CHARACTERISTICS
| ZPB (Zero PressureBalloon) | SB (Sounding balloon) | Blimp
(Non-rigid Airship) | |
| Picture
|  |  |  |
| Scientific
domains | Chemistry/dynamics of the atmosphere
Astronomy Technology Drop Bodies Etc. | Vertical profiles/light instruments validation
Drop Bodies Etc. | Measurements of sonic booms.
Measurement of ground and low level winds. Etc. |
| Balloon
types | Open, non-pressurized balloon | Expandable balloon | Super pressure semi tethered airship |
| Envelope
Materials | 15-25 µm
polyethylene | Latex/
Chloroprene | SN503 fabric and
Polyester/ Polyamide/ Polyester complex |
| Gas | He | He | He |
| Diameter | max: 152 m | At ground: 2 m
Ceiling: 10 m | 4 meters high
10 m long |
| Volume | 3000 to 1 120 000 m3 | At ground: 15-20 m3
Ceiling: 4100 m3 | 184 m3 |
| Flight
duration | From some hours up to 14 days | 2-3 hours | Some weeks |
| Mass at
hook | 50–3300 kg | Up to 20 kg | Up to 20 kg |
| Flight
altitude | 15 to 40 km | Up to 40 km | Airship at 1000 m |
SSC example of gondola
On-board Services:
- Power supply.
- Balloon control systems for both line of sight and over horizon communication.
- Science data-link system.
