| NASA TESTS DESIGN CONCEPT FOR ULTRA LONG DURATION BALLOON
| G99-087 | 11/08/99 | 00:5:09 | High flying balloons carrying science experiments for up to 100 days are closer to becoming reality early in the next century thanks to advanced materials and a new design by researchers led by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA. By using enhanced computer technology, high-tech materials and advanced designs, researchers hope to revolutionize the size, shape, durability and stamina of current long duration scientific balloons and open a new frontier for high-altitude research. The Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) will be made from a new material composite and will be a pumpkin-shaped structure rather than the spherical design of most other super pressure balloons. The material has increased strength and the ability to withstand damage by ultraviolet rays, while the pumpkin shape reduces material strength requirements and stress on the balloon.
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| ITEM (1): NASA TESTS NEW ULTRA LONG DURATION BALLOON DESIGN B-ROLL - A test flight was successfully conducted on October 23, 1999, from Ft. Sumner, N.M. of a pumpkin-shaped balloon half the size of a football field and approximately one-tenth the volume of what NASA calls its Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB). Footage includes preparation and launch of the scaled-down prototype from Ft. Sumner, NM. When fully inflated, the two million cubic foot prototype was 105 feet (32 meters) tall with a diameter of 174 feet (53 meters). The full-scale ULDB will be more than twice the size of the prototype. Even more impressive than its size is the new balloon's staying power. The ULDB will stay aloft at altitudes of up to 115,000 feet (35 kilometers) for as long as 100 days with more than a ton of scientific instruments. Current scientific balloons typically fly up to three weeks. NASA plans to fly the Ultra Long Duration Balloon in 2001.
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