Utilising Helium to Launch a 'Beach Ball' into Orbit

University of Arizona has developed an inflatable "beach ball" antenna for a compact satellite dubbed the CatSat, which is set to launch later this year. The antenna, designed by Freefall Aerospace in Tucson, is made up of a transparent lower surface and a reflective upper surface, providing a much larger surface area than traditional designs and allowing for higher data throughput. This is yet another potential use of helium in near-space activities.

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