Design of unmanned semi-autonomous smart probe for near earth space research operations

Abstract

To conduct studies related to our planet and its atmosphere at high altitudes above 100 km from the ground requires to overcome great challenges. These studies can include meteorological, geographical and astrophysical missions. In this paper, we designed a high altitude unmanned semi-autonomous probe with helium gas balloon for general purpose near Earth space studies. Also hardware architecture of our proposed system includes high performance computing module, Low-level control systems, propulsion/steering mechanisms, radio telemetry system, real-time measurement and data acquisition system, fail-safe mechanisms and real-time vision system. 3D solid design of the system contains helium gas balloon, main flight capsule (craft), peripheral equipment (e.g. cameras, battery packs, radio antenna, etc.) to be connected to the craft and payload capsule. In the future, our probe can be customized according to the other specified missions.