X-RAY + VLF DETECTOR

Developed by University of Maryland / University of Houston / University of California / University of Washington

Balloon launched on 12/30/1980, from Siple Dome Station, Antarctica

Purpose of the flight and payload description

The purpose of the flight was to perform simultaneous multiplatform studies of the wave-particle interactions produced by operation of the Siple VLF transmitter, to measure the electric field and bremsstrahlung X ray flux, and to study various aspects of the dynamics of the plasmapause region. It was part of a campaign carried out at Siple Dome Station, Antarctica between December 1980 and January 1981. It invloved the launch of instrumented balloons along with Nike-Tomahwak and Super-Arcas rockets. The balloons were launched through a cooperative effort of the Universities of Maryland, Houston, and Oslo.

THE BALLOON PAYLOAD

This particular balloon flight carried the following detectors:

X-Ray detector that consisted of an uncollimated 7.6 cm-diameter thallium-activated sodium iodide scintillation counter.

VLF DETECTOR

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 12/30/1980 at 9:14 utc
Launch site: Siple Dome Station, Antarctica  
Balloon launched by: University of Houston
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon  
Flight identification number: 6
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 12/31/1980 at 17:15 utc
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 32 h

External references

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