Analysis of the trajectory of a high-altitude balloon

The number of applications using high-altitude balloons has increased signi cantly in recent years. Not only because of the lower cost they represent with respect to a space mission, but also because of the advantages in terms of learning and correcting errors that they allow after their recovery. However, quantifying risks associated with it need to be considered in order to ensure the safety of those involved in the launch, as well as any person that can be a ected by it. Therefore, it is needed to predict the trajectory that the balloon will follow as it is one of the main safety factors. In this study, all the relevant physical properties of a rubber balloon will be carefully modeled and implemented in a MATLAB code, extracting the wind data from the NOAA source to create an accurate trajectory simulation program. First, a study of the ISA atmospheric model will be performed, followed by the study of the main parameters that in uence the in ation of a rubber-like balloon such as the Archimedes's Principle or the elastic e ects of the rubber material. Afterward, the kinetic equations of motion will be resolved to take into account that the horizontal motion is governing by the vagrancies of the wind, whereas the vertical motion is limited by the elastic limit of the rubber. Finally, a validation of the software will be performed by comparing its predicted trajectory with the one obtained by two of the most well-known landing predictors, that are HABHUB and ASTRA.Ingeniería Aeroespacial (Plan 2010