1.0 Introduction Near-space is defined by Paul Verhage in his February 2004 column in Nuts & Volts as the region of the atmosphere from approximately 75,000 ft. to approximately 330,000 ft. Near-space reaches 99% vacuum, it can get down to -90° F at 75,000 ft. (after which it rises to around 20° F), and the view of earth is much the same as outer-space. Since travel to near-space is much more attainable and affordable than travel to outer-space with little trade off in the conditions between the two, it is a great region in which to do research that can apply to outer-space flight. The main vehicle used to near-space is a high altitude balloon, often filled with helium. Attached to the balloon is a string of payloads which carry the various experiments to be performed. An average near-spaceflight involving a high altitude balloon lasts about three hours and reaches a height between 90,000 ft. and 100,000 ft. As the near-spacecraft ascends, the balloon increases in size with the drop in pressure and eventually bursts, causing the to fall back towards Earth. Attached just below the balloon in the string of payloads is a pre-deployed parachute which expands as the air begins to become denser, eventually bringing the near-spacecraft to a relatively gentle landing. Upon landing, the payloads are tracked and recovered and the payloads are ready to be analyzed.
1.0 Introduction Near-space is defined by Paul Verhage in his February 2004 column in Nuts & Volts as the region of the atmosphere from approximately 75,000 ft. to approximately 330,000 ft. Near-space reaches 99% vacuum, it can get down to -90° F at 75,000 ft. (after which it rises to around 20° F), and the view of earth is much the same as outer-space. Since travel to near-space is much more attainable and affordable than travel to outer-space with little trade off in the conditions between the two, it is a great region in which to do research that can apply to outer-space flight. The main vehicle used to near-space is a high altitude balloon, often filled with helium. Attached to the balloon is a string of payloads which carry the various experiments to be performed. An average near-spaceflight involving a high altitude balloon lasts about three hours and reaches a height between 90,000 ft. and 100,000 ft. As the near-spacecraft ascends, the balloon increases in size with the drop in pressure and eventually bursts, causing the to fall back towards Earth. Attached just below the balloon in the string of payloads is a pre-deployed parachute which expands as the air begins to become denser, eventually bringing the near-spacecraft to a relatively gentle landing. Upon landing, the payloads are tracked and recovered and the payloads are ready to be analyzed.
TeamIcarus_RevC.docx