Methods for tracking of balloons and rockets at Esrange
Abstract
At Esrange several methods are used for tracking of balloons and rockets with help of radar, Vaisala sounding data, ARGOS and GPS information. Information from these different sources is fed into a computer system for processing, and for display on adapted systems. Data from balloon flights are displayed on a digital map, which includes population data and a system to predict impact point of the balloon. Data from rocket flights can be displayed either on a digital map, or in a system for range safety purpose. Signals from various sources are converted into a data format used in the new ATC (Air Traffic Control) transponder system in order to ease future integration into this system. Data from the GPS system in NMEA format can also be adopted directly into the tracking system for both balloon and rocket flight. Balloon tracking data is also transferred via Internet to ATCs centres for flight safety reasons. Future developments: A new system for wind measurements will be created from "throw away" GPS sondes. In air traffic transponders, the expensive altimeter will be replaced by an inexpensive GPS system. For recovery, Argos-GPS on balloons will be used for real-time tracking, position information via satellites and as a support system for recovery by helicopter. Balloons equipped with the Inmarsat system, for long duration balloon flights, will have their position displayed in the digital map system.
- Publication:
-
European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research
- Pub Date:
- August 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001ESASP.471..503H
- Keywords:
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- Balloons;
- Rockets;
- Tracking