Natural Hazards Monitoring System Based on the Gun Launch System

Paper number

IAC-05-B2.2.09

Author

Mr. Oleg Ventskovsky, Yuzhnoye SDO European Representation, Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Oleg Korostelev, Ukraine

Coauthor

Mr. Peter Yakovenko, Ukraine

Year

2005

Abstract

The recent deadly Indian Ocean tsunami disaster has once more demonstrated with all the pitiless evidence that the mankind still lacks the efficient and affordable Natural Hazards Management Systems. It is clear that such systems should ideally be able to: 1) predict hazard and issue early warning; 2) make potential risk assessment; 3) provide real-time monitoring; 4) make damages assessment and locate those in urgent need of assistance; 5) save/provide first assistance on the spot. 

As a building block to the described management structures, it is proposed to use the original Natural Hazards Monitoring System (NHMS) based on the Gun Launch System. Due to its unique features, NHMS is able to contribute, in some cases, to solving all the mentioned tasks. This is achieved by delivering of the special purpose payloads to the monitored area by means of a reusable, standard gun launched sub-orbital launch vehicle and by providing the subsequent controlled descending phase due to a parachute system. Depending on the task to be solved, the payload in the form of a compact light container can bear equipment for distance probing of the Earth surface or atmosphere/ionosphere, telecommunication and scientific equipment, or even special small-sized self-opening, inflatable structures destined for saving lives (e.g. on the sea).

NHMS has a series of important advantages as compared to the existing systems: it allows for multi-purpose monitoring (TV, geo-physical, chemical, radiation) of natural (and technological) hazards in real time, in any place and at any time. In addition, the payload equipment is kept over monitored territory hundreds times longer than the time of satellite’s flight over the same territory. Finally, the technology is cheap, very reliable, there is a possibility of making a big number of launches per day under any weather conditions. 

NHMS perfectly corresponds to the ideology of the 10-year implementation plan for Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) signed by nearly 60 nations in Brussels on 16 February 2005. Development and introduction of the proposed technology into practice requires modest investments, but can give a significant boost to the developed and especially developing nations’ capabilities to cope with different kinds of natural and technological disasters.   

Abstract document

IAC-05-B2.2.09.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B2.2.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.