Analysis and prediction of stratospheric balloons trajectories

The first step to manage a balloon flight from a trajectory point of view is the definition of launch location and period. Analysis data are used to realize a statistical study of the trajectories that can be obtained. The goal is define the conditions able to maximize the probability to respect mission objectives and constrains. Ones started with operations the balloon control centre has to manage the flight respecting safety and science. To predict stratospheric balloon trajectories we must utilize data from different forecast models and real-time measurements of wind and other meteorological entities. These sources of information have to be merged along the simulation of the balloon flight. Great attention has be paid for long duration flight from Pole and Equator, where QBO plays an important role.