Stratospheric Balloon Research Articles

HERCCULES: A university balloon-borne experiment for BEXUS 32 to characterize the thermal environment in the stratosphere using COTS

The thermal analysis of stratospheric balloon payloads is still a complex task due to the variable thermal environment during the flight phases as well as due to the convective effects during the ascent. An experiment named HERCCULES has been successfully launched from Esrange Space Centre (Kiruna, Sweden) in September 2023 as part of the REXUS/BEXUS programme. This experiment aimed of serving as a heat transfer and thermal environment characterization platform that allow to validate previously developed methodologies for the worst-case thermal environmental conditions’ selection and the thermal analysis of these platforms. The experiment has been developed in an academic environment and the design, manufacturing, integration and test activities were mainly performed by Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. students with the mentorship of the European Space Agency. A low-cost design was achieved by using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) without compromising its performance capabilities. The obtained measurements show a colder behavior of the external elements with regard to the worst-case analysis during the first part of the ascent phase. In addition, radiative fluxes measured during the flight show a deviation in the infrared downward flux of about -50Wm−2 at 5km of altitude and a maximum fluctuation of about the 20% in the solar fluxes measurements. Significant advancements have been made for similar missions in terms of mechanical standardization, the use of COTS sensors and electronic components, the improvement of the reliability of the thermal analysis and the development of a software design adhered to standards and recommendations for critical systems.

Manufacturing process and annealing influence on the dynamic mechanical properties and physical structure of LLDPE thin films

Thin films of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene are used for stratospheric balloon applications. They undergo tensile mechanical stress on a wide range of temperatures [-95; 55]°C. The aim of this study is to compare the influence of blown film and double-bubble manufacturing processes on the crystalline phase and mechanical properties of the films through their operating temperatures (flight, storage, and transportation temperatures). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry have been used to monitor the dynamic mechanical properties in tension mode and the crystalline phase of the films respectively. The films mechanical properties are dependent on their manufacturing process. The double-bubble process allows isotropic tensile mechanical properties regarding stretching direction, whereas the blown film process favors only transversal direction. To simulate different storage conditions, annealing has been performed. The influence of annealing on the tensile mechanical properties of the films depends mainly on the internal stress stored during manufacturing. The double-bubble process produces a biaxially stretched film with a higher stretching ratio than blown films. The dissipated internal stress can be associated with thermal shrinkage and goes up to 10 % for the biaxially stretched film. The more internal stress is stored, the more E′ and E″ increases. Annealing also favors the formation of a secondary crystalline phase that is dependent on annealing temperature and time, and exhibits αc relaxation. After annealing, the amorphous phase is less stretched, and the crystalline phase keeps its orientation.

A Survey on High-Altitude Balloon UAVs for Vertical Heterogeneous Networks

A Survey on High-Altitude Balloon UAVs for Vertical Heterogeneous Networks

High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments

The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m−2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.

On the use of cup anemometers as wind speed sensors in stratospheric balloon missions

Stratospheric balloon missions have emerged as a cost-effective alternative to space missions for scientific research and technology development. These missions enable the collection of critical data from the Earth’s upper atmosphere while reducing financial and logistical burdens associated with traditional space missions. One key challenge in these missions is the accurate measurement of the relative-to-the-gondola wind speed in the tropopause and the stratosphere. This paper explores the viability of using cup anemometers as wind speed sensors in stratospheric balloon missions, offering an easy-to-calibrate, low-cost, and accurate solution. The present paper provides a short overview of stratospheric balloon missions and their relevance in atmospheric research and outlines the challenges and limitations of existing wind speed sensing technologies. The cup anemometer is also described, detailing its working principle, advantages, and limitations, and propose a methodology for incorporating the instrument into stratospheric balloon missions. To validate the proposed methodology, a stratospheric balloon mission (the Tasec-Lab experiment, onboard a B2Space balloon launched in 2021), was equipped with a cup anemometer whose performance was analyzed. The results prove that cup anemometers can provide accurate and reliable relative wind speed measurements in the tropopause and the stratosphere. Furthermore, the low power consumption and the ease of development and calibration of cup anemometers make them an attractive option for stratospheric balloon missions.

