Abstract
This paper studies the specifications of balloons for the exploration of bodies with different atmospheric conditions. Three types of balloons, i.e., zero-pressure, super-pressure, and over-pressurized, with four different shapes, i.e., sphere, oblate, prolate, and airship, were analysed. First, the development of a simulation tool is described, which was used for analysing the behaviour of balloons for different exploration missions. Next, the developed software was verified by comparing its output with recorded data from a set of flights at the Esrange Space Center. Based on the simulation results, recommendations are given for different balloon types and shapes for operation on Mars, Venus, and Titan.
Highlights
Buoyant aerial vehicles are potential candidates for future space missions, as these vehicles can provide extensive, low-altitude geographical coverage over multi-month time scales with minimal power at low costs on planets and moons with a significant atmosphere [1]
The above-mentioned works are insightful for the ballooning community, but before implementing and studying the effects of such models for planetary balloon design, a tool needs to be developed, which can facilitate the study of balloons for bodies with different atmospheres
This paper described the performance of various design options for balloons on Mars, Venus, and Titan
Summary
Buoyant aerial vehicles are potential candidates for future space missions, as these vehicles can provide extensive, low-altitude geographical coverage over multi-month time scales with minimal power at low costs on planets and moons with a significant atmosphere [1]. Only the non-Beta test version of the tool is available for purchase It can simulate zero-pressure balloons within a limited set of environments, and it is not useful for detailed analysis of planetary balloons. The Buoyant aerobot design and simulation study (BADS) gives a good insight on planetary aerobots, but the tool itself, as mentioned by the developer, lacks a good stable mathematical core for flight simulation, and it is not useful for detailed analysis of planetary balloons [26]. The above-mentioned works are insightful for the ballooning community, but before implementing and studying the effects of such models for planetary balloon design, a tool needs to be developed, which can facilitate the study of balloons for bodies with different atmospheres. The paper focuses on the analysis and synthesis of balloons with different types and shapes for Mars, Venus, and Titan
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
