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Project New Dawn – High Altitude Balloon Project: Unlocking Near-Space Exploration

  • 07 Jun 2024
  • Text by Tan Ken-I, New Dawn Balloon Project Lead, SEDS-NTU
Project New Dawn – Introduction to High-Altitude Balloons

High-altitude balloon projects have become a fascinating avenue for scientific research and experimentation. These balloons, capable of reaching the stratosphere, offer a cost-effective means to explore near-space environments. In this article, we delve into the world of high-altitude balloons and how our team at SEDS-NTU (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, NTU) have focused on developing a retrievable payload system designed for near-space experiments.

Presentation of Project New Dawn. Photo: SEDS-NTU
What Is a High-Altitude Balloon?

A high-altitude balloon (HAB) is a large, gas-filled balloon that ascends to the upper reaches of Earth’s atmosphere. Unlike traditional weather balloons, which burst at high altitudes, HABs are designed to remain intact and return to the ground safely. These balloons provide access to near space—typically defined as altitudes between 35 and 80 kilometres above the Earth’s surface.

Applications of High-Altitude Balloons

  1. Scientific Research and Experiments:
    • HABs carry scientific instruments, sensors, and payloads to collect data on atmospheric conditions, cosmic radiation, and other phenomena.
    • Researchers use HABs to study ozone depletion, cosmic rays, and climate change.
    • Near-space experiments allow scientists to test equipment and gather data before deploying it on satellites or rockets.
  2. Education and Outreach:
    • HAB projects engage students and educators, providing hands-on experience in designing, launching, and analysing data from near-space missions.
    • Schools and universities use HABs to inspire interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
  3. Technology Development:
    • HAB platforms serve as testbeds for developing communication systems, sensors, and imaging devices.
    • Companies explore novel technologies, such as solar panels and miniaturized satellites, in near-space conditions.
Retrievable Payloads: A Game-Changer

Retrievable payloads enhance the versatility of HAB missions. These are some key reasons why they matter:

  1. Extended Experiment Duration:
    • Unlike traditional balloons that burst, retrievable payloads allow experiments to run for several hours.
    • Researchers can collect continuous data during ascent, float, and descent phases.
  2. Cost-Effective Research:
    • HABs provide an affordable alternative to satellite-based experiments.
    • Retrieving payloads allows scientists to reuse expensive sensors and instruments.
  3. Customization and Iteration:
    • Payloads can be tailored to specific experiments.
    • Iterative testing and modifications are possible without having to rebuild the payload every launch mission.

Some case study examples would include the SFU Rocketry’s High Altitude Payload Gen-II and the AIR’s Heavy Payload Balloon Test.

1. SFU Rocketry’s High Altitude Payload Gen-II

2. AIR’s Heavy Payload Balloon Test

Moving Forward – Our Plans and Aspirations

Inspired by the work done on HABs in other countries and organisations, we at SEDS-NTU hope to create our own reusable near-space research platform to be used here in Singapore. Over the past few years, we have worked with the Satellite Research Centre (SaRC) in NTU, and someday, we will launch one of their projects with our creation for near-space testing. Our main goal is to create a reusable payload platform not only for experiments, but also to give students a chance to work on a multidisciplinary project and expose them to working with people beyond their field. We wish that students in NTU will seize this opportunity to better themselves and also to contribute to the budding space industry in Singapore.

A group of SEDS-NTU students in discussion. Photo: SEDS-NTU
Conclusion

High-altitude balloon projects continue to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. With retrievable payloads, researchers can conduct experiments, gather data, and innovate in near-space environments. Whether for scientific discovery, education, or technological advancement, HABs offer a unique perspective on our planet and beyond.

So, the next time you gaze at the sky, remember that high-altitude balloons are silently soaring, unlocking the secrets of near space.

What is SEDS-NTU?

SEDS-NTU (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, NTU) is under the SEDS global initiative to expose students to the vast possibilities of space projects, ranging from hosting events such as creating bottle rocket workshops for younger students, to working on competitive rockets to be launched to 3km altitude.

SEDS-NTU was created in 2019, with the hope that students will garner interest in helping to develop the budding space industry in Singapore at the time. What started as just a small wish by the President at the time, has now grown into a substantial CCA in NTU, with multiple space-related projects and exhibitions being organised by us. Despite the setbacks by COVID, and the issues that come along with starting a new initiative, we have weathered through the storm, and now have a capable multi-disciplinary student team working on different aspects of different projects and initiative.

The aim of SEDS-NTU is to foster skillsets for students to train themselves in project management, as well as honing engineering skills and knowledge that can be used in the space engineering sector. Currently, we are working on Project New Dawn, a High-altitude Balloon Project, as described in the article above.

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