Measurements of Gondola Motion on a Stratospheric Balloon Flight

Abstract

Balloon experiments are an economically feasible method of conducting observations in astron- omy that are not possible from the ground. The astronomical payload may include a telescope, a detector, and a pointing/stabilization system. Determining the attitude of the payload is of primary importance in such applications, to accurately point the detector/telescope to the desired direction. This is especially important in generally unstable lightweight balloon flights. However, the conditions at float altitudes, which can be reached by zero pressure balloons, could be more stable, enabling accurate pointings. We have used the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), placed on a stratospheric zero pressure balloon, to observe 3-axis motion of a balloon payload over a flight time of ∼4.5 hours, from launch to the float altitude of 31.2 km. The balloon was launched under nominal atmo- spheric conditions on May 8th 2016 from a Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Balloon Facility, Hyderabad