Abstract Details
| Name: Ritabrata Sarkar Affiliation: Indian Centre for Space Physics Conference ID: ASI2017_1226 Title : Low Cost Exploration of Space Using Weather Balloon Borne X-ray Detectors Authors and Co-Authors : Sandip K. Chakrabarti, SNBNCBS Kolkata Debashis Bhowmick, ICSP Kolkata Arnab Bhattacharyya, ICSP Kolkata Abstract Type : Oral Abstract Category : Instrumentation and Techniques Abstract : Indian Centre for Space Physics is using low cost weather balloons for space exploration in X-ray band on a regular basis. We have experience of sending our equipments to near space (about 40 km) more than 100 times in last eight years. With the help of our futuristic technique using miniaturized technology we have been able to send payloads of up to 4 kg weight to obtain atmospheric and space data. The payload consists of various types of X-ray detectors and Geiger counters as the main component and several ancillary equipments and sensors for the mission support. We have acquired data of altitude dependent cosmic rays, solar X-rays, pulsars gamma-ray bursts etc. as well as normal weather related data such as pressure, temperature, wind velocity profiles etc. Our innovative approach makes each mission possible for less than about 30 thousand rupees. Equipments are recovered and reused as they return to earth by parachutes making the mission preparation time to a minimum and mission cost very affordable. |