A Method for Establishing a Station-Keeping, Stratospheric Platform for Astronomical Research

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method for maintaining a high-altitude balloon platform in near station-keeping mode using stratospheric wind shear, enabling stable astrophysical research platforms.

Contribution

It introduces a new tethered tug system leveraging stratospheric wind shear for station-keeping, improving stability over traditional airships and aerostats.

Findings

The method effectively counteracts wind forces to maintain position.

Comparison shows advantages over high altitude airships and tethered aerostats.

Suitable for various astrophysical research missions.

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.