Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002iaf..confe.591p&link_type=abstract
IAF abstracts, 34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, The Second World Space Congress, held 10-19 October, 2002 in Houston, TX, USA.,
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
Global space communication systems have been developed now for more than three decades, based mainly on geostationary satellites or almost equivalent systems such as the Molnya orbit concepts. The last decade of the twentieth century has seen the emergence of satellite constellations in low or medium Earth orbit, in order to improve accessibility in terms of visibility at higher latitudes and limited size or power requirement for ground equipment. However such systems are complex to operate, there are still many situations where connection may remain difficult to achieve, and commercial benefits are still to be proven. A new concept, using a network combination of geostationary relay satellites and high altitude stratospheric platforms may well overcome the inconveniences of both geostationary systems and satellite constellations to improve greatly global communication in the future. The emergence of enabling technologies developed in Japan and in several other countries will soon make it possible to fly helium balloons in the upper layers of the atmosphere, at altitudes of 20 km or more. At such an altitude, well above the meteorological disturbances and the jet-streams, the stratosphere enjoys a regular wind at moderate speeds ranging between 10 m/s and 30 m/s, depending on latitude and also on season. It is possible for balloons powered by electric engines to fly non- stop upstream of the wind in order to remain stationary above a particular location. Large balloons, with sizes up to 300 m in length, would be able to carry sub-satellite communication payloads, as well as observation apparatus and scientific equipment. The range of visibility for easy both-way communication between the balloon and operators or customers on the ground could be as large as 200 km in radius. Most current studies consider a combination of solar cells and storage batteries to power the balloons, but microwave beam wireless power transportation from the ground could be a very attractive alternative. A fleet of stratospheric balloons could cover the communication needs of all the major economic centres around the Earth, at unit costs that would be only a fraction of the current satellite systems that could serve the same needs. It will be possible to interconnect all the balloons through a handful of geostationary relay satellites. Because the balloons will be in ever-clear atmosphere, without fear of rain or cloud attenuation, it will be possible to use very high frequencies in the range of 60 GHz to 100 GHz, or even laser link systems, between the geostationary satellites and the balloons. There are many developments that need to be made to achieve operational systems, some requiring extended study and testing, such as handling very large balloons in the lower parts of the atmosphere during launch, designing industry-rated energy beam systems, maintaining the balloons for continuous operation over years or decades. But at the beginning of the 21st century, it appears that all these challenges may be met to offer Mankind the most efficient global communication system so far.
Celeste A.
Erb B.
Pignolet Guy
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