A Platform for Active Stabilization of High-Altitude Balloon Payloads

Abstract

Abstract Weather balloon payloads are commonly used by atmospheric researchers and enthusiasts to gain insight about the upper atmosphere. Balloon payloads are often unstable during flight due to high wind speeds that are experienced in both the troposphere and the lower stratosphere. High Altitude Visual Orientation Control (HAVOC) is a platform of cold-gas thrusters designed to control the azimuth of high-altitude balloon payloads to counteract high wind conditions. HAVOC’s active control scheme uses valves that direct the flow of pressurized gas into two sets of nozzles that can generate torque in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This counteracts the rotation induced by wind and other forces encountered during a high-altitude balloon flight. The HAVOC design is discussed including its methods of measuring and controlling balloon payload rotation. Data from preliminary flights are presented, demonstrating the system’s ability to reduce payload rotation to a user-defined ±40° s−1 for a duration of 1 h 49 min and to maintain a fixed payload azimuth within ±30° for 1 h. In addition, we present possible uses for the HAVOC system tailored to the type of user, including atmospheric researchers, videographers, and students.