NASA has launched a second super pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport, New Zealand, on a mission planned for 100 or more days in the Earth‘s upper atmosphere. The launch was successful and part of NASA’s Scientific Balloon Program. This is not the first time NASA has launched a super pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport, as they have done so in the past to test and validate the technology with the goal of long-duration flights.
Purpose of the super pressure balloon launched by NASA.
Total cost of a NASA super pressure balloon?
There is no specific information on the total cost of a NASA super pressure balloon in the provided search results. However, it is mentioned that ultra-long duration missions using the super pressure balloon technology cost considerably less than a satellite and the scientific instruments flown can be launched for tens of thousands of dollars. NASA is targeting to further test and qualify the technology, which can offer cost savings compared to space missions.
What is the record for the longest duration a super pressure balloon has remained aloft ?
According to the search results, the record for the longest duration a super pressure balloon has remained aloft is 46 days, 20 hours, and 19 minutes. This was achieved by NASA‘s Super Pressure Balloon during its second test flight. The balloon was designed to eventually remain airborne for more than 100 days at a time. However, the first time a super pressure balloon was flown for a long duration through the day and night cycle was for 32 days from New Zealand to Australia.
What are the challenges associated with maintaining a super pressure balloon in flight for an extended period of time ?
According to the search results, maintaining a super pressure balloon in flight for an extended period of time presents several challenges. One of the primary challenges is managing the balloon’s altitude, especially as temperatures change from day to night. To combat this, scientists designed the balloon to maintain a balanced internal pressure, which helps maintain a steady altitude. Another challenge is sustaining long-duration flights at certain latitudes. Additionally, super pressure balloons require much stronger materials than non-pressurized types. Finally, there is a limit to how long a variable-volume balloon can compensate to stabilize its altitude because both ballast and gas are finite.
What is the weight limit for payloads carried by a super pressure balloon ?
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The balloon is healthy and continues to perform nominally while NASA continues its mission to validate and qualify the balloon technology for additional science flights.
- The super pressure balloon is the largest single-cell, super-pressure, fully-sealed balloon ever flown.
- The balloon is capable of carrying a one-ton instrument to an altitude of more than 110,000 feet.
- The helium-filled super pressure balloon can reach an altitude of about 110,000 feet above Earth‘s surface.
- According to the provided search results, a super pressure balloon can reach an altitude of about 110,000 feet (21 miles or 33.5 kilometers) above Earth‘s surface.
- The NASA Super Pressure Balloon is designed to fly at a specific pressure altitude with a known mass of payload hanging from the balloon.
- NASA’S balloons are fabricated by Raven Aerostar, a world leader in the design and manufacture of aerospace platforms.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT NASA
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA was established on July 29, 1958, by the National Aeronautics and Space Act, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The primary goal of NASA is to advance space exploration and scientific discovery in various fields related to space and aeronautics. NASA conducts both manned and unmanned missions, including the Apollo Moon landing missions, the space shuttle program, and the ongoing International Space Station (ISS) project.
NASA’s activities encompass a wide range of areas, including:
- Human Spaceflight: NASA has been sending astronauts to space since the early days of the Mercury program. It aims to explore and conduct research in space, develop technologies for future missions, and promote international cooperation in space exploration.
- Robotic Exploration: NASA has launched numerous robotic missions to explore the solar system and beyond. These missions include the Mars rovers (such as Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity), the Voyager spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the recent Perseverance rover on Mars.
- Earth Science: NASA studies Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and climate change. It collects data from satellites, aircraft, and ground-based observations to improve our understanding of Earth’s processes and provide valuable information for environmental monitoring and policy-making.
- Astrophysics: NASA’s astrophysics missions observe celestial objects and phenomena, studying the origins of the universe, black holes, exoplanets, and other cosmic phenomena. Missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, Kepler, and the James Webb Space Telescope contribute to our understanding of the cosmos.
- Aeronautics Research: NASA conducts research to advance aviation and improve aircraft safety, efficiency, and environmental impact. This includes developing new technologies, conducting wind tunnel experiments, and collaborating with industry partners.
- Technology Development: NASA invests in research and development of cutting-edge technologies to enable future space exploration missions. This includes areas such as propulsion systems, materials science, robotics, and spacecraft design.
NASA works with international partners, academic institutions, and commercial companies to achieve its goals. It has centers located across the United States, each specializing in different areas of research and development.
Overall, NASA plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, pushing the boundaries of human exploration, and inspiring people around the world with its remarkable achievements in space and aeronautics.