Tethered balloons for TV coverage: study findings, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• A study by the Information, Planning and Analysis Group (IPAG) suggests using balloons for TV coverage across India.
• 18 balloon-borne transmitters could replace the conventional ground-based transmitter network.
• The investment cost is estimated to be one-fifth of a terrestrial system.
• Annual running costs are projected to be half that of the terrestrial system.
• Balloons would hover at 3,300 meters, each covering a radius of up to 240 km.
• Tethered Balloon Communication System (TBCS) is proposed as an alternative to the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE).

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed TBCS involves balloons tethered by special plastic, transmitting TV programs within a 240 km radius.
• Continuing SITE with TBCS would require four balloons at a cost of Rs. 26 crores, with annual running costs of Rs 6.5 crores.
• The IPAG panel is studying the development of tethered balloon technology for civilian and military applications in India.
• Substantial infrastructure for balloon technology is reportedly already available in India.
• The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bombay has developed balloons flown up to 300 meters with a 10-kg payload and to 3,000 meters with a 50kg payload.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Tethered Balloon: A balloon restrained by a cable or tether, keeping it at a fixed altitude.
• Transmitter: A device that emits radio waves carrying signals, such as television programs.
• Payload: The weight of equipment or cargo that a balloon is designed to carry.