IMAGINE

AN ENGINELESS AIRCRAFT REACHING THE EDGE OF SPACE

OUR MISSION

The Perlan 2 will fly to 90,000 feet at the edge of space to explore the science of giant mountain waves that help create the ozone hole and change global climate models. This will require the engineering of a spacecraft with glider wings that can fly in less than 3% of normal air density and at temperatures of minus 70 degrees C, conditions approximating the surface of Mars. These missions will provide education and inspiration for young people seeking careers of exploration and adventure in engineering and science.

PHASE 1

Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson soared the Perlan I research glider to a new record altitude for gliders of 50,722 feet in the mountain waves at El Calafate, Argentina on 08.30.06. The Perlan I is now on permanent display at the Seattle Museum of Flight.

PHASE 2

The Airbus Perlan Mission 2 will design and construct a pressurized glider to soar to the edge of space at 90,000 feet. This phase of our research will set a new world altitude record for wing-borne flight exceeding the records claimed by the U-2 and the SR-71.

PHASE 3

This phase will set a goal of exploring the stratosphere up to 100,000 feet. Flight speeds will increase to the point where the glider will need new transonic wings. Flight operations will be extended to exploring the Polar Vortex in the northern hemisphere.

Surfing in the Sky

Glider pilots have surfed on mountain waves since 1932. The process is like surfing on a wave in the ocean, except the glider is in the wave rather than on the surface of the wave. Einar Enevoldson, a NASA Test Pilot, saw evidence that in regions closer to the Poles, in winter, the waves could extend above the troposphere and well into the stratosphere. Previously, no one had searched for waves in the stratosphere in sub-polar regions in winter. From 1992 until 1998 he gathered more evidence that these waves existed, and might be strong enough to lift a sailplane to remarkable altitudes. In 1998 Dr. Elizabeth Austin joined Einar in the search for an understanding of stratospheric mountain waves. She found that the Polar Vortex, and one of its principal components, the stratospheric polar night jet, existing only in winter, provided the high speed wind in the stratosphere that powered incredibly high waves. The Perlan Project was formed to explore these waves and soar them to the edge of space.

Learn the Science

THE AIRCRAFT

The Airbus Perlan 2 is a pressurized sailplane designed to fly at the edge of space where the air density is less than 2% of what it is at sea level. It will carry a crew of two and scientific instruments needed to explore stratospheric mountain waves. The aircraft has a gross weight of 1,800 pounds and a wing span of 84 feet. Its true flight speed at 90,000 will be 350 knots (403 mph). The cabin will be pressurized to 8.5 psi (14,500 feet). The crew will breathe pure oxygen provided by a rebreather system.

See the Perlan 2

THE TEAM

The team members of an organization are its heart and soul. The Perlan project has been fortunate to attract a world-class group of scientists, engineers, pilots and administrators. These people are among the best of the best. Most are volunteers who give generously of their time, talents and finances. The longest serving members of this team have been working together to reach 90,000 feet in a glider for over seventeen years.

MEET THE TEAM

BLOG

Diary of Exploring the Edge of Space: Members of the Perlan Project will document our journey of exploration at the edge of space. Dozens of people are each focused on critical aspects of engineering, science and inspiration. The topics range from A to Z, atmospheric science to zero pressure loss cockpit design. Following the blog lets you come along with the Perlan team on our journey of exploration and adventure. Welcome to the adventure.

VISIT OUR BLOG

Perlan Container Unloaded 2019

Airbus Perlan Mission II is getting ready for Argentina Campaign 2019! Yesterday the container which shipped from Minden, Nevada over two months ago was unloaded in El Calafate, Argentina. In Minden, it took more than 7 days to pack the container with the Perlan 2 glider, all the equipment and the necessary spares for safely operating at a remote location in Patagonia. Yesterday with the enthusastic team of 20 ready to go to work, it only took 70 minutes to unload!

Aug, 16 2019 0 Comments

Egrett arrives in El Calafate; Perlan2 Clears Customs in Mendoza

We got the good news that the Egrett and the Perlan container were released from Mendoza customs!

Aug, 14 2019 0 Comments

Touring before Container Arrives

While the 2019 Perlan Argentina team awaited the container (full blog someday) we have been very productive. There have been several meetings with Argentine organizations to coordinate activities (future blog). But we also took advantage of the nearby iconic Patagonia sites. Morgan made this fabulous photo earlier of sunset over El Chalten with a clear skyline imposed with a familiar logo. A fair weather visit to the glacier Perito Moreno was in order and I captured a photo of ice chunk breaking off the 200 foot face. That's a massive Patagonian hay wagon.