World View Successfully Flight Tests Groundbreaking Altitude Control Technology
World View Enterprises has successfully completed flight tests of its altitude control technology for long-duration stratospheric research missions. The tests showed that the technology, which was selected for funding through NASA's Space Technology – Research, Development, Demonstration and Infusion 2016 solicitation, was capable of performing large altitude changes necessary for meaningful trajectory control of balloon flights in the stratosphere.
The breakthrough could have implications for NASA, which could benefit from the long-duration stratospheric research to mature space technology and observe Earth's natural phenomena, including monitoring storms and tracking forest fires. World View's technology could enable payloads to gather data continuously over several months or even a year, allowing researchers to reduce costs and complexity of missions, and achieve goals with a single long-duration flight.
The firm’s system could also enable experiments requiring long-term exposure that are difficult to achieve currently. Payload providers are increasingly interested in the technology, with World View testing different mission scenarios, longer duration and higher altitudes later this year.
