Dual frequency ADS-B payload flight experiment on stratospheric balloon

Abstract

An experimental payload with Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) dual frequency (978MHZ and 1090 MHz) receive/record and transmit capability was launched on a commercial stratospheric balloon from Tillamook, Oregon in December 2013 to a float altitude of 95,000 feet. During its time aloft the payload successfully received ADS-B messages from over 320 aircraft from up to 300 miles away. It also received Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) messages during ascent and descent and FIS-B messages at all times (including while at float altitude) from ADS-B ground based transceivers. During flight the payload and balloon were tracked remotely at all times in real-time using its ADS-B Out capability. The experiment results will be discussed. 1) The experiment demonstrates the potential of high altitude balloon flight as a credible risk reduction path for testing of ADS-B receivers in either or both frequencies that will be hosted on any orbital and/or suborbital platform . 2) The experiment results inform the potential of ADS-B In for utilization by crews of both manned stratospheric balloons and suborbital reusable launch vehicles. A planned follow on experiment with a stratospheric balloon using lessons learned from this experiment is also discussed.