A LOW-COST, SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SATELLITES: THE CASE FOR HIGH-ALTITUDE BALLOONS

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving world, space exploration remains one of the most intriguing yet most expensive domains we humans have expanded. Traditional satellites cost billions of dollars, whereas high-altitude balloons can achieve the same results at just 1.5% of that cost, with net-zero carbon production and 0% space junk. In this study, we have simulated a high-altitude balloon under suitable conditions using NOAA HYSPLIT and MATLAB software. We  have also compared the cost with Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - R Series (GOES-R), a geostationary satellite that functions in Geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). This study aims to reduce orbital congestion, as we have seen that there are more than 6,000 tons of space debris in Low Earth orbit (LEO). For developing countries that cannot afford satellite development, High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) networks can be designed to carry out scientific research. This research ultimately aims to enable scientific discoveries at the cheapest cost."