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Completed TRL 7 (started at 4, targeting 7)
Although high-altitude, long-duration balloon missions provide unique science opportunities, utilization of these suborbital platforms is currently constrained by the limitations of over-the-horizon telemetry systems that are able to transmit only highly processed data. To address this shortcoming, researchers have developed a data buoy consisting of a modified drone shuttle system to be dropped from a high-altitude balloon at 130,000 feet with a drogue parachute to allow for subsonic pullout. The system is designed to have a no-wind gliding distance of 120 miles.
Problem Statement
Approximately one in three ultra-long balloon missions terminate over water, resulting in a loss of payloads. Providing a data buoy with the capability of returning stored primary data to suitable recovery sites in a timely manner would greatly increase the value of these flights. This experiment seeks to expand the data buoy shuttle system’s operational altitude envelope from 90,000 feet to 130,000 feet. Researchers will also examine its release from the balloon and drogue performance.
Technology Maturation
At the end of a successful demonstration, this innovation’s TRL will advance from 4 to 7.
A primary advantage of this technology is its efficiency. It enables raw science data retrieval while continuing a balloon flight and without the need for gondola recovery. It also returns stored primary data quickly. This would benefit NASA missions, other government agencies, and the commercial space industry.
Future Customers
• National Balloon Program and its scientific programs and principal investigators
• Other government programs seeking to leverage high-altitude balloons or requiring access to very high altitudes
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This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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