Trig is providing vital equipment on unmanned, high altitude research balloons for CSBF.
This NASA facility is tracking, and managing scientific experiments using a sophisticated set of scientific instruments. Data from this work is being used by universities all over the world. Robert Salter, the Electronic Supervisor at CSBF, explained the objective of the research project. He stated,“The aim of the Super Power Balloon (SPB) program is to provide the science community with a low cost vehicle, which can support long duration science flights, for over 100 days, at an altitude of 110,000 feet.” The CSBF team used a Trig TT22 transponder as their avionics of choice. The TT22 is amongst the smallest and lightest transponders in its’ class making it ideal for this application.
“The Trig Transponder has proven to be very reliable in its application”
Robert Salter, said, “The Trig TT22 was utilized in order to meet New Zealand and other southern hemisphere Air Traffic Control Entities requirements for Mode S/ADS-B elementary surveillance.” Robert added, “The Trig Transponder has proven to be very reliable in its application.”
Robert spoke highly of Trig, he said, “The Trig Team has been very supportive of CSBF’s request for information and assistance in configuration and updating firmware of the Trig TT22 in order to support a very unique application.”
Robert, revealed future research plans. “SPB will continue operations and development within this exciting platform for science. Currently SPB are planning another flight out of New Zealand in the spring of 2017. Preliminary review of the data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is promising. Additional test flights of the system in a similar configuration are expected this fall from Fort Sumner New Mexico.”
“The Trig Team has been very supportive of CSBF”
Recently, the team in New Zealand launched the Super Power Balloon from Wanaka Airport. Soon after, the landmark 14 days, 13 hours, and 17 minutes was reached. The balloon was flying at an altitude of 110,170 feet and heading northeast at 53.85 knots at the time.
The Trig TT22 system is being further evaluated by CSBF. Robert added, “A variant of the SPB Trig TT22 System, with the addition of an enhanced GPS, flew on flight 1597P out of Palestine Texas in July.”
Trig is delighted to assist NASA and the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility on this exciting research project.
To follow CSBF’s story follow this link: http://cosi.ssl.berkeley.edu/