Abstract

The vision of the High-Altitude Research Platform (HARP) activity at Taylor University is to develop instruments to be flown from 1 to 40km for educational use and discovery. The new stratospheric balloon capabilities that have been developed offer new potential science capabilities including: regional or global measurements, long duration, altitude control, and in-situ sensing throughout the atmosphere. On going research includes global climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and enhancement of weather prediction. Instruments can measure atmospheric temperature changes of +25 to -60c and atmospheric pressure to less than 1 % atmosphere. This research is so exciting because there has been very little research conducted in this environment. Students participating in HARP research have the opportunity to make many new discoveries. Several technology areas are required for this program: Communications: Balloons need to communicate with a ground station directly, from balloon to balloon through the mesh network, or through a communi cation satellite to the ground station. in-situ meteorological instruments: Temperature, Pressure, Water vapor, and Turbulence instruments wi ll be part of all payloads. Mobility: The payload and ground support equipment is designed for rapid dep loyment and low down time between flights, High re liability and long life. Altitude control: Altitude control can significantly expand capabilities of a latex balloon platform by extending the flight time and maintaini ng a set altitude. Data logging: Is the logging of instrument data and GPS information onboard with a flight qualified in-situ Instrument package.

How to Cite:

Dailey, J. F., (2012) “Taylor University High-Altitude Research Platform as a Research Tool”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2012(1), 38–43. doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8320