Russian experts: Stratospheric balloons to replace "Starlink"!
Sorry, Elon Musk, make way...
Reported by Russian newspaper on September 5.
In a conversation with the "Russian Newspaper", head of the Center for Aeronautics and Space Technology, Yan Chibisov, said,
This is about the space communication system.
Balloons instead of expensive satellites in specific Earth orbits,
it is suggested to establish a communication system based on the atmosphere, these balloon satellites will not exceed the Earth's stratosphere (within 50 km).
Compared to space, in addition to being much cheaper (about 10 to 20 times),
there is also a key point,
through such atmospheric satellites (balloon platforms), it is possible to ensure reliable communication, detection, etc., in specific areas on Earth.
To achieve this in space, it is necessary to launch N number of satellites, because they move in orbit.
So the height of these stratospheric platforms is from 18 to 20 kilometers.
It is much cheaper.
In particular, the demonstrational stratospheric balloon we are currently manufacturing has a carrying capacity of about 50 kg, and its estimated price is less than 20 million rubles.
There is its own power system, not only solar panels, the basis of the hybrid power unit of our platform is a turbine generator.
It is essentially no different from a regular fixed tower, just that it can be lifted to a height of 20 kilometers.
This is a tower without ground support.
Atmospheric and space satellites do not replace each other.
They have different application fields.
Atmospheric satellites are used to solve local problems.
Satellite constellations are global solutions.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1842382099117131/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.