The University of Alberta – High-Altitude Balloon (UA-HAB) Project

Paper number

IAC-12,E1,9,7,x15796

Author

Mr. Cory Hodgson, University of Alberta, Canada

Coauthor

Prof. Ian Mann, University of Alberta, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Wyatt Johnson, University of Alberta, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Andreas Buttenschoen, University of Alberta, Canada

Coauthor

Mrs. Laura Mazzino, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Quinton Farr, Canada

Coauthor

Dr. Jonathan Rae, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. David Miles, University of Alberta, Canada

Year

2012

Abstract

The University of Alberta – High-Altitude Balloon (UA-HAB) Project funded by the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) Space Learning Program to design, build, test and fly a student payload onboard the NASA-funded High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP).  The High Altitude Student Platform HASP) is designed to carry up to twelve student payloads, including the UA-HAB payload.   The HASP payload was launched from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, to an altitude of about 36 kilometers with a flight duration of about 16 hours using a small volume, zero pressure balloon.    The UA-HAB payload was an experiment designed to detect the signatures of cosmic rays entering the atmosphere.  Using three Geiger-Muller tubes under different amounts of shielding, this Maple Leaf Particle Detector was able to provide both timing and energy information of these cosmic rays.   

The UA-HAB provides a unique opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience in all phases of a space-related mission.  The primary goal of UA-HAB is to build knowledge and skill amongst Canadian students in experimental space science using low-cost mechanisms to access space. The detailed design, build and test of the payload provide a unique insight into the processes required for a space mission to proceed through the conceptual (Phase 0 and A), design (Phase B and C), and build and flight (Phases D and E) of a space mission – including through the NASA reporting and test requirements experience with the quality and flight assurance of such a mission, Finally, the students experience and develop scientific methods and hypothesis testing through the analysis of the flight data.

Abstract document

IAC-12,E1,9,7,x15796.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,E1,9,7,x15796.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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