Launch Decision Tool for NASA High-Altitude Scientific Balloons
Open AccessThis research focuses on providing a launch decision tool for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Balloon Program Office (BPO), which manages the agency’s high-altitude scientific balloon program. The traditional method of deciding whether to launch is based on surface weather conditions and a public safety risk metric based on the predicted trajectory. A more robust tool that considers past performance and the characteristics of the flight vehicle and payload will give NASA increased confidence in the launch decision process and may increase the number of launch opportunities. After a thorough literature review, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was the multi-criteria decision-making tool selected as the framework for this development. The critical criteria for identifying a successful launch and flight will be presented along with possibilities for additional research.
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