Smart Balloons

Balloons have evolved to become viable and reliable real-time sources of meteorological and atmospheric conditions by staying aloft in all types of weather. Today's balloons can withstand hurricane force conditions collecting a spectrum of data that far surpasses their Mylar (thin strong polyester film) predecessors.

The use of 'autonomous' weather balloons capable of collecting atmospheric data is relatively new; getting its start very early in the 20th century. NOAA smart balloons are now in their fourth generation providing an array of data to include: temperature; precipitation; barometric pressure; humidity; solar radiation; infrared (IR) surface temperature; and ozone.

These smart balloons also are equipped with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) transponders that allow research scientists to track balloon position, speed, altitude and flight path.

"First generation smart balloons were tetrahedral balloons constructed of Mylar, carrying only a GPS receiver, microprocessor and radio transmitter," said Randy Johnson, a research scientist at the NOAA. These early designs were incapable of altitude adjustment, and data could only be retrieved by aircraft in the general area of the balloon."

Constructed of Spectra fabric, fourth generation balloons are powered by a rechargeable lithium Ion battery charged from flexible solar cells mounted to the top of the balloon. The rechargeable power source provides the balloon with worldwide two-way satellite communications for data transmission from the balloon and for operator commands to control the balloon.

---LiveScience Staff

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Credit: NOAA