Stratospheric Aerosol Research Experiments and Aircraft for Solar Geoengineering | AIAA SciTech Forum

[Andrew Lockley]

https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2021-1681

Stratospheric Aerosol Research Experiments and Aircraft for Solar Geoengineering

Don C. Bingaman, Christian V. Rice, James L. Mace, Wake Smith and Mark K. Holly

AIAA 2021-1681

Session: Green Engineering II

Published Online:4 Jan 2021https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-1681

 

ABOUT

Abstract:

Extensive field experiments to quantify the payoffs and reduce the risks and uncertainty of solar geo-engineering via reflective aerosol injection into the stratosphere require novel high altitude stratospheric air vehicles. The conceptual design of both a dedicated stratospheric aerosol injection research aircraft (SAIR-01) and a companion long duration lighter-than-air super pressure airship (SARA-01) are described. In combination, these would facilitate the deployment of perturbative experiments using candidate sulfate and/or calcite aerosols and the monitoring of their near and far-field evolution and impacts. The objectives, scope and timing of these experiments are summarized to inform atmospheric science researchers, deployment system engineers, and public policy decision makers on the risks and payoffs of aerosol-based solar radiation management geo-engineering.