Lighter-than-air stationary unmanned observation platform concept

The benefits of stationary aerial platforms for continuous observation of a fixed area are evident in cases such as natural disasters, environmental monitoring, intelligence gathering, etc. A still photo is useful but temporal information, over many days, is in many cases critical to determine the best possible response. Satellites are the most obvious instrument for this purpose, but have limitations in terms of positioning time, time on station and cost. Conventional UAVs are another solution, but have limited endurance. Technological developments in lighter-than-air (LTA) systems have made them an attractive option for carrying a sensor suite to high altitudes. For example, using light weight and high strength materials, closed balloons can be manufactured, so-called super-pressure balloons that are capable of maintaining a constant altitude without the need for venting or ballast. The challenge is to make these balloons controllable for station keeping and do so without limiting their endurance. This paper highlights some of the opportunities of this new technology and how it can be applied for long duration and temporal data gathering. A possible design concept is presented with some simulation results for station-keeping control under variable wind conditions.