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Balloon Program Office
Technology
Capabilities of NASA Balloons for Science Missions
Technology plays major rule in expanding the capabilities of NASA balloons. The two types of balloons currently used by the NASA Balloon Flight program are zero-pressure and super pressure. Though either balloon can be used for any flight type, zero-pressure balloons typically are used for short flights, whereas a super pressure balloon is required for an extended flight. The design of a zero-pressure balloon does not allow for extended flights except during the Summer in the polar regions. Various balloon sizes with corresponding capabilities are available. The charts below provide a summary of the capabilities of the two balloons as well as the various qualified balloon sizes.
Scientific Capabilities of NASA Balloons
NASA Balloon Capabilities
Balloon Volumes noted in Million Cubic Feet (MCF), Weight/Altitude Ratio is Approximate.
NASA Code 820
Scientific Balloon Update
Report back for the latest update from NASA's Balloon Program Office.
- NASA Official: Debora Fairbrother
- Curator: Dwayne Mandeville