A Low-Cost Balloon System for High-Cadence, In-Situ Stratospheric Turbulence Measurements

This paper presents details of the high altitude balloon campaign being conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder for the Hypersonic Flight in the Turbulent Stratosphere (HYFLITS) research project. An understanding of stratospheric turbulence is critical for accurately predicting the aerothermodynamics of hypersonic vehicles. High altitude weather balloons equipped with fine-wire instruments are used to make measurements of stratospheric turbulence. Disposable balloon systems (< $1,000 per each) are launched from various locations about twice per week. A low-cost system is achieved by using a custom sensing package, real-time radio transmission of data to a ground station, and a venting valve that allows for a single-balloon, controlled descent system. High launch cadence is achieved using an accurate balloon trajectory simulator for decision making up to five days in advance, a single person balloon launch system, and a network of Distributed Ground Receiving Stations (DGRS) for automated balloon tracking and data collection. The system presented has resulted in the collection of large amounts of data that will allow for detailed statistical analysis of stratospheric turbulence.