NASA Logo, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Scientific Ballooning

Web Standards to the rescue

Super Pressure Balloon

Development Goals

The goals for the development of the NASA Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) are related to supporting a specific science mass to a set stable altitude for an extended duration. The program level requirements are as follows:

  • The SPB shall be capable of supporting 1 ton of science instruments
  • The SPB shall be capable of sustained flight altitude of 110,000+ ft (33.53+ km).
  • The SPB shall be capable of sustained flight with an allowable altitude variation of plus (+) infinity and minus (-) 5,000 ft (1,524 m) for normal operations. Rare extreme low temperature events shall allow an occasional dip to lower altitudes.
  • The SPB shall be capable of sustained flight duration of up to 100 days.
  • The SPB function and performance shall be independent of science mission type.

SPB In Space

The Super Pressure Balloon is designed to be flown at any latitude on the globe regardless of day night cycles including mid-latitude flights. It is intended that this new vehicle will provide a new capability to the science community.

NASA Code 820

Scientific Balloon Update

Report back for the latest update from NASA's Balloon Program Office.