Initial Design of a High-Altitude Balloon Controlled Ascent System

The High-Altitude Balloon Controlled Ascent System (HABCAS) is an innovative approach to near-space research using cost-effective latex weather balloons. The system, as currently conceived, entails release of gas and release of ballast mass, along with data transmission and termination through a 2.4 GHz radio link. A dynamical model of the balloon has been developed from governing equations. The dynamical model will be used to develop the control system requirements and the mechanical requirements. A previously developed empirical model for pressure of a small-scale balloon (i.e., 100 grams) proves inaccurate above burst altitude, indicating that beyond an altitude of 18 km this model cannot be reliably scaled to a large balloon (i.e., 3000 grams). A large-balloon model will be found experimentally over the course of several flights planned in late March and April 2019. POSTER PRESENTATION IGNITE AWAR