INTRODUCTION

High-altitude balloon (HAB) is unmanned balloon usually filled with light gas such as helium or hydrogen, which is capable of reaching the stratosphere. HAB is able to ascend to the altitude of 60,000 feet to 160,000 feet depending on the type of light gas used to fill the balloon as well as the weight of payload. Upon reaching the stratosphere and its maximum altitude, the balloon will burst and descend slowly back to Earth’s surface with the help of parachute.UniversitiSains Malaysia is the first in Malaysia who conducting this research. There is a wideopportunity to utilize the HAB as a low cost transportation to nearspace either for experiment or space tourism.

DETAILS

The research in HAB is still in the early stage. The primary objective for this initial stage is to design the subsystem to support the payload module. The subsystem in HAB is similar to satellite system which comprises of power,structure,communication, navigation and computer system. The HAB research is also conducting a study on the guided landing system. This study will be conducted in two parts:

i) Study on the Hardware to select the most reliable/low cost equipment/structure to steer the payload to predefined landing location.

ii) Study on the Software for algorithm to control the equipment/structure to the landing location and integration with GPS system. The outcome of this research will be a prototype of the guided landing system.

payload for HAB

payload mounted in structure

data from payload at 22 km from sea level

WE OFFERED

Interested party is welcome to cooperate or join the mission by sending their payload to the near space.

VIDEO LINKS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qulEdSXJSHI