High-Altitude Balloon Observatories for Planetary Science

Recent studies have shown that progress can be made on over 20% of the key questions called out in the current Planetary Science Decadal Survey by a high-altitude balloon borne observatory. Therefore NASA has been assessing concepts for a gondola based observatory that would achieve the most possible science in a low risk and cost effective manner. As a first application of the concept, a stratospheric balloon mission to observe the newly discovered comet ISON is being developed and planned to fly in late 2013. This flight will demonstrate some of the characteristic features of balloon borne observatories and how those impact planetary science observations. That flight will result in mission proven instrument payloads which can be applied to future flights and science investigations. This paper documents the current status of stratospheric balloon applications to planetary science and some of the contributions that BRRISON will provide for a potential future planetary observatory system. The paper will also discuss the science benefits to be expected if larger aperture telescopes are flown, better pointing systems are realized, or different instruments are utilized with the telescopes. The paper concludes with a high level summary of ways to interface and utilize the potential platform for the readers own scientific interests.