The project is supported by NASA grant NNX08AV35G from Geospace Science Program (part of Heliophysics Research program). For more information please contact principal investigator Qian Wu (qwu@ucar.edu ).
HiWind instrument during final flight preparations in Kiruna, Sweden, June, 2011. Solar panels shown are continuously positioned to face the sun during flight to provide power for the instrument and shade critical areas of the payload from intense solar radiation. A large radiator at the rear of the payload allows precise thermal control of sensitive components inside the instrument. Pointing information is provided via differential GPS and a sun detector developed by NASA to drive a motorized rotator between the payload and the balloon. The balloon, rotator, and recovery parachute attach to the triangular fitting shown at the top of the payload.
Above left: HiWind payload during final assembly in Integration Hall at Kiruna, Sweden, June, 2011. Pink insulation is covered by reflective space blankets during flight to provide the instrument protection from the extreme thermal environment that exists at the 140,000 foot flight altitude. Four light port tubes near the top of the instrument allow light measurements to be taken in four directions simultaneously to allow wind velocity and direction to be determined. The measurements are oriented upward from the horizon to look at wind velocities well above HiWind's flight altitude.
Above right: HiWind Sweden instrument design.
HiWind recovery site.
HiWind launch preparation.

Etalon.
Detailed map of HiWind westward flight path.