Japan-Sweden first balloon experiment

Abstract

This report is to describe a result of the first Japanese balloon campaign at Esrange (67°52.2′N, 21°04.2′E) which has been carried out in August-September, 1980. Two balloons of Japanese type B_5 (5000m^3) were successfully flown on September 10 and 11,1980 from the balloon launching pad at Esrange, Kiruna, Sweden. A prime objective in this campaign was to study the high-latitude (auroral zone) upper-atmospheric phenomena associated with magnetospheric/ionospheric activities. Also to establish technological basis for a first launching of Japanese balloons at Esrange was of prime importance in this campaign. Two balloons have been successfully flown and typical quiet time data of VLF waves, X-rays and ozone contents have been obtained. These are data bases for the study of high-latitude phenomena representing a quiet time condition. Since the launching itself depends on the weather and since the ceiling period is not very long due to the limitation of flight area (within Swedish territory) this time, it is very difficult to encounter a magnetic disturbance within a week of launching window. The ground-based observations of VLF waves, ULF waves, magnetic variations and cosmic noise absorptions have been carried out during the campaign of about one month. The first Japanese balloon campaign at Esrange has been hereby successfully completed.