Calibration for Space Solar Cells: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges

Space solar cells, have been providing a consistent supply of energy for various spacecraft for decades. Currently, the third‐generation solar cells, such as perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells, have demonstrated significant potential for space applications. However, their real performance in space environments is not yet clear. To assess crucial performance parameters, solar cells need to be calibrated under the standard space spectral irradiance before deployment in space. This is known as AM0 calibration. This review article focuses on the calibration techniques and methods for space solar cells. The topics covered include space environment and standard testing condition for solar cells, the measurements of key parameters for traditional solar cells, advancements in PSCs and organic solar cells for space applications, and a comprehensive review of diverse calibration methods. The discussion spans from near‐ground calibration to near‐space calibration and space calibration, encompassing approaches, key technologies, developmental milestones, and the respective merits of each calibration methods, especially focus on high altitude balloon calibration. Finally, the article addresses the challenges and future trends of space solar cell calibration based on the aforementioned discussions.

Technology Demonstration of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Mission on Stratospheric Balloon Platform

As the number of resident space objects (RSOs) orbiting Earth increases, the risk of collision increases, and mitigating this risk requires the detection, identification, characterization, and tracking of as many RSOs as possible in view at any given time, an area of research referred to as Space Situational Awareness (SSA). In order to develop algorithms for RSO detection and characterization, starfield images containing RSOs are needed. Such images can be obtained from star trackers, which have traditionally been used for attitude determination. Despite their low resolution, star tracker images have the potential to be useful for SSA. Using star trackers in this dual-purpose manner offers the benefit of leveraging existing star tracker technology already in orbit, eliminating the need for new and costly equipment to be launched into space. In August 2022, we launched a CubeSat-class payload, Resident Space Object Near-space Astrometric Research (RSONAR), on a stratospheric balloon. The primary objective of the payload was to demonstrate a dual-purpose star tracker for imaging and analyzing RSOs from a space-like environment, aiding in the field of SSA. Building on the experience and lessons learned from the 2022 campaign, we developed a next-generation dual-purpose camera in a 4U-inspired CubeSat platform, named RSONAR II. This payload was successfully launched in August 2023. With the RSONAR II payload, we developed a real-time, multi-purpose imaging system with two main cameras of varying cost that can adjust imaging parameters in real-time to evaluate the effectiveness of each configuration for RSO imaging. We also performed onboard RSO detection and attitude determination to verify the performance of our algorithms. Additionally, we implemented a downlink capability to verify payload performance during flight. To add a wider variety of images for testing our algorithms, we altered the resolution of one of the cameras throughout the mission. In this paper, we demonstrate a dual-purpose star tracker system for future SSA missions and compare two different sensor options for RSO imaging.

High-altitude long-duration latex balloon venting valves

With the demand of near-space exploration, it is required to continually improve the flat drifting capability of high-altitude latex balloons. To extend the flat drift time of latex balloons at a high altitude, it is necessary to design a gas release device to control the volume of gas discharged from the balloon. However, there are few such studies, especially on the type of high-altitude latex balloon exhaust valve and the control of release gas flow rate by balloon height. In this study, based on the high-altitude atmospheric data in Hunan Province, China, the release process of gas in high-altitude balloons in the fluid turbulence mode was determined using Reynolds method. The dynamic characteristics of two types of release valves, ball valve and butterfly valve, during the opening and closing and the steady-state flow characteristics of butterfly valve under a certain valve opening were simulated using gas motion equations and slip grid technology. By comparing the flow rate of these two types of valves at the same time, the adjustable time range under the same flow rate, as well as the ascending and drifting trajectory of the latex balloon, it was determined that the performance of butterfly valve is more suitable for the high-altitude latex balloon gas release system. Finally, the butterfly valve was applied to the high-altitude balloon gas release system, and a solution was designed for day and night flat drift balloons, which provide a reference for the design of high-altitude long-duration latex balloons.

