partial measurements are conducted by ships, airplanes, and satellites. Satellite
measurements are too far from the surface and ground measurement are readily
subject to errors induced by short-wavelength crustal anomalies.
The Italian National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) created
the balloon payload known as the Polar Explorer for Geomagnetism And other
Scientific Observations (PEGASO). It was designed for geomagnetism but also
supported additional scientific packages. The instrument was a 3-axis ring-core
fluxgate geophysical magnetometer. It was held far from the rest of the payload
using an aluminum boom. PEGASO included a GPS system for data localization
and used an Iridium bi-directional telemetry system for data download and flight
remote control for ballast release and termination through a ground station. Data
obtained by a balloon at 35 km (115,000 ft) permits investigation of large crustal
anomalies and medium mantle-core anomalies. It is also possible to measure the
radial variation of the geomagnetic field. The long distances flown by a mission
enable the definition of the magnetic anomalies in the region that is surveyed to be
greatly improved.
As stated by the Earth Science Decadal Survey, one critical measurement for
the surface and interior of the planet that cannot be made from space is of the
crustal magnetic field.
ULDB flights could address:
• How do the upper, middle, and lower crust differ?
• How is the South Atlantic magnetic anomaly changing?
• What is the sub-ice circulation in polar regions?
• What are the stratospheric/atmospheric processes that possess magnetic
signatures?
• Measurements from stratospheric balloons would enable processes in the
crust to be measured directly, and would complement those from aircraft
and satellites.
For a 2:45 minute video on the Earth’s magnetic field, go to:
https://youtu.be/qpdQcw_52iM
7.2.2 Ice Packs and Flows
Changes in ice sheets are important both as a contributor to climate change and
as an indicator of it. Another near term mission that the Decadal Survey identified
is ICESAT II, a lidar to chart the surface topography of ice sheets. While satellites can easily measure topography, measuring depth (or volume) from space is
much more challenging. An ULDB that is capable of modifying its trajectory
would be an excellent platform for an ice-penetrating radar to map ice volume.
As long as the balloon could be kept over the ice sheet, the exact trajectory
7.2 Earth Studies 151
measurements are too far from the surface and ground measurement are readily
subject to errors induced by short-wavelength crustal anomalies.
The Italian National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) created
the balloon payload known as the Polar Explorer for Geomagnetism And other
Scientific Observations (PEGASO). It was designed for geomagnetism but also
supported additional scientific packages. The instrument was a 3-axis ring-core
fluxgate geophysical magnetometer. It was held far from the rest of the payload
using an aluminum boom. PEGASO included a GPS system for data localization
and used an Iridium bi-directional telemetry system for data download and flight
remote control for ballast release and termination through a ground station. Data
obtained by a balloon at 35 km (115,000 ft) permits investigation of large crustal
anomalies and medium mantle-core anomalies. It is also possible to measure the
radial variation of the geomagnetic field. The long distances flown by a mission
enable the definition of the magnetic anomalies in the region that is surveyed to be
greatly improved.
As stated by the Earth Science Decadal Survey, one critical measurement for
the surface and interior of the planet that cannot be made from space is of the
crustal magnetic field.
ULDB flights could address:
• How do the upper, middle, and lower crust differ?
• How is the South Atlantic magnetic anomaly changing?
• What is the sub-ice circulation in polar regions?
• What are the stratospheric/atmospheric processes that possess magnetic
signatures?
• Measurements from stratospheric balloons would enable processes in the
crust to be measured directly, and would complement those from aircraft
and satellites.
For a 2:45 minute video on the Earth’s magnetic field, go to:
https://youtu.be/qpdQcw_52iM
7.2.2 Ice Packs and Flows
Changes in ice sheets are important both as a contributor to climate change and
as an indicator of it. Another near term mission that the Decadal Survey identified
is ICESAT II, a lidar to chart the surface topography of ice sheets. While satellites can easily measure topography, measuring depth (or volume) from space is
much more challenging. An ULDB that is capable of modifying its trajectory
would be an excellent platform for an ice-penetrating radar to map ice volume.
As long as the balloon could be kept over the ice sheet, the exact trajectory
7.2 Earth Studies 151