Airbus will fly Perlan Mission 2 glider to 90,000 feet, on big waves of air, attempting to become world’s first engineless aircraft to reach the edge of space.
Images credit Airbus Perlan 2
Airbus Perlan 2 will attempt the historic first flight on Sept. 23 in Redmond, Oregon and then the amazing 90,000-foot flight in 2016.
Airbus spokesman James Darcy, said:
“Currently climate change models are based on a theoretical understanding of how different layers of the atmosphere interact with each other. Models are perhaps more simple than they should be. The scientific aim of Perlan will be to better understand the weather in the upper reaches of the atmosphere and build a more accurate model of what’s happening. That will drive more accurate predictability with respect to climate change.”
Climate science will be a major aspect of the mission.
Perlan 2 mission:
The Perlan 2 will fly to 90,000 feet at the edge of space to explore the science of giant mountain waves that help create the ozone hole and change global climate models. This will require the engineering of a spacecraft with glider wings that can fly in less than 3% of normal air density and at temperatures of minus 70 degrees C, conditions approximating the surface of Mars. These missions will provide education and inspiration for young people seeking careers of exploration and adventure in engineering and science.
via gizmodo
source perlanproject
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