A Novel Approach to Balloon Altitude Control for the Purpose of Stratospheric Balloon Trajectory Control

The ability to perform large altitude changes for the purpose of achieving meaningful trajectory control has long been an objective of stratospheric balloon operations. This project outlines a novel approach to altitude control for the purpose of trajectory control with the possibility of station-keeping at certain times of the year. It is the second generation of an altitude control system developed by World View. The design utilizes components currently manufactured using specifications that were developed from data obtained during the flight of the first generation system. Balloon flights in 2018 demonstrated the capability of the system to command altitudes within the nominal operating range of 60,000 ft. to 80,000 ft. It also demonstrated the lower limit of altitude control as well as the potential to perform altitude changes for the purpose of station-keeping. The system has the potential to impact scientific and research payloads needing long-duration stratospheric missions (weeks or months).