SHARP (Stabilized High Altitude Research Platform)

Developed by Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL)

Balloon launched on 2/16/1984, from Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

The SHARP is a three-axis, stabilized, pointing platform designed to fly on a high-altitude balloon and accommodate a variety of sensors. The platform compensates for horizontal velocity, vertical velocity, balloon rotation, balloon pendulation, and earth rotation to allow accurate observation of extended objects on the ground.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 2/16/1984
Launch site: Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US  
Balloon launched by: Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Raven - SV-017B - 5.140.000 cuft
Flight identification number: H84-03
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 2/16/1984
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 6 h 15 m
Landing site: 37 miles N of New Bern, North Carolina, US
 Payload weight: 2817 lbs

This particular flight was performed to test the mid-air recovery of the platform.

External references

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