Earth orbit or the mission design goal. This launch system will eliminate the use of first state energy normally required to overcome atmospheric drag forces, reduce or eliminate extensive range safety requirements and procedures, and eliminate the adverse impact of a launch pad or early ascent failure. The system can use existing off-the-shelf rocket motors of a size to accommodate mission design goals. The Phase I analysis of available rocket motor combinations indicated that an orbital capability in excess of 300 pounds is a reasonable early goal. As this system matures, it will provide users with greater flexibility in the selection of launch sites for both terrestrial and ocean surface locations. This system offers unprecedented schedule flexibility, improved cost effectiveness, energy conservation, and is environmentally benign. A Balloon Assisted Launch System reduces the cost and complexity of orbiting small payloads to a level in reach of commercial organizations, universities, and even countries that cannot now afford the resources needed to develop launch vehicles and facilities that have orbital capability.|

Benefits:
An operational BALS will provide a market for both surplus and new rocket motors, as well as guidance systems, integrated services, launch services, and mission planning and operation services. Users will be domestic and foreign government agencies, commercial enterprises, university and research centers.|

Keywords:
Balloon Balloon Range Safety Range Safety Launch Site Launch Site Rocket Rocket Operations