A Coordinated Balloon Observation System For Sustained In-Situ Measurements Of Hurricanes

In this paper, a low-cost balloon observation system is proposed for sustained (week-long), broadly distributed, in-situ measurements of hurricane development. The high-quality, high-density (in both space and time) measurements to be made available by such a system should be instrumental in significantly improving our ability to forecast such extreme and dangerous atmospheric events. The present paper focuses specifically on developing the overall requirements and specifications of the balloons making up such a system, including a rough budget of the mass, energy, and cost of the key components of each balloon. A brief review of the specific balloon technology and control strategies to be used in the system is also included; both of these topics are discussed much further in our companion publications included in the references.