Transdisciplinary contributions in undergraduate university students through a stratospheric balloon project with an astrobiological focus

Abstract In a rapidly changing academic-scientific context, it is essential to adapt new learning strategies that foster the acquisition of new knowledge and the development of skills in future professionals, such as interacting synergistically with disciplines outside their own to execute projects successfully and comprehensively. The adaptation is only possible thanks to the inter and transdisciplinarity that Astrobiology has promoted since its inception. We use the term transdisciplinary for education that integrates different disciplines in a way to build new knowledge and increase the student's knowledge and skills. For this reason, this study aimed to demonstrate that an astrobiological stratospheric balloon launch project cultivates transdisciplinary awareness in participants: undergraduate university students in Lima, Peru. The sample consisted of 15 students from the following disciplines: biology, genetics, chemical engineering, physics, industrial engineering, agri-food engineering, forestry engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics engineering, geology, geological engineering, philosophy, social communication, audiovisual communication and education. Using a semi-structured in-depth interview technique, experts validated the questions from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru, and a matrix of meaning was constructed to classify the responses, ultimately obtaining the categories: contribution, complementarity and quantity. The participants' responses were processed and analyzed with Chat-GPT 3.5, revealing unanimous agreement that each participant's discipline contributed to the success of the balloon launch. To complement the qualitative interpretation of the results, a quantitative measurement was conducted to minimize subjective biases. Additionally, they gained knowledge and insights into other unfamiliar study subjects, collaborated to improve process quality, shared and harmonized their ideas to implement comprehensive solutions, and affirmed that their university education is often isolated or strictly focused on their specialization. In conclusion, experiences where different areas of knowledge converge in praxis, have the potential to awaken new technical, cognitive and communication skills in the individuals involved, utilizing astrobiological resources to invigorate and strengthen collective learning.

The High Energy Light Isotope eXperiment program of direct cosmic-ray studies

HELIX is a new NASA-sponsored instrument aimed at measuring the spectra and composition of light cosmic-ray isotopes from hydrogen to neon nuclei, in particular the clock isotopes 10Be (radioactive, with 1.4 Myr lifetime) and 9Be (stable). The latter are unique markers of the production and Galactic propagation of secondary cosmic-ray nuclei, and are needed to resolve such important mysteries as the proportion of secondary positrons in the excess of antimatter observed by the AMS-02 experiment. By using a combination of a 1 T superconducting magnet spectrometer (with drift-chamber tracker) with a high-resolution time-of-flight detector system and ring-imaging Cherenkov detector, mass-resolved isotope measurements of light cosmic-ray nuclei will be possible up to 3 GeV/n in a first stratospheric balloon flight from Kiruna, Sweden to northern Canada, anticipated to take place in early summer 2024. An eventual longer Antarctic balloon flight of HELIX will yield measurements up to 10 GeV/n, sampling production from a larger volume of the Galaxy extending into the halo. We review the instrument design, testing, status and scientific prospects.

Proton, Electron and Photon Flux Measurement And Simulation During Stratospheric Balloon Flights

Proton, Electron and Photon Flux Measurement And Simulation During Stratospheric Balloon Flights

A Dual-Purpose Camera for Attitude Determination and Resident Space Object Detection on a Stratospheric Balloon.

Space systems play an integral role in every facet of our daily lives, including national security, communications, and resource management. Therefore, it is critical to protect our valuable assets in space and build resiliency in the space environment. In recent years, we have developed a novel approach to Space Situational Awareness (SSA), in the form of a low-resolution, Wide Field-of-View (WFOV) camera payload for attitude determination and Resident Space Object (RSO) detection. Detection is the first step in tracking, identification, and characterization of RSOs, including natural and artificial objects orbiting the Earth. A space-based dual-purpose camera that can provide attitude information alongside RSO detection can enhance the current SSA technologies which rely on ground infrastructure. A CubeSat form factor payload with real-time attitude determination and RSO detection algorithms was developed and flown onboard the CSA/CNES stratospheric balloon platform in August 2023. Sub-degree pointing information and multiple RSO detections were demonstrated during operation, with opportunities for improvement discussed. This paper outlines the hardware and software architecture, system design methodology, on-ground testing, and in-flight results of the dual-purpose camera payload.

