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Recent materials problems relating to catastrophic balloon failuresBalloons fabricated of thin polyethylene materials have provided relatively inexpensive and reliable scientific research platforms for approximately three decades. Reliability of the modern day balloon, as launched by the U.S.A. National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF), has been approximately 85 percent. Recent balloon failures, coupled with an increased ocurrence of catastrophic failures, created grave concern over the integrity of the present balloon inventory of the U.S.A. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). An investigative team was established by NASA to review the circumstances surrounding the catastrophic balloon failures, determine the cause and to make recommendations to correct the problem and to prevent its reoccurrence. The most probable cause of failure as determined by the investigation was the polyethylene balloon film, although the film had passsed the established standard quality control measures of the film manufacturer. The approach, findings, and conclusions of the investigation are presented along with planned procedures to assure future quality balloon film for NASA balloons.
Document ID
19850056152
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Smith, I. S.
(NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 5
Issue: 1, 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
85A38303
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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