Stratospheric Balloon Landing Suitability Analysis in Arizona, USA
Presentation Time: Fri, 12/05/2025 - 10:00
Keywords: Suitability, stratospheric balloon, Arizona, AHP, landing zones
Stratospheric balloons are increasingly important platforms for atmospheric research, remote sensing, and testing space-bound technologies. A critical operational challenge for high-altitude balloon operators is rapidly identifying safe and viable landing zones, especially in emergencies. This study aims to (1) quantify which geographic, demographic, and regulatory factors should most affect landing zone suitability across Arizona, and (2) produce a decision-support map to enable high-altitude balloon operators to quickly select safe landing areas. To achieve this, the study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to multiple criteria – including population density, controlled airspace, powerline proximity, and Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Status Codes – based on expert/operator judgements. The study then applies these weightings to spatial data within a GIS framework to generate a high-resolution suitability map, classifying areas from “highly suitable” to “not suitable.” The resulting output provides a tool that operators can reference in real time to reduce decision-making time and enhance public safety.