High-altitude demonstration of LWIR polarimetry using uncooled microbolometers

An Infrared Channeled Spectro-Polarimeter (IRCSP) was successfully demonstrated in a near-space environment on a high-altitude balloon mission out of the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in August 2021. The compact IRCSP is sensitive to linearly polarized thermal radiation between 7-12μm and targets polarized cloud top scattering. The IRCSP comprises a series of polarization modulation components followed by a diffraction grating and lens that images a polarization modulated spectrum at the focal plane. At altitudes greater than 30 km, the IRCSP reported brightness temperatures (Tb) between 250–285 K with an uncertainty of less than 1.5K. These IRCSP Tb values overlapped the collated GOES-16 cloud top temperatures within the pointing uncertainty of the instrument. IRCSP’s inaugural high-altitude deployment demonstrated the operation of uncooled microbolometers in the low-pressure environment and resulted in the first known observations of downward-viewing thermal polarized radiation from Earth’s atmosphere. Using the Lomb–Scargle periodogram with a maximum acceptable false alarm probability of 1%, the IRCSP detected statistically significant polarized signals with average degrees of linear polarization (DoLP) ranging from 1% to 20%. The top-of-atmosphere simulations that motivated IRCSP’s development predict that LWIR polarization is highest for ice clouds of moderate optical thickness. IRCSP observed cloud-top DoLP trends with brightness temperature that are consistent with these simulations. The highest and lowest Tb values occur for no clouds and optically thick clouds, respectively. The lowest DoLP measurements by IRCSP were at these extreme conditions. The DoLP peaked at intermediate Tb values. This preliminary work motivates IRCSP’s participation in future deployments that provide independent data products of cloud microphysical properties.

Use of Silicon Photomultipliers in the Detectors of the JEM-EUSO Program

The JEM-EUSO program aims to study ultra-high energy cosmic rays from space. To achieve this goal, it has realized a series of experiments installed on the ground (EUSO-TA), various on stratospheric balloons (with the most recent one EUSO-SPB2), and inside the International Space Station (Mini-EUSO), in light of future missions such as K-EUSO and POEMMA. At nighttime, these instruments aim to monitor the Earth’s atmosphere measuring fluorescence and Cherenkov light produced by extensive air showers generated both by very high-energy cosmic rays from outside the atmosphere and by neutrino decays. As the two light components differ in duration (order of microseconds for fluorescence light and a few nanoseconds for Cherenkov light) they each require specialized sensors and acquisition electronics. So far, the sensors used for the fluorescence camera are the Multi-Anode Photomultiplier Tubes (MAPMTs), while for the Cherenkov one, new systems based on Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPMs) have been developed. In this contribution, a brief review of the experiments is followed by a discussion of the tests performed on the optical sensors. Particular attention is paid to the development, test, and calibration conducted on SiPMs, also in view to optimize the geometry, mass, and weight in light of the installation of mass-critical applications such as balloon- and space-borne instrumentation.

Comparative Analysis of Resident Space Object (RSO) Detection Methods.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in satellite launches, resulting in a proliferation of satellites in our near-Earth space environment. This surge has led to a multitude of resident space objects (RSOs). Thus, detecting RSOs is a crucial element of monitoring these objects and plays an important role in preventing collisions between them. Optical images captured from spacecraft and with ground-based telescopes provide valuable information for RSO detection and identification, thereby enhancing space situational awareness (SSA). However, datasets are not publicly available due to their sensitive nature. This scarcity of data has hindered the development of detection algorithms. In this paper, we present annotated RSO images, which constitute an internally curated dataset obtained from a low-resolution wide-field-of-view imager on a stratospheric balloon. In addition, we examine several frame differencing techniques, namely, adjacent frame differencing, median frame differencing, proximity filtering and tracking, and a streak detection method. These algorithms were applied to annotated images to detect RSOs. The proposed algorithms achieved a competitive degree of success with precision scores of 73%, 95%, 95%, and 100% and F1 scores of 68%, 77%, 82%, and 79%.

