Existing scientific research balloons such as those launched from Wallops Flight Facility could be placed in near- Earth space where they would perform as solar sails, providing relatively inexpensive propulsion systems for interplanetary missions. The balloons would accelerate at rates comparable with the ion drive performance of the NASA Dawn spacecraft, so they would enable unprecedented low-cost access to interplanetary space.
Scientific balloon technology is very advanced and cost benefits accrue from current manufacturing processes of replicable balloon production. The balloons would provide a method of interplanetary propulsion for space vehicles. They would be deployed in space far enough from Earth to escape the planet’s gravity, and then would be inflated with low gas pressure. The balloons also could include optional instrumentation packages such as cameras.
This work was done by David Batchelor of Goddard Space Flight Center. For further information, contact the Goddard Technology Transfer Office at (301) 286-5810. GSC-17038-1
