Preparations for the Second Extreme Universe Observatory Super-Pressure Balloon Flight
Abstract
The highest energy cosmic rays and PeV astrophysical neutrinos are tantalizing multi-messengers from some of the most extreme energetic environments in the Universe. The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon II (EUSO-SPB2) is being undertaken as a step toward the development of the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) satellite mission. EUSO-SPB2 will use the calorimetric properties of atmosphere to measure Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays by observing extensive air showers from above. It will also investigate atmospheric background for future observations of astrophysical tau-neutrinos using the earth skimming technique. The EUSO-SPB2 science payload will employ an air Cherenkov telescope (CT) and a UV fluorescence telescope (FT). Each telescope uses Schmidt optics with 1 m diameter entrance pupils. From a sub-orbital altitude of ~33 km, EUSO-SPB2 will record EeV cosmic rays by looking down with the FT. The CT will look slightly below the Earth's limb to measure the background against which the Cherenkov signal from upward air showers must be detected. The first direct optical Cherenkov measurement of air showers from near space is also planned. This will be done by looking slightly above the limb with the CT. The launch is planned from Wanaka NZ in 2022. This overview of EUSO-SPB2 will include the mission plan, the science and technical goals, a description of the payload and its developmental status.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E2302A