Hand-Launched Balloons

Free-Floating Balloons

Hand-launched balloons are small polyethylene balloons which can be flown in two different modes, either as a sounding balloon or as a free-floating zero pressure balloon. These are a durable style of weather balloon, which can be launched in winds up to 15 knots without issue.

Sounding balloons ascend until the balloon becomes fully inflated and then burst with the payload returning to the ground on a parachute. Zero pressure balloons are equipped with ducts to equalize the pressure at the base of the balloon, allowing the balloon to go into float, moving with the wind at a constant altitude and allowing for a longer flight duration.

Balloon Accessories

Hand-launched balloons require some accessories for successful flights and other accessories make accomplishing the flight much easier.

Sounding Balloons

No accessories required, a burst panel is a recommended accessory.

Burst Panel

A rectangular piece of film, installed in the balloon body, which is slightly weaker than the surrounding balloon envelope material. It assures rapid deflation of the balloon at burst altitude. Balloons without a burst panel can deflate more slowly and take longer to reach the ground.

Zero Pressure Balloons

Zero pressure balloons require a channel duct and a destruct device.

Channel Duct

A part of the base material in the balloon is left open to the atmosphere to allow gas to escape once the balloon is fully inflated. This allows the balloon to reach an equilibrium altitude.

Destruct Device

A rip panel installed at the top of the balloon which is attached to a ripcord that passes through the base of the balloon to the payload. As the payload is released from the base of the balloon, the rip panel is torn open and rapidly deflates the balloon.

Regulations

All balloon flights must be conducted in accordance with FAA regulations or the rules of the governing airspace regulatory body where the flights are to be conducted. Prior to purchase of a high altitude balloon, you will be asked for the appropriate documentation confirming compliance with said regulations.

If you require assistance with flight planning and operations for your high altitude balloon mission, Aerostar can also provide flight services.

About Aerospace

Aerostar is the world leader in the design and fabrication of high altitude scientific balloons and high altitude airships for near space applications.

Scientific balloons and high altitude airships are used for near space applications requiring altitudes higher than an aircraft can fly and lower than a satellite's orbit.

Our Aerospace Products are built to exact standards for customers such as NASA, the U.S. Air Force and JPL.

They are used for communications, data relay, surveillance and intelligence.

Our high altitude research balloons can carry payloads from just a few pounds up to 6000 pounds and can reach altitudes up to 45 kilometers capable of sustaining altitude for several months.

To request more information, Contact Us.