A Novel Approach to Balloon Altitude Control for the Purpose of Stratospheric Balloon Trajectory Control

The ability to perform large altitude changes for the purpose of achieving meaningful trajectory control has long been an objective of stratospheric balloon operations. This project outlines a novel approach to altitude control for the purpose of trajectory control with the possibility of station keeping at certain times of year. The system proposed is the second generation of an altitude control system developed by World View. The design is utilizing components that are currently being manufactured using specifications developed using the data obtained during the flight of the first generation system. The flight will demonstrate the capability of the system to command altitudes within the nominal operating range of 60,000ft to 80,000ft. The flight will also demonstrate the lower limit of altitude control by commanding the altitude to descend to the lowest simulated altitude (20,000ft). Finally the system will demonstrate the potential to perform altitude changes for the purpose of station keeping.

This technology will benefit future NASA, government and industry missions by enabling station keeping for balloons, allowing a payload to stay afloat for duration of several months.

This is a mature technology (TRL 9) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.