High-speed and scalable combustion fabrication of ultralight carbon nanotube aerogels below air density

In this study, we introduce a fast, scalable method to fabricate ultralight carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogels with a bulk density (ρ) lower than air, using a combustion process. Typical fabrication methods for ultralight nanocarbon aerogels (ρ ≤ 1.0 mg cm−3) often involve intricate steps, such as high-temperature annealing and thermal reduction. These processes are time-consuming and pose scalability challenges. Here, we propose a high-speed fabrication process for ultralight CNT aerogels by combusting cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as a sacrificial template. The combustion process for CNT/CNF composite aerogels in an open environment takes only a few seconds, and the fabricated CNT aerogels with a lower-than-air density (ρ ≥ 0.48 mg cm−3) have high light absorption and good thermal and mechanical stability. We further illustrate the capability of these ultralight CNT aerogels to achieve levitation upon heating like a hot air balloon. Ultralight CNT aerogels capable of levitation by heating, fabricated by our fast and scalable method, hold the potential to replace traditional motor-driven unmanned aerial vehicles and conventional stratospheric platforms, such as high-altitude balloons, with sunlight-driven materials.

Study of X-ray spectral and timing properties of astronomical sources using low-cost stratospheric balloons

ABSTRACTAstronomical objects, such as the Sun, accreting matter around black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, etc. are known to emit X-rays and gamma-rays. Some of these sources, such as highly magnetized neutron stars, show periodic pulsations. Even accreting matter around black holes and neutron stars shows timing properties including quasi-periodic oscillations. In this paper, we use the data of low-cost, lightweight, high-altitude (∼42 km) small, stratospheric balloon-borne missions of the Indian Centre for Space Physics. We measure the intensity of the secondary cosmic rays, the radiation fluxes, and the spectra of persistent X-ray sources or transient events such as solar flares and gamma-ray bursts, apart from routine weather parameters. In this study, we present the source detection method without an onboard pointing system and the temporal and spectral behaviour of the quiet Sun. We also analyse the data containing Crab in the field of view to find the pulsation of the Crab pulsar. During the analysis of the source detection and spectrum of the solar X-rays, we calculate the detector’s background radiation (mainly secondary cosmic rays) using physical assumptions and also take care of the atmospheric absorption effects. Finally, we show the source detection processes for the strong sources such as the Sun, Crab, and Cyg X-1, obtaining the quiet Sun’s spectrum. Among the interesting timing properties, we present the result for the Crab pulsar and find the well-known ∼33 Hz pulsations whenever our instrument pointed to the Crab.

