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Balloon-Borne Observations of Sprites and Jets, NAG5-5126PI.: Edgar A. Bering, III, Physics Department, University of HoustonRe: Annual Report and Statement of WorkYear 2, January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998In year 2 of this project we completed building three balloon payloads as described in the proposal. These payloads contain 3 axis electric and magnetic field detectors, conductivity and electric current sensors and X-ray detectors as described in the proposal. We also prepared 6 sets of booms and input pre-amplifier boards, to enable real-time refurbishing of the payloads for immediate reflight. Year 3, January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999
In year 3 of this project, we will calibrate and environmentally qualify these payloads. We will also work on refining the realtime event trigger software. In the summer of year 3 of the project, these payloads will be flown from Palestine, Texas during June 7-21 and Ottumwa, Iowa during the month of August. The anticipated campaign strategy will depend on real time predictions of sprite producing mesoscale convective complex activity from campaign headquarters with input from Yucca Ridge Observatory in Colorado, followed by a late evening launch. Cut-down and recovery will take place at sunrise. Real-time field refurbishment for reflight should then enable us to make six flights. Given the vagaries of weather prediction, perhaps half of these will get close enough to a sprite producing mesoscale convection complex to provide useful data. The second half of year 3 will be devoted to reduction, analysis and interpretation of the data. |
Copyright 1999, 2004, University of Houston
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