Evaluation of the EarthSHAB Stratospheric Solar Hot Air Balloon Flight Prediction Model Using Balloon Trajectory Data

• DOI: 10.1175/jtech-d-24-0045.1
• Publication Date: 2024-10-28T14:37:21Z
• Authors: Jessica M. Lien; Lauren B. Wheeler; Daniel C. Bowman; Tristan K. Schuler; Emalee E. Hough; Zachary H. Yap

Abstract The heliotrope is a solar balloon design which constructed out of painter’s plastic, and the exterior coated in charcoal powder. Darkening plastic gives high absorptance, allows it to ascend into lower stratosphere float for hours at time. balloons have previously been used lift scientific instruments study chemical explosions, earthquakes, stratospheric aerosols. They also proposed as platform planetary exploration. Flight predictions are crucial preflight planning reduce safety risks meet flight objectives. However, there exists wide range possible paths due varying environmental conditions configurations. EarthSHAB one such software that was designed support using weather forecasts properties predict path balloon. We compare EarthSHAB-simulated set observed 3.5-m diameter called “Cloudskimmer.” Using criteria modeled must fall within 5% observations be considered successful, we found successfully predicted Cloudskimmer ascent rate average altitude 10% 90% time, respectively. difference landing locations 97 km times were 54 ± 38 min. Significant deviations between rates excursions associated with heavy payloads convective cloud development, Significance Statement Solar time aerosols, more. can difficult variability their surrounding environment. evaluate accuracy EarthSHAB, predicts profile horizontal trajectory inputs weather, size, mass. Our results suggest this study, best suited modeling behavior lightweight do not fly or directly above clouds.