A Multidisciplinary Analysis of a Stratospheric Airborne Climate Observatory System for Key Climate Risk Areas

Abstract

A Stratospheric Airborne Climate Observatory System is proposed to leverage recent advancements in key enabling technologies for solar electric flight (batteries and solar cells) and enabling technologies for Earth observation (lidar, radar, laser systems, etc.). Advantages of this observation system include the ability to make in-situ measurements of the stratosphere, measure at a high spacial and temporal resolution, and direct-ablility (the trajectory can be adjusted in real-time for persistent monitoring or tracking).

Although historical examples of similar solar-electric long-endurance aircraft have faced considerable technical and programmatic challenges, this effort employs several risk mitigation strategies to avoid common pitfalls such as wing structural divergence. The vehicle, mission, and operational strategy are designed in tandem, customizing each aspect of the design to best serve the mission requirements while minimizing risk (modelled by wingspan as a proxy for aero-structural risk). An integrated optimization framework is presented as a tool for aircraft sizing and the key driving parameters are explored, including technology specifications, payload mass and power, and the cruise altitude of the vehicle.

Several potential climate science missions are then proposed, each where the attributes of this SACOS vehicle fill a persistent void in current observational techniques. The sizing tool is used to show the size, capability and seasonality of a SACOS vehicle designed for said application. This analysis illustrates a rich feasible space, and minimal technical risk should the SACOS vehicle operate seasonally (only in summer months where solar conditions are favorable).