Pointing System for the Balloon-Borne Astronomical Payloads

TL;DR

This paper presents a lightweight, autonomous 2-axis pointing and stabilization system for balloon-borne astronomical payloads, utilizing off-the-shelf components for precise orientation and imaging during flight.

Contribution

It introduces a compact, rugged, and fully autonomous pointing system specifically designed for balloon-borne astronomical applications, tested in simulated flight conditions.

Findings

System successfully stabilizes payload orientation during tests

Uses readily available off-the-shelf components

Demonstrates potential for aerial photography and astronomical observations

Abstract

We describe the development and implementation of a light-weight, fully autonomous 2-axis pointing and stabilization system designed for balloon-borne astronomical payloads. The system is developed using off-the-shelf components such as Arduino Uno controller, HMC 5883L magnetometer, MPU-9150 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and iWave GPS receiver unit. It is a compact and rugged system which can also be used to take images/video in a moving vehicle, or in areal photography. The system performance is evaluated from the ground, as well as in conditions simulated to imitate the actual flight by using a tethered launch.