Stratospheric Aerosol Research Experiments and Aircraft for Solar Geoengineering

Additional authors 

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

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.