Stratospheric Radiation Environment measurements, calibrations and pattern recognition by CERN MEDIPIX-2 and TIMEPIX Radiation Imaging Detectors on ESA BEXUS campaigns

Results of the first two experiments using a MEDIPIX-2 and TIMEPIX detector for cosmic ray imaging in stratospheric environment are presented. The detecting device was based on hybrid pixel detector of MEDIPIX-2/TIMEPIX developed at CERN with USB interface developed at Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics of Czech Technical University in Prague. The detector was used in its tracking mode allowing it to operate as an ''active nuclear emulsion'' The actual flight time of BEXUS7 on 8th October 2008 was over 4 hours, with 2 hours at stable floating altitude of 26km. The flight opportunity was provided by Education dept. of European Space Agency (ESA) and Eurolaunch (Collaboration of SSC and DLR, German Space Agency). The motivation was to check proper calibration by detecting height-dependent profiles of ionizing radiation, also testing detector endurance and performance. BEXUS is quite ideal platform for such in-situ measurements. Not only because of the high altitudes reached, but also due to its slow ascent velocity for statistically relevant sampling of the ambient environment. Detector performance was evaluated for further design implications of advanced concept focusing on Cosmic Ray Induced Ionization rate measurements prepared for flight with additional instrumentation in October 2009 on BEXUS8. The preliminary results of the second campaign to be presented in scope of the outcomes of first campaign.