Controlled Meteorological (CMET) balloons provide a new a platform for atmospheric observation and research. Operating on the principle of partial compression, CMET balloons are notable for their altitude control, small size (400-g payload), long-duration flight capability (days to weeks), and global two-way communication via satellite. These balloons were flown for the first time during the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformations (ICARTT) campaign in 2004 and the Southeast Texas Tetroon Study (SETTS) in 2005. They were used to track air parcels for repeated sampling by instrumented aircraft in order to measure chemical evolution in a quasi-Lagrangian reference frame. Advances in the design, construction, and operation of CMET balloon as integrated systems are discussed.
Revised: July 22, 2010 |
Published: September 26, 2005
Citation
Voss P.B., D. Holcomb, C.M. Berkowitz, and R.A. Zaveri. 2005.Integrated System Optimization of Controlled Meteorological (CMET) Balloons. In Proceedings of AIAA's 5th Annual Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference, AIAA 16th Ligher-than-air Systems Technology Conference, and Balloons Systems Conference, September 26-28, 2005, Arlington, Virginia, 780-783. Reston, Virginia:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. PNWD-SA-7416.