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Superpressure Tow Balloon for Extending Durations and Modifying Trajectories of High Altitude Balloon Systems

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNG05CA52C
Agency Tracking Number: 040173
Amount: $69,998.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S2.02
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-01-21
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-07-25
Small Business Information
6000 Hangar Rd., P.O. Box 909
Tillamook, OR 97141-0909
United States
DUNS: 01560
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Timothy Lachenmeier
 Principal Investigator
 (503) 842-1990
 Tim.Lachenmeier@gsslinc.com
Business Contact
 Kristen Lachenmeier
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (503) 842-1990
Email: lkris@gsslinc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The proposed innovation involves the concept of using a Superpressure Tow Balloon (STB) with existing NASA high altitude balloon designs to form a tandem balloon system that provides significantly higher performance at a relatively low cost. Performance improvements include: longer durations, higher altitudes and greater stability, larger payload percentages, improved trajectory control, and more operational flexibility. The STB and related technology specifically addresses the need for balloon design concepts for long duration missions which can provide: reduced material strength requirements; increased reliability; enhanced performance; reduced manufacturing time; reduced manufacturing cost; and improved mission flexibility. In addition, a STB offers a realistic opportunity for low cost trajectory control by providing effective vertical maneuvering which can strongly influence the horizontal latitude of the balloon's flight path.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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