Balloon concepts for scientific investigation of Mars and JupiterOpportunities for scientific investigation of the atmospheric planets using buoyant balloons have been explored. Mars and Jupiter were considered in this study because design requirements at those planets bracket nominally the requirements at Venus, and plans are already underway for a joint Russian-French balloon system at Venus. Viking data has provided quantitative information for definition of specific balloon systems at Mars. Free flying balloons appear capable of providing valuable scientific support for more sophisticated Martian surface probes, but tethered and powered aerostats are not attractive. The Jovian environment is so extreme, hot atmosphere balloons may be the only scientific platforms capable of extended operations there. However, the estimated system mass and thermal energy required are very large.
Document ID
19790042617
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ash, R. L. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-0419
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerodynamic Decelerator and Balloon Technology Conference