The HEMERA balloon infrastructure - new, innovative and low-cost approach for science and technology, satellite data validation and preparation of new Earth Observation and space missions

摘要

Stratospheric balloons are useful platforms for various research and technology needs such as atmospheric studies and monitoring, validation of satellite data and preparation of new space and Earth Observation missions. Most common balloon platforms are based on Zero Pressure Balloons (ZPB). A typical ZPB balloon flight duration varies from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the choice of season, launch site and flight trajectory. Payloads of up to 2 tons can be flown at altitudes of 20-40 km. As to atmospheric studies, balloons offer a low-cost alternative to in-situ measurements, including e.g. observations and measurements of atmospheric species, collection of ice or other particles, validation of satellite measurements and/or preparation of new space missions. Compared to satellites, stratospheric balloons possess lower cost and shorter timescale from the experiment idea to the flight, thus being particularly attractive to young researchers and students. In 2018 a new balloon infrastructure project called HEMERA was selected by the European Commission within its programme Horizon 2020. One of the objectives of HEMERA is to enlarge the user community within research and technology related to stratospheric balloons and to coordinate activities within the field. The project is coordinated by the French space agency CNES and involves 13 partners from various European entities as well as the Canadian Space Agency, CSA. The project was kicked-off in January 2018 and is under implementation during 2018-2021. Six major balloon campaigns with a target payload mass of 150 kg are foreseen within HEMERA offering free of charge balloon flights to users and scientists from various science fields and/or for technology tests. In addition, several sounding balloon flights are foreseen for smaller payloads of up to 3 kg. The launch sites will be Esrange in Sweden, Timmins in Canada, and Aire Sur L'Adour in France. Two Calls for Proposals are planned in the HEMERA project. T