Near-Space Vehicles

This paper analyzes current and future near-space technology. The discussion is at a non-space professional level that all military readers can comprehend and also relate to current operational scenarios. The emphasis of the research and analysis is to find the specifics of how near-space can bring effects to the battlefield in the very near future, as opposed to longer term projections and future concepts.The Air Force needs space-like effects with persistence at an affordable cost. Near-space is an area that has recently garnered increased military interest as an avenue to provide this capability. Traditional space assets in orbit provide phenomenal capabilities, but do so at what some would call a phenomenal cost. Near-space has the potential to bring similar effects with at a more reasonable price-tag. Also, near-space can provide the persistence that decision makers need in today's fast-paced battlefield.The way to create near-term near-space effects for the military is with medium-sized free-floating balloons. This technology is available now, and with minimal hardware improvements and the development of operational concepts, these near-space vehicles can bring positive near-space effects to the battlefield. The Air Force needs to grasp this concept and work with commercial industry to develop standards to guide free-floating balloon technology development down a focused and efficient course.