On Performance of Passively-Guided Balloon Systems for Earth and Extra-Terrestrial Applications

摘要

This paper explores the performance of a passive balloon guidance system. The system studied in this paper consists of the balloon connected to a sail using a several-kilometer-long tether. Such a system can alter the balloon trajectory by as much as 2-3 meters per second compared to an unguided balloon. Velocity control is of immense interest to the NASA's ultra-long duration balloon (ULDB) missions and to the scientific community as a potential means for extra-terrestrial exploration. The focus of this paper is on implementing a previously developed methodology to outline the performance on standard NASA balloons for Earth applications and on studying parametric balloon-sail combinations on Venus, Mars, and Titan. First, the model is presented and simulation parameters are identified. Next, the model is used to perform parametric studies on extra-terrestrial systems. Finally, the model is used to analyze terrestrial balloons currently in operation.