Current Status of a NASA High-Altitude Balloon-Based Observatory for Planetary ScienceRecent studies have shown that progress can be made on over 20% of the key questions called out in the current Planetary Science Decadal Survey by a high-altitude balloon-borne observatory. Therefore, NASA has been assessing concepts for a gondola-based observatory that would achieve the greatest possible science return in a low-risk and cost-effective manner. This paper addresses results from the 2014 Balloon Observation Platform for Planetary Science (BOPPS) mission, namely successes in the design and performance of the Fine Pointing System. The paper also addresses technical challenges facing the new Gondola for High Altitude Planetary Science (GHAPS) reusable platform, including thermal control for the Optical Telescope Assembly, power generation and management, and weight-saving considerations that the team will be assessing in 2015 and beyond.
Document ID
20150022413
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Varga, Denise M. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Dischner, Zach (Southwest Research Inst. Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
December 8, 2015
Publication Date
June 22, 2015
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
GRC-E-DAA-TN23541GRC-E-DAA-TN24141
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aviation 2015 Conference
Location: Dallas, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: June 22, 2015
End Date: June 26, 2015
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics