Probe balloon

  • The weather balloon operates in the stratosphere to collect environmental data.
  • It uses hydrogen or helium for its ascent, based on Archimedes' principle.
  • There are open and closed weather balloons, each with specific characteristics.
  • Its construction involves lightweight plastic materials, such as polyethylene, to ensure strength.

Probe balloon in the stratosphere

El probe balloon or stratospheric balloon is a balloon capable of moving along the stratosphere to capture information about the environment. The stratosphere is located at a height of between 11 and 50 kilometers and is where the ozone layer is located. The uniqueness of the probe balloon is that it serves as a scientific research tool thanks to the ability to perform stable flights for a long time in a large portion of the atmosphere. Other vehicles such as airplanes or probe rockets cannot stay for sufficient periods of time in height to be able to obtain enough information.

In this article we are going to explain all the features, usefulness and how to use the balloon probe.

Key features

Probe balloon

The operation of this weather balloon is based on Archimedes' principle. It takes advantage of the buoyancy exerted by a gas lighter than air. Generally, Hydrogen or helium is used in a sufficient proportion so that the heater can expand in the atmosphere. It has a system with two main components: the balloon itself and the so-called flight train where the necessary instruments are located to obtain information from the investigation.

Let's see the instruments you have to obtain information:

  • It has a mechanism that serves to separate the payload.
  • parachute to be able to recover the instruments little by little and without damaging them.
  • It has a communications system to be able to receive and transmit commands instantly both for the globe as well as the instruments on board.
  • Its telemetry system is capable of measuring with great precision the height, temperature, pressure and position of the entire system at any height.
  • It has a passive reflector like radar.
  • It has various mechanisms for choosing ballast.
  • Its main power source is batteries and, for longer trips, solar panels.

Depending on the nature of the observations, the payload is usually placed in a container structure called a gondola. The gondola can be used primarily to protect the measuring instruments. This structure softens the impact upon landing or is useful for incorporating highly precise pointing mechanisms or pressurized containers.

Atmospheric pressure
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Types of balloon probe

Formation of the trial balloon

There are many types of balloon catheters depending on the main objective. Apart from the varieties that exist in terms of shape, size, material or construction method, we will limit ourselves to dividing the types of probe balloons according to their functionality. There are open and closed probe balloons.

Open sounding balloons are also known as zero-pressure balloons. Their bottoms are open so that as they ascend, the gas expands until it reaches a state of equilibrium between the external and internal pressures. Any increase in internal pressure due to solar heating is automatically compensated for by natural venting of the gas through the bottom or by vent tubes attached to the balloon.

The closed probe balloons are those that are known by the name of superpressure. These are completely sealed, airtight compartments that prevent air from entering or gas from escaping. When internal pressure increases during the balloon's ascent, it is supported by the balloon's reinforced casing. This casing is capable of expanding to the point where it reaches its maximum point and reaches a state of equilibrium, preventing it from rising further.

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Materials and construction

The probe balloon is constructed from various materials with a plastic nature. One of them is polyethylene and other multilayer compositions with various compounds derived from them. It is usually treated with films that are only a few microns thick. This makes them extremely light and resistant plastics that can withstand various conditions, although they are quite delicate in handling.

To manufacture this type of weathering balloon, various sections of the aforementioned material are cut and joined together using a heat seal using an adhesive specially designed to handle the balloon's weight. The upper part is attached, and a plastic plate is added to the top to mount the balloon before launching the valve. This allows the gas to escape. At the bottom, an aluminum ring is placed that closes it, although not completely, and the rest of the flight train is hooked.

To be able to build this type of probe balloon, a huge infrastructure is required that has large work spaces for cutting and gluing the underbody. Currently there are few companies that are capable of building them. It takes approximately a volume close to a million cubic meters and, once finished, have a complete polyethylene surface of several hectares.

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Launch of the probe balloon

The main objective of the launch phase is to be able to achieve a vertical lift without damaging the balloon. There are various launch techniques. Each of them varies essentially depending on the infrastructure where it is located. We must take into account the atmospheric conditions, the type of payload to be transported and the volume of the balloon to be launched.

These types of launches are divided into two: static launch, in which the inflated balloon is positioned so that it sits naturally over its payload. Dynamic launch, in which a launch vehicle is used with the payload beneath the balloon as it rises to allow it to land.

During the ascent of the balloon it begins to charge at a speed related to the weight of the set and the extra amount of gas that the bubble is injected during inflation which is called free impulseThe most dangerous part of the flight is reaching the tropopause. This is where a temperature inversion occurs that can cause balloon failure.


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