NASA has launched a new Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) that is set to revolutionize the way we study the atmosphere and gain a better understanding of our planet. The SPB is a unique design, consisting of a “balloon envelope” and a “load package” that are connected by a tether. The balloon envelope is made of a durable, high-strength plastic and is designed to be filled with helium gas to provide lift. The load package is where scientific instruments and other payloads are attached and is designed to be suspended in the atmosphere for a long period of time. The SPB is expected to remain in the stratosphere for up to 100 days, allowing scientists to collect data over a much longer time period than conventional balloons. This will enable researchers to gain more detailed insights into the atmosphere and its effects on our planet.

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source: Phys.org