Michihiko Toriumi

High altitude balloons with ultra thin polyethylene films

Abstract The balloon group at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) has studied to develop high altitude balloons that could reach an altitude of more than 40 km with a light payload in order to meet the requirements of observations at extremely high altitudes. In 1999, we developed a ultra thin balloon film with a thickness of 3.4 μm. It is synthesized with a new catalyst, metallocene, and has a ultimate strength of ∼650 kg/cm 2 at −80°C. Using the film, we made the first balloon with 1,000 m 3 in volume and 2.6 kg in weight. We launched the balloon from Sanriku Balloon Center on September 1, 1999 and it successfully reached an altitude of 37.1 km. In 2000, we prepared the second balloon with 5,000 m 3 in volume with 6.8 kg in weight. It was launched on June 7, 2000 and it successfully reached an altitude of 43.0 km. Such light weight balloons are planned to be used for scientific studies in near future.

Thin-film balloon for high altitude observation

Abstract The development of high altitude balloons will enrich many areas of scientific observation. A high altitude balloon fabricated using improved technology with thin Winzen polyethylene films has been flown in the upper atmosphere. A light weight balloon carrying small instruments can reach an altitude higher than 40 km. In contrast to sounding rockets, the balloon-borne experiment provides a unique opportunity to stay at a high altitude for more than a few hours at low cost. We have developed methods for fabricating large balloons for scientific observation and have also established a new belt sealer and successful launching system. In January 27, 1997, a thin-film balloon with a volume of 120,000 m 3 , carrying a payload of 11.8 kg, reached an altitude of 50.2 km which is the highest balloon altitude ever in Japan. This shows that a thin-film balloon is suitable for high altitude observations and can fill the gap between satellite and conventional balloon altitudes.

Semi-dynamic launching method for scientific balloons

Abstract The Sanriku Balloon Center (SBC), which belongs to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, was built in 1971. The launching field of SBC was 140 m in length and 20 m in width. In Japan, the balloon launching method that we have been using since 1971 is a kind of static launching method. In 1998, we extended the launching field 20 m in length and created a new launcher at this point. We have recently developed a “semi-dynamic” launching method. This newly developed launcher is different from the launcher used in the dynamic launching method, it is fixed to the ground creating freedom of rotation around the vertical axis. It is also possible for the launcher to lift up a payload to a height of 5 m from the ground. We succeeded in launching the first test balloon by using this new launching method on September 6, 1999. Utilizing the new launching machine, it became possible to launch a balloon with a volume of 1,000,000 m 3 and a total lift of 2 tons, even in Japan.

Low Altitude Space Communication System

Abstract We describe a new Low Altitude Space Communication System (LASCOS), which was completed in 1996 by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science in Japan. This system consists of a mobile balloon tracking and receiving station and networks which connect them to the Sanriku Balloon Center in Iwate Municipality and the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in Kanagawa Municipality. This station and the SBC receiving station are connected via telephone lines, i. e. an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or an analog communication network. Balloon trajectory monitoring, telecommand transmission operation and telemetry data acquisition can be done from any computer terminal through the LASCOS. LASCOS has built-in flexibility to adapt to a foreign balloon station. The number of individuals necessary to operate it minimum. LASCOS will be used for long range tracking and balloon expedition. We present the results of its first test with an actual balloon flight.

Feasibility study of EVAL balloons

Abstract For a new balloon material, we have been studying the properties of an EVAL (Ethylene-Vinyl-ALcohol) film during a part of few years. The EVAL film is a product of Kurare Plastic Company, and has mechanical properties similar to that of a Mylar film. Besides this strong mechanical strength, we found that the EVAL film has several characteristics which seems to be suitable for the balloon material. Those are: 1. 1. Sandwiched EVAL films laminated by polyethylene films can be heat-sealed, 2. 2. Gas leakage through the EVAL film is extremely low, and for Helium gas, it is almost 100 times less than that of a Mylar film, 3. 3. The EVAL film is transparent in the optical band, while it efficiently absorbs the infrared radiation from the earth. In 1997, we have carried out a test flight from the Sanriku Balloon Center using a small balloon with a volume of 1000 m 3 . The balloon reached an altitude of 22 km successfully and showed a maximum burst pressure of 2.1 g/cm 2 . In this paper, basic properties of the EVAL film and performance of the test balloon are described.