# Question Decomposition

## Original Question

Research gimbal camera options under $30k for a balloon at 10km altitude to produce imagery compatible with an AI detection model trained on 600-1000m altitude data (10-20 cm/pixel GSD). Targets: trucks, vehicles, tracked machinery.

## Active Mode

Mode A Phase 2 — Initial Research (no existing solution draft)

## Question Type Classification

**Decision Support** — need to evaluate trade-offs between different gimbal camera systems for a specific use case.

## Research Subject Boundary Definition

- **Population**: Commercial and semi-professional gimbal camera systems suitable for balloon platforms
- **Geography**: Global market, available for purchase/export
- **Timeframe**: Currently available products (2024-2026)
- **Level**: Systems under $30k, excluding military-restricted/ITAR-controlled equipment
- **Platform**: High-altitude balloon at 10km with thermal protection

## Problem Context Summary

- Balloon at 10km altitude, thermally protected
- AI model trained on 600-1000m imagery, GSD ~10-20 cm/pixel
- Target objects: trucks, vehicles, tracked machinery
- Need zoom gimbal camera to achieve equivalent GSD from 10km
- Budget: under $30k
- Weight: not a major constraint
- Weather: mostly sunny conditions (eastern/southern Ukraine)

## Decomposed Sub-Questions

1. What are the available commercial gimbal camera categories suitable for this application?
2. For each category, what specific products can deliver 10-20 cm/pixel GSD from 10km?
3. What are the trade-offs between integrated zoom gimbals vs separate camera+lens+gimbal setups?
4. How does atmospheric haze affect AI model performance, and what mitigation exists?
5. What gimbal stabilization approach works best for balloon platforms?
6. What is the total system cost (camera + gimbal + integration) for each option?
7. What are the power requirements and interfaces for each option?

## Timeliness Sensitivity Assessment

- **Research Topic**: Gimbal cameras and aerial surveillance equipment
- **Sensitivity Level**: 🟡 Medium
- **Rationale**: Hardware products evolve on 1-2 year cycles. New products appear but existing ones remain available.
- **Source Time Window**: 2 years
- **Priority official sources**:
  1. Manufacturer product pages (Viewpro, Airmobi, LoongUAV, Sony, Gremsy)
  2. Distributor sites with pricing (druav.com, dronexpert.nl)
- **Key version information to verify**:
  - ViewPro A40 Pro: current variant and pricing
  - LOONG VT500Rs: availability and pricing
  - Sony FE 400-800mm: shipping status and pricing

