SBIR-STTR Award

NASA desires 40 to 60+ altitude control range for a Venus aerobot—with the 40km altitude presenting a significant hurdle for vehicle design due to high (145°C) atmospheric temperature. The Paragon-proposed innovation couples their team’s current advancements in robust, extreme temperature flexible/impermeable barrier envelopes with the latest Mechanical Compression Altitude Control Balloon (MC-ACB) technology. MC-ACB’s unique planar fabrication protocol is highly conducive to incorporation of the aforementioned extreme temperature structural and gas barrier constituents. MC-ACB is a robust, continuously super-pressurized, rapid altitude control aerobot. Ascent and descent are initiated and maintained by modulation of the balloon’s lifting gas density through motorized mechanical compression. As the aerobot ascends and descends in accordance with its programmed trajectory, the balloon’s accordion-like segmented envelope leaves the lifting gas volume free to adapt to the variation in atmospheric density associated with the varying altitude. The number of balloon segments can be adapted to the desired altitude range: A larger number of segments presents a greater ratio of distended to compressed volume, which in turn provides controlled access to the great range of trajectory altitudes sought by NASA. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Particularly in light of global warming, the MC-ACB’s rapid, accurate mobility provides an ideal Earth-observational platform for surface and atmosphere, as well as for biological systems. The technology could also prove enabling in development of stratospheric balloon-borne observation systems such as suborbital telescopes. The proposed MC-ACB technology will have immediate application in expanding exploration of atmospheric planets and moons. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Applications include long term commercial monitoring of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land masses. The proposed MC-ACB platform and analysis tools can also be applied for a variety of semi-autonomous functions over broad areas, such as a communications platform for cellular services, sensor platforms for military applications, and electronic observation platform for border control authorities.

NASA’s goal to explore the atmosphere, surface, and interior structure of Venus can be accomplished through the use of an aerial vehicle specifically designed by Paragon and Thin Red line Aerospace (TRLA) to carry scientific payloads known as the Mechanical-compression Aerobot for extended Range Venus ExpLoration (MARVEL). MARVEL is an autonomous robotic balloon vehicle capable of exercising trajectory and/or altitude control in the atmosphere of Venus. and/or altitude control in the atmosphere of Venus. Exploring the atmosphere and surface of Venus presents the issue of enduring the environmental extremes. The surface of Venus is extremely hot and contains gaseous components not favorable to many materials. The challenge lies largely in finding a means to protect and prolong time in which different sensors can be operate in the harsh thermal environment and record data. As most of the interest lies closer to the surface, below mid-level cloud cover the ability to more closely approach the surface increases the data fidelity and quality captured by the sensors. MARVEL accomplishes the goal of all Venus exploration by combining advanced material configurations with innovative thermal control configurations for the payload. This results in a specialty Venus Aerobot system that can reach and remain at a lower altitude for longer times in the atmosphere of Venus to capture more and higher quality data on Venus.The current state of the art (SOA) in Venus aerial vehicles has been designed to operate within the altitude range of 50 to 60 km. This innovation will 1 extend the operating range over 40 to 60 km, and integrate into a supporting aerial platform that will be able to operate on the sunlit side of Venus and be able to transit the night side and survive several circumnavigations around the planet. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The proposed Mechanical-compression Aerobot will have immediate application at Venus and Titan. In particular, supporting access to below Venus’ cloud layer for scientific payloads for missions such as the Venus Corona and Tessera Explorer (VeCaTEx) and investigating phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere and realizing 2020 Venus Flagship Mission Report and 2018 Venus Aerial Platforms Study report key science investigations. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Two aspects of the proposed deployment/activation and gas supply/control system would lend themselves to direct commercialization in terrestrial applications. Robust aerial deployment will enable MC-ACB to be employed for military applications requiring tactical aerial drops and aerial deployment for timely, accurate weather/hurricane forecasting. Duration: 24