An automatic atmospheric observation system for the stratospheric platform airship

Abstract

We have developed an automatic atmospheric observation system to measure CO₂ levels continuously in the stratosphere for the study of global warming and other environmental problems.

The system consists of two major parts: an automatic atmospheric air sampler and a sequential carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas level meter equipped with an NDIR analyzer. The system is controlled with a pre-programmed microcomputer and powered by a Li-ion battery pack. The system runs on a stand-alone mode or a remote control mode. In both modes, the data measured and the system status are monitored from a land station via radio wave. We had carried out stratospheric environment tests and reliability tests. The test results show that the system samples/compresses air into the bottles with pressure of 150 kPa and measures levels of CO₂ continuously with precision of about 0.2 ppm in the stratosphere up to 15,000 m.