ISTAR

GNSS and ISTAR - International Science Technology and Research - work jointly in the international market for launch, operation and recovery of stratospheric scientific balloons. GNSS also develops the propulsion option, including command and control of powered balloons: altogether, a full-service LTA (lighter-than-air) offering.

ISTAR is a Colorado-based private company with over 20 years of remote field experience in the polar regions developing research stations, setting up ground-based experiments and performing stratospheric balloon operations.  Most recently ISTAR, through the University of Rome La Sapienza, started the Nobile/Amundsen Stratospheric Balloon Center (N/A-SBC) in Svalbard, Norway. This effort has so far launched 11 stratospheric balloons including the first full circumpolar trajectory of the North Pole. This program includes Long Duration Balloon flights from Svalbard to Greenland.

In 2009 ISTAR orchestrated the successful launch of an 800,000 m3 (29.47 MCF) stratospheric balloon which became the largest balloon ever launched in Norway, and the most northerly stratospheric balloon launch performed to date.  ISTAR then performed the recovery operations for this campaign on Baffin Island, Canada.

ISTAR has contracted with NASA programs to help develop and manage the stratospheric balloon program in Antarctica in which ISTAR received the NASA Medal for Public Service. ISTAR also has contracted with the Italian Space Agency to develop the Long Duration Balloon program in Italy including the first Italian Long Duration Balloon Flight from M.Z. Station in Antarctica.

ISTAR has the experience and knowledge to perform dynamic high altitude balloon launches,
flight system designand field site development, including flight operations
and recovery methods.