Purpose of the flight and payload description
The purpose of the flight was to test the performance of a new auto level control system developed to maintain the balloon altitude at a certain level. This system was meant to be used in long duration balloon flights.
Details of the balloon flight
Balloon launched on: 9/9/2002
Launch site: Sanriku Balloon Center, Iwate, Japan
Balloon launched by: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon model B5 5000 m3
Flight identification number: B5-138
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 9/9/2002
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 14 h 15 m
The systems performance was verified in the simulated sunset conditions that were produced several times by controlling an air release valve during the flight, as well as at real sunset.
External references
- Scientific observations with balloons Institute of Space and Astronautical Science Annual Handbook 2002 (In Japanese)
- Sounding rockets and ballooning activities of Japan in 2001 and 2002 16th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research
- The 2nd Series of Scientific Balloon Experiments in 2002 JAXA website
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