Development Of Control System For Micro Gravity Experimental System From High Altitude Balloon

Paper number

IAC-07-A2.3.08

Author

Dr. Nobutaka Bando, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Ken-ichi Tajima, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Shin-ichiro Sakai, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Yuko Inatomi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Takehiko Ishikawa, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Hiroaki Kobayashi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Kazuhisa Fujita, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Hideyuki Fuke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Shujiro Sawai, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Tatsuaki Hashimoto, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Year

2007

Abstract

This paper proposes a new micro gravity experimental system called BOV(Balloon-based Operation Vehicle). BOV uses a free-fall capsule with double-shell structure to prevent influence of aerodynamic disturbance. Additionally, BOV is raised to 40km by a high altitude balloon to extend micro gravity duration to 30(or possibly 60) seconds. Thus we realize a medium duration micro gravity system with good micro gravity environment. 

In this system, the most characteristic point is double-shell sturcture. The inner shell can fall freely since the outer shell measures the relative position with laser displacement sensors and is controlled by gas-jet thrusters not to collide the inner shell. Therefore the inner shell can be uninfluenced of the dynamic pressure and other aerodynamic disturbances ideally.

The BOV's project has run since 2004. The first flight to check the whole system was accomplished in 2006. The aim of this flight was test of a high altitude balloon, communication and data handling system, control system, onboard electronics and operation. BOV system is now established and improved for the next flight. The second flight planned in this spring is expected to achieve 30 seconds micro gravity.

This paper presents the development of BOV's control sysytem and shows the experimental result of micro gravity and consideration for effectiveness of the proposed system.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A2.3.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A2.3.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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