| Kestrel is a balloon borne, stable platform incorporating 0.4 meter optics, interchangeable sensors, and a steerable gimbal. Sensors covering the region from the near UV to the MWIR can be flown and recovered. The platform, with a maximum gross weight of 3,000 pounds, can reach altitudes of 30 km and the optics are capable of 15 microradian resolution. The platform gimbal system allows angular rates of up to 1 degree per second in both Azimuth and elevation. Azimuth limits are 0 to 360 degrees and elevation limits are plus 45 degrees and minus 10 degrees from horizontal. Stability of the platform is estimated at 5 microradians. Observation ranges of 200 km to 500 km are feasible. The Kestrel Recovery System consists of a 28 foot diameter Cruciform drogue parachute and an 86.7 foot Triconical main parachute. The drogue parachute is mechanically deployed when the payload platform is separated from the balloon. The main parachute deployment is initiated at 6000 ft by a baro-switch. Maximum loads during the recovery are estimated at approximately 4 g's and the watertight payload splashes down at about 19 feet/sec. |