HOME _ _ ABOUT US _ _ PROGRAMS _ _FLIGHTS _ _ PARTNERS_ _ MULTIMEDIA ___ _

Balloons

ARCA is using the ballons as the first stage of the Stabilo and Helen rocket vehicles. Two types of where considered: the solar Montgolfier and helium balloons.

The solar balloons

Stabilo and Haas carrier balloons, are "0" pressure solar Montgolfier type, made of polyethylene of high density 15µm. The balloon uses solar radiation to heat the air inside the envelope. This leads to a temperature gradient between inside and outside the envelope. This gradient has a maximum value of approx. 55 degrees C, making the air inside the balloon to have a lower density compared with air from outside. This creates a floating force. These balloons are the biggest balloons of this type ever built.

Solar balloons photo gallery

Balloon flight video Mission 1 - live / Balloon flight video Mission 1 / Balloon flight video Mission 2

ARCA have chosen the solar balloon, as the first stage for the rocket vehicles, because it has a low cost. The solar balloon is certainly much bigger compared to one filled with helium, but financial benefits are important.

Helium balloons

ARCA also used helium balloons, as the one bellow, for the launch of Helen 2 rocket vehicle. Even that the helium is more expensive, it offers the advantage to build a smaller balloon (arround 12 times smaller volume, compared with the solar balloons).

Helium balloons photo gallery