Methodology, Deployment, and Performance of Pico Balloons in Antarctica

Abstract During the 2022/23 Antarctic summer, eight pico balloon flights were deployed from Neumayer Station III (70.6666°S, 8.2667°W), yielding valuable insights into the Antarctic stratospheric wind structure. Pico balloons maintain a lower altitude compared to larger superpressure balloons, floating between 9 and 15 km MSL. The most impressive flight lasted an astounding 98 days, completing eight circumnavigations of the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout the flights, pico balloons encountered diverse air masses, displaying zonal velocities ranging from −50 to 250 km h−1 and meridional velocities between ±100 km h−1. Total wind speeds observed were extensive, spanning from 2.0 to 270 km h−1. A significant finding revealed that lower-flying pico balloons could rise due to convection underneath the flight paths, influenced by high convective available potential energy environments, resulting in changes to the balloons’ float density. Moreover, the flights demonstrated that pico balloons tended to drift farther south compared to larger stratospheric balloons, with some balloons reaching up to 8° south of the equator and 2° from the South Pole. This article explores the pressure-testing process and deployment techniques for pico balloons, showcasing their transformation from inexpensive party balloons (costing less than $20) into efficient superpressure balloons. The logistical demands for pico balloon flights were minimal, with a single person transporting all materials for the balloons (excluding lifting gas) to the Antarctic continent in carry-on luggage. The authors aim to promote the application of pico balloons to a wider scientific community by demonstrating their usefulness. Significance Statement Pico balloons are small party-sized balloons that are capable of floating at lower altitudes than traditional superpressure balloons. In Antarctica, where research is challenging due to harsh weather and limited resources, pico balloons present an affordable and easy-to-deploy alternative to traditional research methods. By studying the distinctive wind patterns at lower altitudes around Antarctica, pico balloons can provide valuable insights into this remote region. By demonstrating the potential use of pico balloons for scientific purposes, this study aims to offer the atmospheric community a new method of conducting research on a global scale.

Development and suborbital validation of technologies for direct imaging of nearby exoplanetary systems in reflected visible wavelengths

Primarily through indirect observational techniques, the existence of thousands of exoplanetary systems has been confirmed. However, we still do not have an image of an exoplanetary system in reflected visible light. This is important because planetary systems as old as the solar system (∼5 G yr) have cooled to near equilibrium and are thus no longer as bright as the systems being detected by current infrared coronagraphs. Furthermore, the visible bandpass contains valuable information about aerosols, hazes, and clouds that are unavailable to infrared investigations.Our research group has transitioned key technologies that are necessary for direct imaging of exoplanets and their environments from laboratory to near space using suborbital platforms. Two of our sounding rocket experiments, called Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Rocket Experiment (PICTURE) and Planet Imaging Coronagraphic Technology Using a Reconfigurable Experimental Base (PICTURE-B), matured a 0.5m diameter Gregorian telescope, a (600nm to 750nm) visible nulling coronagraph (VNC), a 1024 channel deformable mirror (DM) and a fine pointing system.Following up on these rocket experiments, in 2019 we flew a high-altitude balloon called Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment - Coronagraph (PICTURE-C). It carried a telescope employing a 0.6m diameter Off Axis Parabolic (OAP) primary mirror, a vector vortex coronagraph (VVC), a 97-channel low order and a 1024 element high order DM operating in the 540nm to 660nm wavelength range. Like the rocket experiments, the first balloon flight demonstrated a 5 milliarcseconds (mas) fine pointing capability and the space worthiness of the coronagraph.The latest flight of PICTURE-C occurred on September 28 2022. It was designed to obtain the first high contrast (∼10−6) image of a debris disk, a circumstellar ring produced by the sublimation of cometary material and collisions among asteroids, comets and Kuiper-belt analogs, in reflected visible light. The experiment achieved 1 mas root mean square (RMS) fine pointing stability. Even though unanticipated transient vibrations prevented PICTURE-C from attaining its science goals, the conronagraph demonstrated 4×10−6 contrast over 540nm to 660nm (20% bandwidth).

Design and implementation of a real-time onboard system for a stratospheric balloon mission using commercial off-the-self components and a model-based approach

Stratospheric balloons have emerged as an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional spacecrafts as they are implemented using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment without following strict methodologies. HERCCULES is a stratospheric balloon mission that aims to characterize the convective heat and radiative environment in the stratosphere. The purpose of this article is to present the HERCCULES onboard software (OBSW) whose design and complexity is comparable to that of satellite systems, since it must control about sixty COTS equipment using a single Raspberry Pi 4B as onboard computer and ensure the real-time requirements. Compared to similar systems, novel contributions are presented as the OBSW is developed following model-based and component-based approaches using the TASTE toolchain from the European Space Agency (ESA) for automatic code generation. Besides, the OBSW is verified and validated following the ESA standards and the results obtained demonstrate the suitability and efficiency of the solution and the selected methodologies.