Purpose of the flight and payload description
To enhance the performance of scientific observations utilizing large-scale structures such as large telescopes, a fundamental technology for the high-precision measurement of structural deformations has been developed. This laser-based displacement measurement technology offers significant advantages over conventional displacement sensors, including a longer working distance and the ability to be directly mounted on structural components. Furthermore, the system features a simple configuration that ensures high reliability, reduced cost, and broad applicability across diverse experimental scenarios. Since 2021, three balloon experiments have been conducted to verify various aspects of the technology, including accuracy across different working distances, performance under sunlight exposure, and mitigation of thermal stresses at the instrument interfaces.
In this flight, these individually validated technologies were integrated to perform a comprehensive evaluation test aimed at practical implementation.
Details of the balloon flight
Balloon launched on: 6/20/2025 at 4:02 JST
Launch site: Multipurpose Aviation Research Field, Taiki-Cho, Hokkaido, Japan
Balloon launched by: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) / Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon model B30 30.000 m3
Flight identification number: B25-03
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 6/20/2025
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 3 h
Landing site: In the Pacific Ocean, 30 km SE of Taiki, Japan
The balloon was launched from the Taiki Aerospace Research Field, in Hokkaido Island at 4:02 Japan Standard Time (JST) on June 20th, 2025. The 30.000 m3 balloon ascended at a speed of about 230 m per minute. At 6:12 JST it reached float altitude of 30 kilometers, above the Pacific Ocean about 30 km southeast of the launch site. After that, at 6:20 JST, the payload was separated from the balloon by telecommand and slowly descended to the sea about 30 km southeast of the Taiki base. Both elements were recovered by the recovery ship by 7:13 JST.
External references
Images of the mission
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