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Measuring Relative Wind Speeds in Stratospheric Balloons with Cup Anemometers: The TASEC-Lab Mission
Daniel Alfonso-Corcuera1, Mikel Ogueta-Gutiérrez1, Alejandro Fernández-Soler1
1Instituto Universitario de Microgravedad "Ignacio Da Riva" (IDR/UPM), ETSI Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Plaza. del Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2022
Summary
This study reports the first use of a cup anemometer on a stratospheric balloon mission to measure horizontal wind speed. These wind speed measurements are crucial for accurate thermal calculations during balloon ascent.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science
- Aerospace engineering
Background:
- Stratospheric balloon missions are vital for atmospheric research.
- Accurate environmental data is essential for mission success and thermal management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present novel wind speed measurements from a stratospheric balloon.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using a cup anemometer in stratospheric conditions.
- To highlight the importance of ascent phase wind data for thermal calculations.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of a cup anemometer on a stratospheric balloon gondola.
- Data collection during the TASEC-Lab experiment mission launched in July 2021.
- Analysis of horizontal wind speed relative to the balloon's movement.
Main Results:
- Successful measurement of horizontal wind speed using a cup anemometer.
- Demonstration of the first-time use of a cup anemometer in a stratospheric balloon mission.
- Identification of significant horizontal wind speeds during the balloon's ascent phase.
Conclusions:
- Cup anemometers are viable instruments for stratospheric balloon missions.
- Ascent phase wind data significantly impacts thermal calculations.
- This methodology provides valuable insights for future stratospheric mission planning and thermal analysis.
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