SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal will demonstrate the feasibility of applying GSSL‚s 3DR space inflatable technology to a vertically-controllable superpressure balloon platform. Today, global measurements of regional atmospheric, meteorologic, and oceanic parameters are unobtainable in a real time basis. These measurements could lead to improved environmental policy decisions and further scientific understanding of weather, greenhouse gases, and oceanic processes. GSSL and their strategic partner North Sails are in a leadership position to advance a technology proven in high performance sails to the balloon and inflatables market. Phase 1 work will include a prototype 3DR balloon design, materials selection and evaluation, preparation and testing of samples using 3DR processes, and an adaptation of GSSL‚s proprietary balloon envelope recovery system. The Phase 1 effort will provide the foundation for the fabrication and flight-testing of a prototype 3DR balloon vehicle during Phase 2. Finally, the commercial application of the technology to both wind tracer balloons and scientific research platforms will be addressed. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: 3DR technology can be applied to creation of long duration stratospheric balloon platforms. These platforms can be used for a wide array of commercial remote sensing applications including atmospheric and oceanic observations, communications and space craft components validation. Embedded sensors in the balloon itself can augment other observations in the payload section. Cost effective Wind Tracer balloons can utilize this application for long duration observations at various altitudes by government, education institutions, and private researchers

In-situ measurement of meteorological, atmospheric chemistry, and oceanic parameters for regional models would aid greatly in the understanding of critical processes and provide the necessary data for national policy decisions on significant environmental issues. Three Dimensional Reinforced (3DR)membranes have the ability to offer a dramatic reduction in the required envelope mass for balloons designed for long duration platforms which will reduce the olume while significantly increasing both payload and duration capabilities. The application of this space technology provides an innovativemethod of using a combination of films and fibers for locally reinforcing a balloon envelope based on itsspecific design requirements. In Phase 1, 3DR was evaluated for its applicability to meeting therequirements of NOAA's GAINS program. Results showed that envelope volumes could be reduced by25-33% resulting in a 33-43% reduction in envelope mass. The Phase 2 goal is to provide empiricalvalidation to 3DR's potential for practical application and commercialization of terrestrial balloonplatforms. The Phase 2 technical objectives include validating the 3DR design and material selectionmethods, and reducing the experimental fabrication procedures to acceptable production processes. Thiswill be accomplished through the development and testing of a commercially viable wind tracer balloon.

Keywords:
3DR, Long Duration Balloon Platform, Wind Tracer, In-situ Measurements.

Potential Commercial Applications:
3DR tracer balloon technology will support a wide variety of applications ranging from scientificresearch to environmental monitoring, communications platforms, and remote sensing. Primaryapplication is a platform for tracing wind patterns, but lightweight instruments can also provide crucialin-situ measurements for calibrating and correlating satellite and other remote sensing data.olume while significantly increasing bothpayload and duration capabilities. The application of this space technology provides an innovativemethod of using a combination of films and fibers for locally reinforcing a balloon envelope based on itsspecific design requirements. In Phase 1, 3DR was evaluated for its applicability to meeting therequirements of NOAA's GAINS program. Results showed that envelope volumes could be reduced by25-33% resulting in a 33-43% reduction in envelope mass. The Phase 2 goal is to provide empiricalvalidation to 3DR's potential for practical application and commercialization of terrestrial balloonplatforms. The Phase 2 technical objectives include validating the 3DR design and material selectionmethods, and reducing the experimental fabrication procedures to acceptable production processes. Thiswill be accomplished through the development and testing of a commercially viable wind tracer balloon.

Keywords:
3DR, Long Duration Balloon Platform, Wind Tracer, In-situ Measurements.

Potential Commercial Applications:
3DR tracer balloon technology will support a wide variety of applications ranging from scientificresearch to environmental monitoring, communications platforms, and remote sensing. Primaryapplication is a platform for tracing wind patterns, but lightweight instruments can also provide crucialin-situ measurements for calibrating and correlating satellite and other remote sensing data.