Abstract
Recent results demonstrate the promise of sonic anemometry for accurate, three dimensional, high update relative wind measurements in high altitude (stratospheric) balloons and for planetary science missions on Mars, Venus, and other environments [Banfield, JASA (2016); White, ASA (2020); White, AIAA (2020)]. The Tufts sonic anemometer, operating at 40kHz with six commercial piezoelectric transducers and custom electronics and frame, flew out of Fort Sumner, New Mexico on August 30 2021, reaching a height of 106°000 feet at float. The entire duration of the flight was 4 h and 42 min, with 2 h at float. The three axis sonic anemometry system collected sound speed and three dimensional relative wind velocity in two modes, at 3.4 Samples/sec or 1.5 Samples/sec. Results reported include comparison to balloon inertial and GPS motion to attempt to establish accuracy. Analysis is ongoing. [Work supported by NASA-NNX16AJ24G and NASA-80NSSC20M0007. Thanks to Chris Yoder and NASA Wallops Balloon Programs Office for technical support.]
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